How did Mahavira's followers establish the early Jain community?

Mahavira established the early Jain community by systematizing existing doctrines and setting formal rules for religious life, which included monks, nuns, and the laity. After attaining kevala (omniscience) following 12 years of extreme asceticism, he converted 11 disciples known as ganadharas, all of whom were originally Brahmans. Two of these disciples, Indrabhuti Gautama and Sudharman, are credited as the founders of the historical Jain monastic community.12

The community grew rapidly, and by the time of Mahavira’s death, it reportedly included 14,000 monks and 36,000 nuns. Because Jainism began as a primarily monastic religion, the rules for the laity were derived from those established for monks, though they were adapted to allow for more dispensations. The laity played a crucial role in supporting the renunciants, and their religious behavior was encouraged to mirror the ascetic "great vows" (mahavratas) through the practice of "little vows" (anuvratas). Despite early schisms over monastic practices, the community successfully codified its traditions and scriptures through a series of councils, ensuring the continuity of the faith.234