Jainism

History of Jainism

Jainism arose in 7th century BC Eastern India, home to Hinduism and Buddhism. It was a time and place of religious renewal, in which several groups reacted against the formalized rituals and hierarchical organization of traditional Hinduism, desiring something new and fresh. Jains beliefs holds that 24 historical figures have lived and taught Jain truths in this age. Of these figures, called Tirthankaras, only the last two can be historically verified with any confidence. The 23rd Tirthankara, Parshvanatha, is thought to have lived in the 7th century and founded a Jain community based on renunciation of the world.

Mahavira, the 24th and last Tirthankara to appear in this age, is usually regarded as the founder of the religion, the first signficant marker on Jainism's historical timeline. He is traditionally thought to have lived from 599 to 527 BC, but some scholars believe he was a contemporary of the Buddha in the early 5th century BC.