Jainism

Jainism is a branch of Hinduism which stresses extreme non-violence towards all life. Jainism was founded by Mahavira, who taugh self-denial and non-violence toward all forms of life. Jainism's strict rules caused it to lose popularity, but today it has over 4 million adherents worldwide. Jainism rejects the authority of the Vedas, sacred scriptures of Hinduism.

Jainism and the Mauryan Empire

Chandragupta Maurya, the founder of the Mauryan Empire was unusual because he was Jainist. He was the first emperor of India to be converted to Jainism and was frowned upon by the Hindu priests. When he was older, Chandragupta renounced his throne and joined a wandering group of Jainist monks. Chadragupta’s example had no effect on the people, his successor, Emperor Bindusara, was Hindu.”