Jainism — Key Changes

Entry	Year	Description	Impact
N/A (Schism, not legal amendment)	c. 3rd Century BCE	The most significant internal 'amendment' or divergence in Jainism was the great schism that led to the formation of the Digambara and Svetambara sects. This occurred following a severe famine in Magadha, which prompted a group of monks led by Bhadrabahu to migrate to South India, maintaining strict ascetic practices, including nudity. The monks who remained in Magadha under Sthulabhadra adopted white robes due to changing circumstances.	This schism fundamentally altered the monastic practices, scriptural canons, and certain philosophical interpretations within Jainism. It resulted in two distinct traditions that, while sharing core tenets, diverged on issues like the necessity of nudity for liberation, the possibility of female liberation, and the authenticity of certain sacred texts. This division has persisted to the present day, shaping the geographical distribution and cultural expressions of Jainism in India.
N/A (Internal Reform)	19th-20th Century CE	During the colonial period and the rise of modern education, Jain communities experienced internal reform movements aimed at revitalizing the faith, promoting education, and adapting practices to contemporary society. Leaders like Virchand Gandhi (who represented Jainism at the Parliament of the World's Religions in Chicago, 1893) and various Jain acharyas initiated efforts to establish educational institutions, publish Jain literature, and engage in social welfare activities.	These reforms helped in the modernization and consolidation of the Jain community. They led to the establishment of numerous Jain schools, colleges, and research centers, fostering a renewed sense of identity and intellectual engagement. The emphasis shifted towards broader social responsibility and the application of Jain ethics in modern life, ensuring the religion's continued relevance in a rapidly changing world and strengthening its organizational structure.