Jainism

-

 Jainism (Early as Nirgranthas)

Life of Mahavira
  • kshatriya prince of the Lichchhavis, a group that was part of the Vajji sangha.
  • Father – Siddhartha (Jnatrika clan chief), Mother - Trishala
  • 12 years he led a hard and lonely life, at 13th year he attained enlightenment (Nirvana).
  • Became Tirthankara called as Jina or Mahavira.
  • Died at 72 in Pavapuri.
Origin
  • last and 24th tirthankara of the Jainas, Vardhamana Mahavira
  • Ordinary people could understand the teachings of Mahavira
  • Prakrit spoken in Magadha was known as Magadhi. Followers of Mahavira, who were known as Jainas,
Doctrines and Principles
  • Non-violence (Leave their homes, not hurting or killing living being) & Not worshipped.
  • Simple lives, begging for food. They had to be absolutely honest, and were especially asked not to steal
  • World is Soul (jivi) & matter (ajiva). coming together creates karma (action).
  • Practice severe austerities and self-mortification.
Trirantnas
  • Right faith (samyag-darshana)
  • Right knowledge (samyag-jnana)
  • Right conduct (samyag-mahavrata)
Five Great Vows (pancha-mahavrata)
  • Not to kill or injure (ahimsa)
  • Not to steal (asteya)
  • Not to lie (satya)
  • Celibacy (brahmacharya)
  • Not to possess property (aparigraha)
Spread
  • Jainism was supported mainly by traders.
  • Jainism spread to different parts of north India, and to Gujarat, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.
Jain Councils
  • Jaina monks under Bhadrabahu went south to maintain their strict discipline.
  • Remained without garments - Digambaras (space-clad or naked).
  • Under the leadership of Sthulabhadra and adopted a white garment - Svetambaras (White-clad).
  • death of Bhadrabahu, Shulabhadra held a Great Council at Pataliputra. Compiled the jana canon - 12 angas (limbs).
  • Another council in in Valabhi, Gujarat - 12 upangas.
  • Early jaina texts - Acharrangasutra, Sutrakritanga & Kalpasutra.
Jainism in Tamilnadu
  • 3rd Century CE - Around Madurai.
  • mention of death of Kopperuncholan by fasting in chol Purananuru is considered by some to be similar to Jaina practice of sallekhana.
  • Naladiyar, Palamoli, Jivaka Chinthamani, Yapperunkalam Karikai, Neelakesi are some of the prominent Jaina works in Tamil.
  • 470 CE a Jaina Dravida Sangha was established in Madurai by Vajranandi.
  • Part of Kanchipuram - Jaina Kanchi
Decline of Jainism in India
  • Absence of royal patronage, split amongst Jains as Digambaras and Swetambaras, lack of missionary zeal, factionalism and the severity of practices, and spread of Buddhism as a rival faith led to the decline of Jainism in India.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Indian Painting - Pre History

-
Image
    History and Evolution of Painting in India - An Overview India has a long tradition of artistic excellence and painting is one of the major mediums that has been used to express it. There is several evidence suggesting that painting flourished in India since ancient times. Archaeologists have found wall paintings in parts of India, which suggest that even the early historic man in India was engaged in activities of art and leisure The history of painting can be traced through the ancient and medieval period where the books were illustrated with paintings Then came the miniature style that dominated the Mughal and Rajput courts. With the coming of the Europeans, the art of painting and engraving took a western turn. Modern painters experimented with styles, colours and designs. Many Indian painters have gained worldwide recognition and are winning prizes and accolades for their vision. Principles of Painting The history of paintings can be known from primitive rock paintings of Bhim
Read more

Classification of Indian Paintings

-
Image
    Classification of Indian Paintings Indian Paintings have been broadly classified into two. Mural Paintings Miniature Paintings Mural Paintings The work on the walls or a solid structure are referred to as Murals. These have existed in India since ancient times and can be dated between 10th century BC and 10th century AD. The evidence of such paintings can be found at several locations in India. The beauty and the exquisiteness of mural paintings can be seen in places like Ajanta, Armamalai Cave, Ravan Chhaya Rock Shelter, Bagh Caves, Sittanavasal Caves and Kailash Temple in Ellora. Most of the mural paintings are either in natural caves or in rock cut chambers. The paintings follow a theme, the most common being Hindu, Buddhist and Jain. Mural paintings were also made to adorn any mundane premise. For e.g. Ancient theatre room in Jogimara Caves. Ajanta Cave Paintings One of the oldest surviving murals of Indian sub-continent, Ajanta caves were carved between 2nd century BC to 5th c
Read more

Folk Paintings

-
    Madhubani Paintings Traditionally done by the women of villages around Madhubani town (Bihar). It is also called Mithila Paintings. The paintings have a common theme and are usually drawn from religious motifs of the Hindus, including Krishna, Rama, Durga, Lakshmi and Shiva. The paintings are also made depicting auspicious occasions like birth, marriage and festivals. Flowers, trees, animals, etc. are used to fill any gaps in the painting. Traditionally, these were painted on walls using rice paste and vegetable colours on a base of cow dung and mud. With time, the base changed to handmade paper, clothes and canvas. Since there was no shading, the paintings are two-dimensional. Some of the common features of these paintings include double line border, bold use of colours, ornate floral patterns and exaggerated facial features. Since the art has remained confined to a specific geographical area, it has been given GI (geographical indication) status. Pattachitra Painting A traditiona
Read more