Jainism came into existence at a time when the Later Vedic civilisation (1000 BC-600 BC) had come to an end and there was a rise of empires and small kingdoms. While the Kshatriyas ruled the kingdoms and protected the rest of the masses, the Brahmin or the priestly caste provided the religious and educational needs of the masses and also sanctified the rule of the Kshatriyas.

The Kshatriyas and Brahmins in tandem maintained their power over the masses in general and these masses genrally belonged to the lower caste. The lowermost strata of the society were not allowed to question the authority of the Brahmins and the Kshatriyas. Except for the struggle with the masses belonging to the lower caste, there was a rift between the Brahmins and the Kshatriyas to take control of the reigns of the society. The Kshatriyas were alarmed by the rising power of the priests, who in turn wanted to usurp the power of the Kshatriyas. The rise of Buddhism and Jainism during this period was a natural outcome to the counter the threat of the Brahmanical Hindu order, as the founders of these religions were themselves Kshatriyas or warriors.

Jainism belonged to the masses who were basically farmers and valued bulls and cows. They, thus, had simple living and could practice non violence and austerities. In contrast, the Vedic Aryans were basically pastoral people and they were used to animal-sacrifice.

Jainism is basically a religious faith of Tirthankaras. Jainism has evolved from the word `Jin` which refers to the one who has vanquished his passion. It basically means the conquest of one`s own self in bondage. Again, a Tirthankara is one who has built a bridge which takes one across the ocean of bondage and suffering. A Tirthankara has not only vanquished himself, but has taught masses, the way out of this ocean of suffering. These twenty four Tirthan-karas have been cited, namely:

These twenty four Jain Tirthankaras have been cited, namely:
* Bhagwan Rishabh Dev
* Lord Ajitnath
* Lord Sambhavnath
* Lord Abhinandannatha
* Sumatinatha
* Lord Padmaprabha
* Suparshavnatha
* Lord Chandraprabha
* Lord Pushpadanta
* Sheetalnath
* Lord Shreyansanath
* Lord Vasupujya Swami
* Lord Vimalnath
* Lord Anantnath
* Lord Dharmanath
* Lord Shantinath
* Lord Kunthunath
* Aranath
* Mallinath
* Lord Unisuvrata
* Lord Naminath
* Lord Neminath
* Parshvanatha
* Lord Mahavira