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Mahavira: Founder of Jainism — Reading Comprehension

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This comprehensive history passage explores Mahavira, the founder of Jainism, and his impact on Ancient India. Students will learn about Mahavira's early life, the principles of Jain philosophy such as ahimsa (nonviolence), and how Jainism shaped Indian society. The passage uses primary sources and archaeological evidence to illustrate the development and spread of Jainism. Students will analyze cause-and-effect relationships, changes over time, and the significance of Mahavira’s teachings in the broader context of Indian history. Activities include a glossary, timeline, reading comprehension quiz, writing prompts, graphic organizers, and Spanish translation. This resource aligns with CA HSS 6.1.3 and CCSS RI.6-8.1, supporting historical thinking skills and ELA standards. Read aloud audio and accessible activities make it ideal for diverse learners.

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"10th century Samanar Malai Jain monuments, Madurai district, Tamil Nadu India - 7" by Ms Sarah Welch / Wikimedia Commons (CC0).

Mahavira was a key religious leader in ancient India. He lived from around 599 BCE to 527 BCE and is considered the founder of Jainism, one of India’s oldest religions. Mahavira’s teachings focused on the practice of ahimsa, or nonviolence, which influenced many people, including leaders centuries later. His life and ideas mark a significant period in Indian religious and social history.

Mahavira was born into a royal kshatriya family in the kingdom of Vaishali, in present-day Bihar. According to Jain texts, he left his wealthy life at the age of 30 to seek spiritual truth. For twelve years, he practiced extreme self-discipline and meditation in forests and villages. During this time, Mahavira followed a path of strict asceticism, avoiding harm to any living being. Archaeological discoveries, such as ancient Jain statues and inscriptions found at sites like Mathura, support the historical presence of Jain communities in northern India during this era.

After achieving enlightenment, Mahavira became known as a Tirthankara, or spiritual teacher who has found a path to liberation. He began teaching his followers the principles of Jainism. These included nonviolence, truthfulness, not stealing, chastity, and non-attachment to possessions. Mahavira’s followers, called Jains, organized into communities called sanghas. They built temples and spread his teachings throughout ancient India, especially in the regions of Gujarat and Rajasthan. Evidence from ancient cave inscriptions and the early Jain texts, such as the Agamas, describe the organization of Jain communities and their daily practices.

The philosophy of ahimsa taught by Mahavira had a lasting effect on Indian society. It shaped how people thought about the value of all life. This influence can be seen in later leaders, such as Ashoka, who promoted nonviolence and respect for all beings after converting to Buddhism. Jain monks and laypeople practiced strict vegetarianism, wore simple clothing, and often worked as merchants or scholars. Despite changes over time, the core values of Jainism have remained consistent. Today, the Jain community continues to follow the path set by Mahavira more than 2,500 years ago.

Mahavira’s teachings connected religion, social order, and ethics in ancient India. By encouraging nonviolence and self-restraint, Jainism offered an alternative to the rituals and social divisions found in Vedic society. The spread of Mahavira’s ideas shows how individual leaders can shape the development of entire civilizations.

Interesting Fact: Mahavira and the Buddha were born at almost the same time in India, and both taught about nonviolence, but their religions developed separately.

Mahavira’s story helps us understand how religion and philosophy influenced daily life and society in ancient India and lays the foundation for studying other belief systems and their impact on world history.

Coloring Page Prompt: Generate a coloring page for kids with a white background and thick black lines that represent Mahavira seated in a meditative pose, with a simple lotus base and a peaceful expression.

Who founded Jainism?

MahaviraAshokaBuddhaChandragupta

What does ahimsa mean?

NonviolenceMeditationTruthfulnessDevotion

Where was Mahavira born?

VaishaliPataliputraMathuraDelhi

Why did Mahavira leave his royal home?

To seek spiritual truthTo become a kingTo start a warTo travel the world

What effect did ahimsa have on Indian society?

Promoted respect for all lifeWeakened social orderLed to civil warEnded all religions

Who was Ashoka?

An emperor who promoted nonviolenceA Jain monkA rival kingA temple builder