Mahavira is usually regarded as the founder of Jainism. He was born near Vaishali in North Bihar in 568 BC. He belonged to a well-known Kshatriya clan, and was related to the Lichchavi ruling family of Vaishali. His early life passed in royal luxuries. From his early age, he received good education. He had a bent towards meditation. He left the palace at an early age and went to live in forest. He led a hard and lonely life, at the end of which he attained enlightenment.