Answer

It is fair to say that many detailed events from the lives of the Tirthankars cannot be proved by modern historical methods.

But that does not automatically make them exaggerated or fraudulent.

Explanation

From the Jain point of view, Tirthankars are not “babas” making personal claims for status or profit. They are understood as fully enlightened beings who showed the path of liberation.

A few important points:

• Ancient history is often not fully verifiable by modern standards.

That is true for many civilizations, not only Jain history.

• Lack of modern proof is not the same as proof of falsehood.

It only means the evidence is limited by time.

• Jain tradition preserves the Tirthankars through scripture, lineage, and practice.

Their importance is not based only on biographies, but on the timeless path they taught: - अहिंसा - सत्य - अचौर्य - ब्रह्मचर्य - अपरिग्रह

• Jainism does not ask for blind belief alone.

It asks a person to examine the teaching by its effect: - Does it reduce violence? - Does it purify conduct? - Does it lead to self-control and inner peace?

If a person says, “I need modern proof before I accept ancient spiritual history,” that is understandable. But calling the Tirthankars “fraud babas” goes beyond what can actually be proven.

Spiritual Understanding

In Jain Dharma, the value of a Tirthankar is not only in historical detail. It is in the transformation they point toward.

A Tirthankar represents:

• complete victory over inner passions
• perfect compassion without attachment
• the highest example of आत्म-शुद्धि

So even if someone is uncertain about every historical detail, they can still appreciate the Jain path as a serious and disciplined way of life.

Takeaway

A thoughtful Jain response is:

• “I may not be able to prove every detail historically.”
• “But absence of modern proof is not enough to dismiss the Tirthankars as frauds.”
• “Their teachings can still be tested through lived experience, ethics, and inner transformation.”

If you want, I can also give you a very honest Jain answer on how Jainism thinks about history, faith, and proof.