Jains are followers of the teachings of the Jinas (“Spiritual Victors”) or Tirthankaras (“Fordmakers”), human beings who have attained enlightenment through their own efforts and who have taught the truths they realized to others.

At the core of these teachings are nonviolence and compassion toward all living beings, which have remained the guiding principles of Jain ethics to this day. Historical Dictionary of Jainism includes information on the main sectarian traditions of Jainism, the Shvetambaras and Digambaras, from early history to the present time. There is also information on various reform movements within these two traditions, including the Sthanakavasis, the Shvetambara and Digambara Terapanthis, and the followers of Taran Svami, Shrimad Rajachandra, and Kanji Svami. It contains an updated chronology, a revised introduction, and an extensive bibliography. The dictionary section contains over 600 cross-referenced entries, with 175 revised entries and 140 new entries, including biographies of historical and contemporary bhattarakas, and influential merchants and lay leaders. This book is an excellent resource for students, researchers, and anyone wanting to know more about Jainism or the study of nonviolence.