There are two primary Sects/Schools of Jainism: Digambara and Svetambara. Famine in Magadha forced a faction led by Bhadrabahu to flee to South India, resulting in the divide. During the 12-year famine, the people of South India adhered to rigorous traditions, whereas the people of Magadha became more relaxed and began wearing white garments. This article will explain to you the concepts related to Sects/Schools of Jainism which will be helpful in Indian Art and Culture preparation for the UPSC Civil service exam.

Jain Sects - Historical Perspective

• The exact origins of the separation in Jainism are unknown, in part because the legends about the schism's origins were written to legitimize each sect's authority while demonising the other.
• The separation between the Digambara and the Svetambara sects of Jainism presumably began about the 3rd century BCE and was completed by the 5th century CE.
• It had 14,000 monks and 36,000 nuns at the time of Mahavira's death, according to Jain legend. The group was prone to schisms over technicalities of dogma from the start, although these were readily reconciled.
• The Shvetambara-Digambara division was most likely consolidated as a result of a series of councils convened to codify and preserve the Jain texts, which had existed as oral tradition long after Mahavira's death.
• The Vallabhi Council was established in 454 CE. Svetambara approved those books as Jain scriptures during this assembly.
• These scriptures are fully rejected by the Digambara sect as being false. This occurrence in the 5th century cemented the separation between these two primary Jain lineages.
• The Shvetambara ("White-Robed") group argued that monks and nuns should wear white robes, whereas the Digambara ("Sky-Clad"; i.e., nude) sect claimed that a true monk (but not a nun) should be naked.
• This debate sparked a new debate on whether a soul can achieve liberation (moksha) while inhabiting a female body (a possibility the Digambaras deny).

Sects/Schools of Jainism

• The Digambara and Svetambara sects of the Jain order are the two primary sects.
• Famine in Magadha forced a party led by Bhadrabahu to migrate to South India, resulting in the divide.
• When the Southern group returned to Magadha after the famine ended, their different traditions caused Jainism to be split into two sects.

Digambara Sect

• "Sky-clad" literally means "sky-clad." Nudity is emphasised by Digambaras as a necessary requirement for salvation.
• They depict the Jainas who fled to the south under Bhadrabahu's guidance during Magadha's severe famine (200 years after the death of Mahavira).
• An omniscient, according to Digambara tradition, does not experience hunger, thirst, sleep, disease, or fear after achieving enlightenment.
• According to Digambara, because a woman lacks the physique and willpower required to achieve liberation (moksha), she must be reborn as a male in order to achieve it.
• The 19th Tirthankara is not seen as a female in this school of Jainism, but rather as a male named Mallinatha.
• Mahavira did not marry and abandoned the world while his parents were still living, according to Digambara legend.
• The idols of Tirthankara are shown in the Digambara tradition as naked, unadorned, and in a thoughtful mindset.
• The Digambaras use the name "Purana" to describe the hagiographies.
• The Digambara ascetic must give up all of his possessions, including his garments, and is only allowed to keep a Rajoharan (peacock feather broom) and a Kamandalu (a wooden water pot for toilet hygiene).
• The original and true texts, according to Digambaras, were lost a long time ago.
• They refused to accept the results of the first council, which met under Acharya Sthulibhadra's leadership and resulted in the recasting of the angas.
• Subsects of Digambaras:
  • Major Sub-sects -
    • Bisapantha
    • Terapanth
    • Taranapantha or Samaiyapantha
  • Minor Sub-sects -
    • Gumanapantha
    • Totapantha

Shvetambara Sect

• "White clothed" is the literal translation. According to Shvetambaras, total nudity is not required for salvation.
• They symbolise the Jainas who remained in Magadha during the famine under the guidance of Sthulabahu.
• An omniscience, according to Shvetambara tradition, needs food.
• Women have the ability to achieve the same spiritual heights as males.
• The 19th Tirthankara, according to Shvetambara tradition, is a woman named Mali (the only female Tirthankara).
• Mahavira married and lived a normal householder's life till he was 30 years old. He only became an ascetic following the death of his parents.
• The idols of Tirthankara are depicted in the Shvetambara tradition wearing a loincloth, studded with jewels, and with glass eyes implanted in the marble.
• "Charita" is a term used by the Shvetambaras for hagiographies.
• The Shvetambara ascetic is allowed fourteen possessions, including a loincloth, shoulder cloth, and other items.
• The Shvetambaras hold canonical literature, such as the 12 angas and sutras, to be genuine and sacred.
• Subsects of Svetambaras:
  • Murtipujak
  • Sthanakvasi
  • Terapanthi

Conclusion

Regular and periodic changes and disagreements about doctrine and practices have been a feature of Indian religious traditions, which have frequently resulted in the establishment of new sects, sub-sects, and schools of thought. Jainism was no different. There were various disagreements over the finer points of Mahavira's teachings during his lifetime. Some of his followers openly disagreed with him, forming their own sects as a result.

