Jains

Jains are followers of Jainism, an ancient Indian religion and philosophy that emphasizes liberation of the soul through ethical conduct and ascetic practice. With an estimated 4 to 5 million adherents, Jain communities are concentrated in India—especially Gujarat, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, and Karnataka—and in diaspora communities around the world.

Core principles include ahimsa (non-violence), satya (truth), asteya (non-stealing), brahmacharya (chastity or celibacy), and aparigraha (non-attachment). The religion teaches that all living beings accumulate karma and that liberation (moksha) is achieved by purifying the soul through right faith, right knowledge, and right conduct (the Ratnatraya), while practicing non-violence in thought, word, and deed.

Jainism has two major sects, Digambara and Śvetāmbara. Digambaras practice naked renunciation; Śvetāmbaras wear white robes. They share belief in 24 Tirthankaras, enlightened teachers who have shown the path to liberation, with Mahavira recognized as the 24th Tirthankara. The two sects have different canonical traditions; Svetambaras follow the Agamas as scripture, while Digambaras regard some texts as lost and rely on later commentaries.

Jain practice emphasizes vegetarianism, sometimes avoidance of root vegetables, fasting, meditation, and charitable acts. Followers worship in temples with images of the Tirthankaras and perform pilgrimages to sacred sites such as Palitana and Girnar. Jain communities also include lay practitioners who observe daily rituals and observances at home.

Today Jains are known for education and philanthropy, and their ethical emphasis on non-violence influences social and environmental activism. They maintain a distinctive art, cuisine, and ritual calendar, with major communities in western India and a growing global diaspora.