Question

Explain briefly, about Jain Literature.

Answer 1

Jain literature is generally classified into two major categories.
1. Agama Sutras:

1. Agama Sutras consists of many sacred books of the Jain religion.
2. They have been written in the Ardha-magadhi Prakrit language.
3. Containing the direct preaching of Mahavira, consisting of 12 texts, they were originally compiled by immediate disciples of Mahavira.
4. The 12th Agama Sutra is said to have been lost.

2. Non-Agama Literature:

1. Non-Agama literature includes commentary and explanation of Agama Sutras, and independent works, compiled by ascetics and scholars.
2. They are written in many languages such as Prakrit, Sanskrit, old Marathi, Rajasthani, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Tamil, German and English.