The History of Jainism in Pakistan
Introduction
Jainism, one of the oldest faiths of the Indian subcontinent, has thousands of years of history, with origins said to be contemporaneous with or perhaps predating Buddhism. While Jainism is now more strongly linked with India, it used to have a strong presence in what is now Pakistan. Numerous Jain sites, temples, and historical relics have been discovered in Sindh, Punjab, and even sections of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, showing the religion's presence in these regions.

Jainism's early presence and spread in Pakistan can be traced back to the Indus Valley Civilization (2500-1700 BCE). However, more substantial historical evidence of Jainism may be found during the Mauryan Empire under Emperor Chandragupta Maurya, who converted to the religion late in life. The Mauryan Empire's influence extended across most of modern-day Pakistan, allowing Jainism to coexist with other Indian religions like Buddhism and Hinduism.

Jainism flourished (1st–12th centuries CE)
Jainism became popular in regions such as Sindh and Punjab as a result of trade routes and the emergence of merchant populations that traditionally accepted Jain values of nonviolence and ethical living. The Sindh province, in particular, had a large Jain community that left major architectural and cultural achievements. Jain temples were built in places such as Nagarparkar and Tharparkar, as well as along the Indus River, which was an important commercial and cultural exchange route.

Jainism coexisted with Buddhism and Hinduism during the Gupta period (about the 4th to 6th centuries CE), as well as later under various local rulers. It was encouraged by affluent merchant families that wished to build temples and preserve scriptures. Jain scholars and monks made significant contributions to the region's intellectual and spiritual life.

Decline and Legacy (from the 13th century CE onwards)
The collapse of Jainism in the region began with the rise of Islam in the seventh century CE, when it gradually became the dominant religion in the area. Many Jain groups eventually migrated to Gujarat and Rajasthan in India, where Jainism is still widely practiced. Despite this, remnants of the once-thriving Jain civilization may still be discovered in Pakistan, mostly in the form of temples, shrines, and inscriptions indicating its historical existence.

Jain heritage sites in Pakistan.

Nagarparkar, Tharparkar: Located in Sindh's Thar Desert, Nagarparkar is home to several historic Jain temples dating back to the 12th and 15th centuries CE. These temples, such as the Gori Temple and the Bhodesar Temples, are distinguished by elaborate carvings and gorgeous stone architecture, highlighting the region's rich Jain cultural legacy.

Karoonjhar Mountains, Tharparkar: This mountain range possesses religious significance in Jain scriptures, making it important to Jain pilgrims. It is thought to have been a meditation site for many Jain monks in the past.

Jain Temples in Lahore and Multan: In the past, Jain temples existed in both Lahore and Multan, which were prominent hubs of trade and study. Many of these temples did not survive intact, but their existence is attested in historical sources, and some ruins can still be found.

Manora Island, Karachi: Prior to India's partition in 1947, a tiny Jain population lived on the island and its adjacent environs. Though the Jain community has mainly relocated to India, certain remnants of Jain religious monuments remain.

These sites are not only religiously significant, but also symbolize the architectural and cultural history of Jainism in Pakistan. They connect the region's spiritual history with its unique cultural heritage.