The literature of the Jain religion is referred to as Jain literature. It is a vast and ancient literary tradition that was originally passed down orally. The canonical Jain Agamas are written in Ardhamagadhi, a Prakrit (Middle-Indo Aryan) language, and contain the oldest surviving material. Later Jain monks wrote various commentaries on these canonical texts. Later works were written in other languages as well, such as Sanskrit and Maharashtri Prakrit.
The canons of the Digambara and Svetambara orders predominate in Jain literature.

In this article, we will learn more in detail about Jain Literature which will be helpful for UPSC exam preparation.

Jain Literature and Texts

• Jain monks wrote in a variety of languages in addition to Prakrit and Ardha Magadhi, depending on the era, region, and patrons who sponsored them. During the Sangam Age in south India, they wrote in Tamil.
• In addition to Sanskrit, Shauraseni, Gujarati, and Marathi, they wrote in Sanskrit, Shauraseni, Gujarati, and Marathi.
• Canonical or religious books, known as Jain Agamas or Agam, and non-canonical literary works can be broadly separated into two categories known as Niryuktis and Samhitas.

Jain Agamas

• They are sacred books that are supposed to contain the Jain tirthankaras' teachings.
• They are claimed to have been compiled by the Gandharas, Mahavira's direct disciples. For Svetambaras, these scriptures are crucial.
• The present Angas are claimed to have been re-compiled in the mid-5th century AD in Vallabhi (Gujarat) by a council of Svetambaras sect monks.
• The Digamabara sect thinks that the original teachings were lost a long time ago and does not recognise the authority of the Agamas written in Valabhi.
• Agamas is a collection of 46 texts.
• There are twelve Angas, twelve Upangas, ten Prakirnakas, four Mulasutras, six Chedasutras, and two Chulika Sutras.
• They were written in the Prakrit language Ardha-Magadhi.
• The Angas instill regard for all forms of life, rigorous vegetarianism, asceticism, compassion, and nonviolence in their followers. There are 12 Angas in total.
  • Acharanga Sutra: Oldest agama.
  • Sutrakritanga: describes code of conduct for Jain monks,
  • metaphysics etc
  • Sthananga Sutra.
  • Samavayanga Sutra: discussion on essence of Jainism,
  • astronomy, mathematics, etc.
  • Vyakhya Prajnapti or Bhagavati Sūtra:
  • Jnat Dharma Katha.
  • Upasakadasa
  • Antardasha
  • Anuttaraupapatikadasah.
  • Prasnavyakaranani: Description of sins.
  • Vipakasruta: stories and illustrations.
  • Desativada: contém 14 Purvas.
• The Karmaprabhrita (debate on Karma) or Shatkhandagama and the Kashayaprabhrita were both given canonical status by the Digambaras.

Non‑agam Literature

• Commentary and explanations of Agam literature, as well as independent works gathered by ascetics and scholars, make up non-agam literature.
• They are written in Prakrit, Sanskrit, Apabhramsa, Old Marathi, Rajasthani, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannad, Tamil, German, and English, among other languages.

Niryuktis

• Bhadrabahu is said to have written three of Jainism's sacred books, as well as the Niryuktis, which are short commentary on the original 12 sacred books.
• According to some sources, Bhadrabahu fled to Nepal during the famine, while others claim he stayed in Mysore.

Samhitas

• For a better grasp of Jaina law, the Bhadrabahu Samhita was used.
• The goal of this research is to bring the rights of women in the ancient Jain era to light and see if they have been accurately represented in the public eye or if arbitrary findings and ignorant misinterpretations have created a misleading picture.

Other Notable Jain Texts and Authors

Bhadrabahu

• Bhadrabahu (3rd century BC) was Chandragupta Maurya's instructor and one of the greatest Jain monks.
• He penned the Kalpa Sutra and the revered Uvasaggaharam Stotra (Biographies of Jain Tirthankars).
• The Digambara sect was founded by him.

Acharya Kundkund

• The Jain philosophy is discussed in Acharya Kundkund's Samayasara and Niyamasara.

​​Samanta Bhadra

• Around the second century AD, Samanta Bhadra wrote Ratna Karanda Sravakachara (Life of a Jaina Householder) and Aptamimansa.

Ilango Adigal

• Silappadikaram by Ilango Adigal regarded as one of Tamil literature's greatest epics composed in the second century AD, is a moralistic discourse.
  • It follows Kannagi, who, after losing her husband to a miscarriage of justice at the Pandyan Dynasty's court, exacts her retribution on his empire.

Tirutakkatevar

• Civaka Cintamani by Tirutakkatevar is also one of Tamil literature's epics.

Umasvati

• Umasvati's Tattvartha-sutra (1st-2nd century AD) is a significant Sanskrit treatise on logic, epistemology, ethics, and astronomy written by Umasvati.

Jinasena

• Jinasena was a Digamabara monk who lived in the 8th and 9th centuries. Maha Purana and Harivamsa Purana are two of his works.
• He was a student of Virasena, another well-known Jain monk.

Haribhadra Suri

• A Jain author named Haribhadra Suri (6th century AD) wrote in Sanskrit.

​Hemachandra Suri (12th century)

• A great scholar named Hemachandra Suri (12th century) created grammars in Sanskrit and Prakrit.
• Jain monks penned the ancient Tamil scripture Nalatiyar.

