ORigins and History
Jainism was formed around 550 BCE in India. Founded by Mahavira, Jains have since pursued liberation through knowledge and control of the body. Mahavira was the last of the tirthankaras or "ford-makers." Once a Jain has obtained liberation, they are free from the cycle of rebirth.
Since its founding, Jainism has migrated westward and has since settled largely in western and central India. Here its influence grew, eventually becoming one of the biggest pieces in the fight against the caste system and having several of its beliefs adopted into Hinduism.
Since its founding, Jainism has migrated westward and has since settled largely in western and central India. Here its influence grew, eventually becoming one of the biggest pieces in the fight against the caste system and having several of its beliefs adopted into Hinduism.