Question

With reference to the impact of Jainism, explain the following:

Its impact on language and literature

Answer 1

Jain scholars have made an important contribution in literary field. The Jain texts were written in Prakrit, but at some place in the local languages. They were finally compiled in the sixth century AD at Valabhi in Gujarat. They include 12 Upangas, 10 Prakiranas, Sutras, and Mulasutras. Purvas, the fourteen books containing the teachings of Mahavira, are a great source of knowledge. The angas and upangas which were written on the basis of Purvas are twelve in number. The Mahapurana composed by Jinasena, Kalpasutra compiled by Bhadrabahu and Ratna Malika by the Rashtrakuta ruler Amonghavarsha are outstanding literary works. Jain literature is in Ardh-Magadhi and Prakrit dialects. It highlights the values of ahimsa.