FAQs

Question. What are the two major sects of Jainism?

Question. What is the difference between the Digambara and Śvētāmbara sects?

Question. What are the key beliefs of Jainism?

Question. How do the Digambara and Śvētāmbara sects differ in their views on idols and rituals?

Question. How did Jainism influence art and culture in India?

MCQs

1. Which of the following is one of the major sects of Jainism?

A) Digambara

B) Vaishnavism

C) Sikhism

D) Shaivism

2. What distinguishes the Digambara sect from the Śvētāmbara sect?

A) The Digambara monks wear white robes, while Śvētāmbara monks do not.

B) The Digambara monks renounce all possessions, including clothes, while Śvētāmbara monks wear simple white robes.

C) The Digambara sect does not follow the principles of non-violence.

D) The Śvētāmbara sect believes in a polytheistic worldview, while the Digambara sect does not.

3. Which Jain text is accepted as authoritative by the Śvētāmbara sect but not by the Digambara sect?

A) Agamas

B) Upanishads

C) Bhagavad Gita

D) Tattvartha Sutra

4. What is the primary spiritual goal of Jainism?

A) Accumulation of wealth

B) Liberation of the soul from the cycle of birth and rebirth

C) Dominance over other religions

D) Political power

5. Which of the following is a characteristic feature of Jain temples and sculptures?

A) Depictions of Hindu gods

B) Carvings of Tirthankaras and intricate architectural designs

C) Paintings of royal life

D) Images of Buddha

GS Mains Questions and Model Answers

Q1: Discuss the differences between the Digambara and Śvētāmbara sects of Jainism and their impact on religious practices.

Answer: The Digambara and Śvētāmbara sects of Jainism differ primarily in their approach to asceticism, scriptures, and rituals. The Digambaras emphasize complete renunciation, including going without clothes to symbolize total detachment from worldly possessions. In contrast, the Śvētāmbara monks wear simple white robes, symbolizing asceticism without complete nudity. These differences have led to distinct religious practices, including different interpretations of Jain scriptures. The Digambara sect does not accept the Śvētāmbara scriptures as authoritative, believing that the original texts were lost, while the Śvētāmbara sect adheres to these texts. The impact on religious practices is seen in the varying rituals, the representation of Tirthankaras in art, and the interpretation of Jain doctrines.

Q2: Analyze the role of Jainism in shaping Indian art and culture.

Answer: Jainism has made a significant contribution to the development of Indian art and culture, particularly through its focus on non-violence, respect for life, and the celebration of spiritual purity. Jain temples, known for their intricate carvings and elaborate architectural styles, are among the most artistic and visually striking structures in India. The depiction of Tirthankaras and the Jain cosmology in sculptures and paintings contributed to a unique style of religious art. Jainism also influenced the development of Jain manuscripts, with detailed illustrations and calligraphy that have become important cultural artifacts. Moreover, Jain values of simplicity and asceticism have influenced various cultural and artistic expressions across India.

Q3: Evaluate the influence of Jainism on Indian philosophy and society.

Answer: Jainism, with its emphasis on non-violence (ahimsa), truth (satya), and non-possessiveness (aparigraha), has significantly influenced Indian philosophy and societal values. The Jain doctrine of ahimsa has not only influenced the development of moral and ethical frameworks in India but also inspired movements like Gandhian philosophy. Jainism’s teachings on the impermanence of life and the importance of self-purification have resonated with other Indian philosophical schools, especially in regard to karma and reincarnation. Societally, Jainism’s emphasis on compassion, respect for all living beings, and simplicity in lifestyle has influenced Indian social structures, contributing to the development of vegetarianism and fostering a deep-rooted tradition of environmental consciousness in India.

Previous Year Questions on Sects/Schools of Jainism

1. UPSC CSE 2017

Question: "Examine the significance of Jainism in shaping Indian art and architecture, with particular reference to the Tirthankaras."

Answer: Jainism has profoundly influenced Indian art and architecture, especially through its focus on Tirthankaras, the spiritual teachers of Jainism. Jain temples, known for their intricate carvings, statues of Tirthankaras, and architectural designs, reflect the deep reverence for these figures. The temples often feature depictions of Tirthankaras in meditative poses, and their surroundings are adorned with detailed sculptures illustrating key episodes from their lives. This artistic heritage has contributed significantly to India’s religious art, influencing the artistic traditions of other regions, including Gujarat and Rajasthan.

2. UPSC CSE 2020

Question: "Discuss the role of Jainism in the development of Indian philosophical thought and its impact on social practices."

Answer: Jainism has had a profound impact on Indian philosophical thought, especially through its teachings on karma, the cycle of birth and rebirth, and the path to liberation. The Jain philosophy of non-violence (ahimsa) has influenced major social practices such as vegetarianism and respect for all living beings. Jainism also contributed to the development of philosophical ideas around self-purification, asceticism, and the impermanence of life. Its emphasis on ethical living and self-restraint has shaped social and cultural practices, particularly in regions like Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan.