Answer

Jains do not have to write their caste. In Jain Dharma, a person’s true spiritual identity is based on the soul (jīva), not caste, surname, wealth, or social status.

If some Jains write things like Modi, Shah, Mehta, Sanghvi, Doshi, etc., these are usually surnames or community/family names, not a religious requirement of Jainism.

Explanation

Jain Dharma teaches that every living being has a soul, and every soul has the potential to attain moksha through:

• Right faith
• Right knowledge
• Right conduct
• Ahimsa
• Self-discipline

So Jainism does not say that someone becomes spiritually higher or lower because of caste.

Names like Modi may come from family occupation, region, or community history. For example, in many Indian communities, surnames developed from:

• Family profession
• Village or region
• Community group
• Lineage or clan identity

But this is a social custom, not a Jain religious rule.

Spiritual Understanding

In Jain Dharma, attachment to caste, pride in family status, or looking down on others can become a form of māna — ego or pride.

A true Jain should focus more on:

• Humility
• Compassion
• Non-violence
• Purity of conduct
• Respect for all souls

Takeaway

Jains may write surnames like Modi because of family or social tradition, but Jain Dharma itself does not require caste identity. Spiritually, Jainism values the purity of the soul and conduct, not caste.