Jain Literature and Tradition: Agamas, Tattvartha Sutra, and Major Acaryas
What the domain tests
This domain tests the Agama canon, the Tattvartha Sutra, and major acaryas. Expect questions on which texts are shared, which are sectarian, and who wrote what.
Agamas
The Svetambara Agamas include twelve Angas, twelve Upangas, ten Prakirnakas, six Chedasutras, two Culikasutras, and four Mulasutras. The Digambara tradition holds that the original canon was lost and relies on later works. The Svetambara canon was codified at Valabhi under Devardhigani Ksamasramana.
Tattvartha Sutra
Umasvati’s Tattvartha Sutra is accepted by both major traditions. It has ten chapters and begins: “samyag darshana jnana charitrani mokshah.” It is a systematic summary, not an Agama.
Major acaryas
Kundakunda (Samayasara), Siddhasena Divakara (Nyayavatara), Haribhadra (Saddarsanasamuccaya), Akalanka, and Hemacandra (Yogasastra) are key figures.
Worked example
A student cites Tattvartha Sutra as an Agama. Reasoning: it is a later authoritative treatise by Umasvati, accepted by both sects, but not part of the Angas. The exam may also ask whether both sects accept it-yes, unlike the full Agama canon.
Traps
Do not say all Jain sects share the same canon. Do not attribute Tattvartha to Mahavira. Do not confuse Kundakunda with Umasvati.