Question

Describe how Jainism spread in other parts of India?

Answer 1

Hint: The founder of Jainism is Mahavira. It originated in India in about 500 BC. However, it can be traced back to the 6th century. Jainism was spread by the men, known as monks and women, known as nuns who devoted their lives for the principles of Jainism.

Complete answer: Jainism in a most sense is similar to Buddhism. Mahavira, the founder of Jainism rejected the notion of divine origin and the authority of Vedas. The tradition includes religious saints and preachers who were known as Tirthankaras. They were free and independent souls who have devoted their lives to asceticism and offer salvation to people. There have been many reasons for the spread of Jainism to other parts of India, they are:
-Mahavira used the local or common language, Prakrit to preach. Since the language was known and easy to people, thus monks also adopted this and people find it easy to understand the preachings of Jainism.
-Jainism received royal support or patronage. It is said that Chandragupta Maurya took Jainism in the latter parts of his life. Other dynasties such as Chalukyas and Rashtrakutas also supported it. Kharavela, the ruler of Kalinga, present-day Orissa helped in spreading Jainism in the eastern part of the country.
-Saints like Kalkacharya who lived in Ujjain made it a centre of the Jain religion. Another Jain saint, Bhadrabahu spread Jainism in Karnataka.

Note: Though Buddhism and Jainism shared many common features the latter remained confined to India. There were 24 teachers, among whom the last was Mahavira. He delivered his last sermon at Pava, now known as Padrauna, a city in Uttar Pradesh.