What is the overall summary of Jainism?

Can any one tell me the overall summary of the foundation of Jainsim, founders,and practices taken place.

Jainism (pronounced in English as IPA [DE.n?zm?]), traditionally known as Jain Dharma (A A), is a diatomic religion and philosophy originating in Ancient India. The Jains follow the teachings of Tirthankaras. The 24Th Tirthankara Lord Mahavira lived in ca. 6Th century BC. A small but influential minority in modern India, with growing immigrant communities in the United States, Western Europe, Africa, the Far East and elsewhere, Jains continue to sustain the ancient Shraman (?????) or ascetic tradition.

Jains have significantly influenced the religious, ethical, political and economic spheres in India for more than two millennia. Jainism stresses spiritual independence and equality of all life with particular emphasis on non-violence. Self-control (????, vratae) is vital for attaining Keval Gyan and eventually moksha, or realization of the soul's true nature.

The Jains have an ancient tradition of scholarship. The Jains are the best educated religious community in India (Jains in India according to 2001 census), and the Jain libraries are India's oldest[1].

Simply put - ALL life is sacred. They do not include plants in the definition of life.