Jainism is an Indian religion that dates back to ancient times. The basic value of this religion is nonviolence, often known as 'ahimsa.' After a twelve-year famine at the end of the Chandragupta Maurya kingdom, three Jain councils at Ptaliputra, Vallabhi and Mathura were established. Several Jain councils are referenced in Jain literature as being involved in the modification and redaction of Jain Agamas (sacred texts). This article will explain to you the Jain Councils which will be helpful in Ancient History preparation for the UPSC Civil service exam.

Jain Councils

• Jainism is a philosophy-based ancient religion that offers the road to emancipation and spiritual purity and enlightenment by disciplined nonviolence to all sentient creatures.
• Lord Mahavira, who promoted ainism in the sixth century B.C., brought the religion to prominence.
• Lord Mahavira was the final of the 24 great teachers.
• Tirthankaras were twenty-four instructors who had gained full knowledge (Moksha) while living and imparting it to the public.
• Rishabnatha was the first Tirthankara.
• The term 'Jain' is derived from the word jina or jaina, which means 'Conqueror.'
• A famine broke out in Magadha at the end of the Chandragupta Maurya Empire and two hundred years after the death of the final Jain Tirthankara, Mahavira.
• Sthulabhadra headed the Jains who remained in Magadha. The first Jain Council met at Pataliputra, where the sacred scriptures of the Jains, which included Mahavira's teachings, were organised.
• The meeting resulted in the formation of two distinct Jain sects. The Jains who relocated to Karnataka thought that Mahavira's teachings included full nudity.
• However, the Jains who remained in Magadha began to dress in white.
• The second Jain council met at Mathura and Vallabhi at the same time. The third Jain Council was convened at Vallabhi once more.

First Jain Council - Pataliputra

• A twelve-year famine broke out in the southern area of Bihar at the end of the Chandragupta Maurya Empire.
• The first Jains' council was held around 300 BC, 160 years after Mahavira's death in Pataliputra (modern-day Bihar).
• It was presided over by Sthulabhadra.
• Jainism was split into two factions at this council: Svetambara and Digambara.
• Bhadrabahu, the last acharya of the undivided Jains and the leader of the Digambara sect, and his followers fled to Shravanabelagola in Karnataka to avoid hunger.
• Sthulabhadra, the leader and creator of the Svetambara sect, and his followers stayed in Magadha.
• The Jains classified Mahavira's teachings into twelve Angas during this council.
• The following are the names of the twelve Angas:
  • Samavayanga
  • Jnatrdharmakathah
  • Antakrddaasah
  • Vyakhyaprajnapti or Bhagavati sutra
  • Sutrakrtanga
  • Anuttaraupapatikadaśāh
  • Upasakadasah
  • Vipakasruta
  • Drstivada
  • Acaranga sutra
  • Prasnavyakaranani
  • Sthananga
• The Jains, on the other hand, only managed to assemble eleven Angas.
• Due to famine the Drstivada was lost and could not be compiled. Bhadrabahu, who was in Nepal at the time, was familiar with the Purvas.
• Jainism was split into two sects following the first Jain council, Svetambara and Dighambara.
• Sthulabhadra led the Svetambara sect, whereas Bhadrabadu led the Digambara sect.

Second Jain council - Vallabhi and Mathura

• The second Jains' council was convened in two locations at the same time. It took place at both Vallabhi, Gujarat, and Mathura, Uttar Pradesh.
• The council at Vallabhi was presided over by Devaradhi Kshama Ramana. This council's major goal was to continue the collection of sacred scriptures.
• In 512 AD, the second council met.
• The complete compilation of the twelve Angas and Upangas took place at this session.

Third Jain Council - Vallabhi

• The Vallabhi council II is another name for the third Jain council. The monks of the Svetambara sect gathered this council in Vallabhi, presently in Gujarat.
• Devarddhigani Kshamashramana presided over this council.
• The primary goal of this council was to minimise the number of writings in religious books (Agamas).
• This council was conducted in 453 or 456 CE years following Mahavira's death. More than 500 Jain acharyas attended this council.

