Jainism dates to the 6th century BC and was founded by Mahavira, a spiritual leader and teacher. Jains believe that their religion dates back thousands of years and that Mahavira is the 24th and the last in a succession of Tirthankaras, who are the gods of Jainism. The goal of Jainism ...
According to one version, Mahavira spent some time in the company of Gosala, the founder of Ajivika sect and the Buddha, the founder of Buddhism, before they parted ways on account of serious differences over doctrinal issues. The period during which both Buddhism and Jainism rose to promine...
(who were probably of Scythian or Persian origin). During the reign of theGupta dynasty(320–c. 600ce), a time of Hindu self-assertion, the bulk of the Jain community migrated to central and western India, becoming stronger there than it had been in its original home in the Ganges ...