Contributions of Jain Literature

• The development of numerous Indian languages is said to have been aided by Jain literature.
• Apart from Hindi, Jaina literary works are available in Sanskrit, Marathi, Gujarati, Kannada, Tamil, Malayalam, Rajasthani, and Marwari.
• The Jaina literary works gave birth to Kannada literature.
  • Adi Pampa's Vikramarjuna-Vijaya is known as the Pampa-Bharata.
  • Subhas Chandra wrote the Pandava Purana.
  • Jinasena wrote the Harivamsapurana.
• Banarasidasa's Ardhakathanaka is the earliest autobiography in Braj Bhasha, which is considered the forerunner to Hindi.
• Many Jaina literary works, such as Kahas and grammar, were composed in Apabhramsa.
• Apabhramsa is thought to be the forerunner of numerous Gangetic plains Indian languages.
• Shauraseni contains some of the earliest Jaina literature, which contributed to the formation of languages such as Gujarati and Marwari.

Important Learning Centres Related to Jainism

• Before declining, the universities of Valabhi and Kalinga were prominent centers of study for Jains.
• Jain monks wrote significantly in Kannada between the 9th and 12th centuries. The famed Jain writer's Pampa, Ponna, and Ranna are the three pearls of Kannada literature.
• With the rebirth of Hinduism and the spread of Lingayats in Karnataka, Jainism's popularity waned, and literary output diminished after the 12th and 13th centuries.

Conclusion

Agamas is a collective word for all Jain writings. They're written in Ardhamagadhi, a Prakrit dialect that's akin to Pali, the Buddhist language. The Tirthankaras' sermons were codified by their students in subsequent times and are contained in the Jain Agamas. Because the majority of the early disciples were missionaries, they chose to codify the Tirthankaras' discourses in common man's vernacular in order to promote the Jaina philosophy and teachings to the masses.

FAQs

Q1: What is Jain literature?

Q2: What are the key texts of Jain literature?

Q3: In which language are the original Jain scriptures written?

Q4: What is the significance of the Tattvartha Sutra in Jainism?

Q5: What role does Jain literature play in Indian cultural and intellectual history?

MCQs

1. Which of the following texts is considered the most authoritative in Jain philosophy?

a) Bhagavad Gita

b) Tattvartha Sutra

c) Kalpa Sutra

d) Arthashastra

2. In which language were the earliest Jain scriptures written?

a) Sanskrit

b) Tamil

c) Prakrit

d) Pali

3. The Kalpa Sutra is associated with which of the following religions?

a) Hinduism

b) Buddhism

c) Jainism

d) Sikhism

4. What is the central theme of Jain literature?

a) Political theory

b) Economic development

c) Ethics and non-violence

d) Warfare strategies

5. Which of the following sects in Jainism follows the Tattvartha Sutra?

a) Digambara

b) Śvētāmbara

c) Both Digambara and Śvētāmbara

d) None of the above

GS Mains Questions and Model Answers

Q1. Discuss the contribution of Jain literature to Indian philosophy and culture.

Answer: Jain literature has made significant contributions to Indian philosophy and culture, particularly through its emphasis on non-violence (Ahimsa), truth, and ethical living. Texts such as the Tattvartha Sutra, Agamas, and Kalpa Sutra have shaped philosophical discourse in India by promoting the idea of spiritual liberation through self-discipline, non-possession, and moral conduct. Jain literature also played a vital role in the development of Indian languages like Prakrit and Sanskrit. Moreover, Jainism’s focus on vegetarianism, environmental conservation, and social justice continues to influence modern Indian thought and practices.

Q2. Analyze the significance of the Kalpa Sutra in Jain religious practices.

Answer: The Kalpa Sutra is a central text in Jain religious practices, particularly among Śvētāmbara Jains. It contains biographies of the Tirthankaras, including Lord Mahavira, and provides detailed instructions on Jain rituals, festivals, and monastic discipline. The Kalpa Sutra is read and recited during important Jain festivals like Paryushana. It plays a crucial role in the religious life of Jains by connecting followers with the teachings of the Tirthankaras and guiding them in their ethical and spiritual journey.

Q3. Explain the importance of Prakrit and Ardhamagadhi languages in the preservation and dissemination of Jain literature.

Answer:  Prakrit and Ardhamagadhi languages hold immense importance in the preservation and dissemination of Jain literature. Most of the early Jain texts, including the Agamas and sermons of Lord Mahavira, were composed in these languages, making them accessible to the common people. The use of vernacular languages like Prakrit helped spread Jain teachings across different regions and social strata. Additionally, these languages influenced the development of later Indian languages such as Marathi, Gujarati, and Hindi. Their role in preserving Jain doctrines ensured the survival of Jain literature through centuries, making them a critical part of India’s linguistic and cultural heritage.

Previous Year Questions on  Jain Literature

1. UPSC CSE 2016

Question. How did Jain philosophy influence Gandhian principles of non-violence?

Answer: Gandhian principles of Ahimsa were deeply influenced by Jain philosophy. The Jain doctrine of non-violence goes beyond physical harm, encompassing thoughts, words, and deeds. Gandhi adopted this comprehensive view of Ahimsa, not only in his personal life but also in his political struggle for independence. He emphasized compassion and tolerance, aligning closely with Jain ideals. Jain literature, especially the teachings of Mahavira, inspired Gandhi’s belief in non-violent resistance, which became the cornerstone of India’s freedom movement.

2. UPSC CSE 2018

Question. What are the main differences between the Digambara and Svetambara sects of Jainism?

Answer: The primary differences between the Digambara and Svetambara sects lie in their practices, attire, and scriptures. Digambaras believe in complete renunciation, with monks practicing nudity to signify detachment from worldly possessions. In contrast, Svetambara monks wear white robes. Digambaras do not believe that women can achieve liberation, whereas Svetambaras allow for women’s spiritual progress. Scripturally, Svetambaras follow the Agamas, while Digambaras rely on later works like the Samayasara. These distinctions reflect varying interpretations of Jain teachings but do not alter the core philosophical principles shared by both sects.