History of Jainism

Jainism is an independent and an ancient religion of India with a recorded history dating back to 3500-3000 BCE. Jainas consider their religion as eternal and imperishable, without a beginning or an end, an Universal History describing just one tiny portion of an eternal process. For the outsiders however, there is another kind of Jain history. Constructed by scholars and historians, this one tries to separate the fact from the fiction.

Discovery of seals from the Indus Valley Civilization has thrown a new light on the antiquity of Jainism. Nude figures considered to be that of the first Jain Tirthankara, Rishabhdev has been discovered on the seals found at Mohenjodaro and Harappa. The findings point towards the representation of the seventh Tirthankara Suparshvanath and the fact that the people of the Indus Valley not only practiced Yoga but also worshipped the images of Yogis. Figures in Kayotsarga posture are peculiarly Jain.

Additionally the sacred sign of Swastika is also found engraved on a number of seals. Furthermore, some motifs on the seals found at Mohenjodaro are identical to those found in the ancient Jain art of Mathura. Thus, the fact that Jainism has a long and rich antiquity is established without a doubt.