Spread of Jainism

Timeline

1. -527–-500Vaishali · BiharBuilding on the Jain tradition, Mahavira systematically expounded the five vows (non-killing, non-stealing, non-celibacy, non-lying, non-possession) and the path to soul liberation; he is revered as the 24th Tirthankara, and the Jain sangha was formally established.
2. -500–-450Magadha · IndiaMahavira's disciples and successors spread Jainism from Magadha to the kingdoms of northern India, attracting merchants, artisans, and parts of the Kshatriya class, competing and developing alongside Buddhism in the same social environment.
3. -450–-400Deccan · IndiaJainism spread along trade routes to the Deccan and Gujarat, forming distinct regional traditions and laying the foundation for the later Digambara–Shvetambara split and the religion's long survival in Indian society.