Contribution of Jainism towards society

Jainism made the first serious attempt to mitigate the evils of the varna order and the ritualistic Vedic religion.

It treated the people of all castes equally.

It promoted brotherhood among the followers and thus encouraged the growth of a healthy society.

Emphasis on ahimsa led to peace in the society.

Contribution of Jainism towards language

The early Jainas discarded the Sanskrit language principally patronized by the brahmanas. They adopted instead Prakrit, the language of the common people to preach their doctrines.

Their religious literature was written in Ardhamagadhi, and the texts were eventually compiled in the sixth century AD in Gujarat at a place called Valabhi, a geat centre of education.

The adoption of Prakrit by the Jainas helped the growth of this language and its literature.

Many regional languages developed out of Prakrit, particularly Shauraseni from which the Marathi language developed.

The Jainas composed the earliest important works in Apabhramsha and compiled its first grammar.

Jaina literature comprises epics, Puranas, novels, and drama.

A large percentage of Jaina writing is still in the form of manuscripts that have yet to be published and which are to be found in the Jaina shrines of Gujarat and Rajasthan.

In early medieval times, the Jainas also made substantial use of Sanskrit and wrote many texts in it.

Last but not the least, they contributed to the growth of Kannada, in which they wrote extensively.

Contribution of Jainism towards sculpture

Initially, like the Buddhists, the Jainas were not image worshippers. Later they began to worship Mahavira and also the twenty-three tirthankaras. Beautiful and sometimes massive images in stone were sculpted for this purpose, especially in Karnataka, Gujarat, Rajasthan, and MP.

The monolithic statue of Bahubali (son of Rishabhanatha ,the first tirthankara of Jainism) at Shravanabelagola, located 158 km from Bangalore, was carved from a single block of granite.

Karkala is known for its 13 m monolithic statue of Gomateshwara Bahubali, which is believed to have been built around 1432 and is the second-tallest statue in Karnataka.

Jaina art in ancient times is not as rich as its Buddhist counterpart, but Jainism contributed substantially to art and architecture in medieval times.

Contribution of Jainism towards Paintings

One facet of Jain art is painting, generally known as miniature paintings because most pictures are rendered in small sizes.

Jain miniature paintings were developed all over India in the 7th century A.D. and reached maturity during the 15th century A.D.

Mural Paintings: The work on walls or solid structures is called murals. The manuscript text most frequently illustrated is the Kalpa Sutra, which contains the biographies of the Tirthankaras, notably Parshvanatha and Mahavira.

Western Indian style of painting: The Western Indian style prevailed in the region comprising Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Malwa. The Kalpasutra and the Kalakacharya-Katha, the two very popular Jain texts, were repeatedly written and illustrated with paintings.

Sittanavasal Paintings: Famous for its fresco-secco technique with many mineral colors. The paintings are on the theme of Jain Samasvasarana, the most attractive heavenly pavilion, referring to the attainment of Nirvana and Khatika Bhumi.

Jain Architecture

The elements of Jain architecture are characterized by their simplicity, elegance, and emphasis on symmetry and proportion.

The exquisite Jain architecture consists of caves, temples, monasteries and other structures.

Stupa (Chaitya): The Jains erected them for devotional purposes.

Layana (Caves): For example, Ellora Caves (Maharashtra), Udaygiri Caves (Odisha), Sittanavasal Cave (Tamil Nadu), etc.

Jinalaya (Temples): Each element of Jain temples, like Mandapa, Garbhagriha, Mukhmandapa, Shikhar, Devakoshta etc, are designed to create a peaceful and harmonious atmosphere for meditation and worship. For example, Dilwara Temple (Rajasthan), Ranakpur temple (Rajasthan), etc.

Must read: Similarities and differences between the basic tenets of Buddhism and Jainism

External link: https://artsandculture.google.com/story/jain-art-salar-jung-museum/nwUxc4-Wwf3BwA?hl=en