History of Jainism Hindu god Krishna. Jains consider their religion to be eternal. The two main sects of Jainism, the "Digambara" and the "Śvētāmbara" sect, likely started forming about the 3rd century BCE and the schism was complete by about 5th century CE. These sects later subdivided into several sub-sects such as Sthānakavāsī and Terapanthis. Jainism co-existed with Buddhism and Hinduism in ancient and medieval India. Many of its historic temples were built near the Buddhist and Hindu temples in 1st millennium CE. After the 12th-century, the temples, pilgrimage and naked ascetic tradition of Jainism suffered persecution during the Muslim rule, with the
Digambara texts such as the "Samayasāra" and the "Pravacanasāra". Other prominent "Acharyas" of this tradition were, Virasena (author of a commentary on the "Dhavala"), Samantabhadra and Siddhasena Divakara. The "Satkhandagama" and "Kasayapahuda" have major significance in the "Digambara" tradition. Relics found from Harrapan excavations such as seals depicting "Kayotsarga" posture, idols in "Padmasana" and a nude bust of red limestone, give insight into the antiquity of the "Digambara" tradition. The presence of gymnosophists (naked philosophers) in Greek records as early as the fourth century BC, supports the claim of the "Digambaras" that they have preserved the ancient "Śramaṇa" practice. Dundas talks