Conclusion

Jainism is a religion that originated in ancient India. Jainism is a philosophy-based ancient religion that provides all sentient creatures the path to liberation, spiritual purity, and enlightenment via disciplined nonviolence. Lord Mahavira, who propagated Jainism in the sixth century B.C., popularised the faith. Several Jain councils are referenced in Jain literature as being involved in the modification and redaction of Jain Agamas (sacred texts).

FAQs

MCQs

1. Where was the first Jain Council held?

A. Vallabhi
B. Pataliputra
C. Ujjain
D. Sarnath

2. Which sect of Jainism believes in wearing white clothes?

A. Digambara
B. Svetambara
C. Theravada
D. Mahayana

3. Who presided over the Second Jain Council at Vallabhi?

A. Bhadrabahu
B. Devardhi Kshamashramana
C. Kalikacharya
D. Hemachandra

4. What was the primary outcome of the Second Jain Council?

A. Unification of Jain sects
B. Division into Svetambara and Digambara
C. Compilation of Vedas
D. Invention of new rituals

5. What did the Digambara sect reject in the Second Jain Council?

A. The concept of karma
B. The preservation of texts in written form
C. Non-violence
D. Idol worship

GS Mains Questions and Model Answers

Q1: Discuss the role of the Jain Councils in the preservation of Jainism and its teachings.

Answer: The Jain Councils played a pivotal role in the preservation of Jainism and its teachings. The First Jain Council (300 BCE) aimed at consolidating and preserving the oral traditions of Lord Mahavira's teachings, resulting in the compilation of the Angas (canonical texts). The Second Jain Council (512 CE) at Vallabhi was significant for codifying the Jain scriptures into written form, ensuring the teachings were preserved for future generations. The councils addressed doctrinal disputes and were instrumental in dividing Jainism into two main sects: Svetambara and Digambara. While the Svetambara sect embraced the preservation of texts, the Digambaras preferred to maintain the oral tradition, highlighting the councils' role in shaping Jain philosophy.

Q2: Examine the reasons for the division of Jainism into Svetambara and Digambara sects.

Answer: The division of Jainism into the Svetambara and Digambara sects can be traced back to doctrinal differences that emerged during the Second Jain Council. The Svetambaras believed that ascetics could wear white clothes and that Jain scriptures should be preserved in written form. On the other hand, the Digambaras advocated for strict asceticism, which included nudity as a symbol of renunciation and liberation. They rejected the idea of writing down scriptures, preferring to maintain the oral tradition. These differences in interpretation and practice led to the formal division of Jainism, shaping the distinct identities of the two sects.

Q3: Analyze the impact of the Second Jain Council on the evolution of Jainism.

Answer: The Second Jain Council (512 CE) at Vallabhi had a profound impact on the evolution of Jainism. It marked a significant moment in the formal division of Jainism into the Svetambara and Digambara sects, reflecting differences in religious practices, such as asceticism and the preservation of scriptures. The council resulted in the codification of the Jain canon by the Svetambaras, ensuring the written preservation of the teachings of Lord Mahavira. This event also influenced the theological and philosophical trajectory of Jainism, as both sects developed distinct religious practices, rituals, and interpretations of Jain doctrine.

Previous Year Questions on Jain Councils

1. UPSC CSE Prelims 2019

Question: The division of Jainism into Svetambara and Digambara sects took place during which Jain Council?
A. First Jain Council
B. Second Jain Council
C. Third Jain Council
D. Fourth Jain Council

Answer: B

Explanation: The division of Jainism into Svetambara and Digambara sects took place during the Second Jain Council, held at Vallabhi, Gujarat, around 512 CE.

2. UPSC CSE Mains 2018 (GS Paper 1)

Question: Evaluate the significance of the Jain Councils in the development of Jainism.

Explanation: The Jain Councils were crucial in shaping the religious and philosophical foundations of Jainism. The First Jain Council (300 BCE) marked the beginning of the preservation of Jain teachings in the form of the Angas, while the Second Jain Council (512 CE) played a key role in codifying these teachings into written texts. The Second Council also formalized the division of Jainism into Svetambara and Digambara sects, reflecting the evolving nature of the religion. These councils ensured the survival of Jain doctrines and contributed to the growth of the faith, both ideologically and geographically.