One of the most famous Jain kings was King Chandragupta Maurya. He was the founder of the Maurya Empire and, later in his life, became a follower of Jainism under the guidance of the Jain monk Bhadrabahu. According to Jain tradition, Chandragupta Maurya abdicated his throne and spent his last years in Karnataka practicing Jain asceticism.

Another well-known Jain king was King Kharavela of Kalinga, who was a devout patron of Jainism and promoted Jain values and practices during his reign.