In Jainism, no Jain is “upper” or “lower” by birth or caste.

1. Jain principles:

- All souls (jiva) are absolutely equal in their spiritual potential. - A soul becomes “higher” only by: - following ahimsa (non‑violence), - right faith (samyak darshan), - right knowledge (samyak jnan), - right conduct (samyak charitra), - reducing passions and karma. - So, from true Jain dharma, there is no “better” Jain because of community, surname, or caste.

1. Why you hear about Jain “castes” in society:

- Names like Oswal, Porwal, Agarwal, Vania, etc. are social / business communities, not spiritual ranks. - They developed from local Indian customs (region, occupation, family history). - These are worldly identities, not recognised in Jain scriptures as higher or lower.

1. Who is truly “higher” in Jain view?

Spiritually, the order of greatness is: - Arihant, Siddha (liberated beings) - Acharya, Upadhyaya, Sadhu–Sadhvi (monks & nuns) - Then Shravak–Shravika (lay followers) This is based on vows and purity of conduct, not on caste or community.

So, according to Jain dharma:

• No Jain community is superior or inferior.
• Only guna (qualities), charitra (conduct), and self‑control decide greatness, not birth.