A concise scholarly account surveys the Jaina religious community in India, outlining its doctrinal principles, historical development, and social organization. It describes the major sectarian split into two rival branches distinguished by differing views on ascetic practice and dress, and explains communal divisions between ascetics and lay followers, their roles, and shared aims. Core teachings such as the pursuit of liberation from the cycle of rebirth, ethical precepts, and the threefold path of faith, knowledge, and conduct are presented, alongside ritual and cultic elements. An appended discussion compiles epigraphic evidence and summarizes mythological themes and temple iconography.