Lord Mahavira's teachings were orally compiled by his immediate disciples (Gandharas) into the 12 Ang-Agams. These are the oldest and most authoritative layer of the Jain scriptural canon — preserved in Ardha-Magadhi Prakrit for over 2,500 years.
Oldest Agam linguistically. Describes ascetic conduct, Mahavira's own penance, and rules for monks and nuns.
Nonviolence, Jain metaphysics, refutation of rival philosophies.
Encyclopedic catalog of Jain concepts organised numerically.
Further categorisation of substances and events.
Most voluminous Agam — 41 chapters. Dialogues between Mahavira and Gautama.
Stories and parables illustrating Jain ethics.
Ten chapters on ideal lay Jain life.
Lives of 90 great monks who attained liberation.
Stories of souls reborn in the highest heavens.
Question-and-answer format on the five vows.
Stories demonstrating the fruits of good and bad karma.
The 12th Ang containing the 14 ancient Purvas. Lost over centuries.
Bhadrabahu's account of Mahavira's life. Read every year during Paryushana.
Umasvati's magnum opus — the only text accepted by all sects. 350 sutras covering all of Jain philosophy.
Kundakunda's masterpiece on the pure nature of the soul.
Nemichandra's encyclopedia of Jain metaphysics.
Foundational text for novice monks and nuns.
Mahaviracharya's 850 CE mathematical treatise — arithmetic, algebra, geometry, combinatorics.