Nigantha Nataputta

Indian philosopher

Written by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

July 1, 2026

Quick Summary

Nigantha Nataputta, also known as Mahavira, was a pivotal figure in ancient Indian philosophy and the last of the 24 Tirthankaras, or saviours, in Jainism. He lived around the 6th century BCE and is credited with reforming the Jain monastic community and systematizing its doctrines.123

Mahavira taught a path of extreme asceticism and nonviolence (ahimsa) towards all living creatures. He advocated for the five great vows (mahavratas), which include renunciation of killing, untruths, greed, sexual pleasure, and all attachments. His teachings emphasized the purification of the soul through disciplined conduct, aiming for liberation (moksha) from the cycle of rebirth. Mahavira's emphasis on nonviolence has profoundly influenced Indian culture, notably inspiring figures like Mohandas Gandhi.145

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

5 Britannica Sources

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.

Indian philosophy
Background
Protests were also voiced by Nigantha Nataputta, who believed in salvation by an ascetic life of self-discipline and hence in the efficacy of deeds and the possibility of omniscience, and, finally, Sanjaya Belathiputta, the skeptic, who, in reply to the question “Is there an afterlife?” would not say “It is…
Read More
Protests were also voiced by Nigantha Nataputta, who believed in salvation by an ascetic life of self-discipline and hence in the efficacy of deeds and the possibility of omniscience, and, finally, Sanjaya Belathiputta, the skeptic, who, in reply to the question “Is there an afterlife?” would not say “It is…
Read More