- Kalpasutra is the most important text of Jain literature. It was composed by Bhadrabahu in Sanskrit.
- Bhagvati Sutra serves as Mahavira’s biography.
- Chedasutras talks about Jain monks.
- Original doctrines taught by Mahavira were contained in 14 old texts known as the Purvas.
- Purvas is the part of 12 Angas and the oldest text of Mahavira’s preaching.
- In 1st Council, Sthulabhadra divided Jain Canon into 12 Angas. This was accepted by Svetambara. However, Digambars refused to accept this, claiming that all old scriptures were lost.
- At the 2nd Council held at Valabhi, new additions were made in the form of Upangas.
- Among the 12 Angas, Acharanga Sutta (code of conduct for a Jain monk) and Bhagvati Sutta (expounds Jain doctrines)are most important.
- Most early Jain texts were written in Ardha-Magadhi script (Prakrit language), the language of common people.
