Jainism in India:

(i) The Jains in India are a relatively small section, about one half of one per cent of India's population. They are spread in all parts of India, but their main concentration is in the states of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Karnataka. Founded by Vardhamana Mahavira, who lived from 540 to 468 B. C., Jainism has exercised a significant influence on India, and the world's history.

(ii) In ancient India, both Buddhism and Brahmanism absorbed the central doctrines of Jainism of 'non-harming' and 'non-violence' (ahimsa) and of vegetarianism. As a consequence, both of them became the primary principles of Indian culture. During the medieval period, Jain practices and doctrines also affected the major Hindus sects. In modern India, Jains have played a remarkable role in commercial and political life. Through its indirect effect on Mohands Karamchand Gandhi, Jainism has given the principle of 'non-violence' to the world. Hence, though the followers of Jainism are fewer in number, their impact has been tremendous.

(iii) Jains have practiced their faith for more than twenty-five centuries. They have also produced a large scriptural literature. One of the deeds of religious merit for Jain monks is to copy and preserve their manuscripts, and this is one of the reasons for the large number of scriptures that they have. The basic idea of Jainism is that the acts carried out by an individual are important for his salvation. The status one acquires by birth (ascribed status) 'is unimportant. Jains share a common belief in the concept of 'three-jewels' (triratna), which are right faith, right knowledge, and right conduct. If one follows these jewels', then one will be able to attain liberation from the world.

(iv) Jains are the members of the four-fold organization (samgha), composed of monks and nuns, laymen and laywomen. The monks and nuns observe stricter discipline, but laymen and laywomen try their best to live according to the rules laid down in their scriptures, Jains must abstain from injuring life, making false speech, taking what is not given, leading an impure life, and taking food and drink at night. They also do not eat root vegetables such as potatoes, onions, garlic, or those that have a multiplicity of seeds. 

(v) Although Jains are divided into two groups, namely Digambara and Svetambara, most of the doctrines are common to them. The basic difference between them is that the Digambara male saints (muri) are 'skyclad', meaning they remain naked, whereas the Svetambara monks (both men and women) wear white robes. This division of Jains came into existence in 79 A. D.