Rise of Jainism and Buddhism: A Revolt Against Rituals and Caste

The 6th Century BCE was a time of intellectual and social turmoil in the Gangetic plains. The rigid Varna system (caste hierarchy), the dominance of Brahmins, and the expensive Vedic rituals (involving animal sacrifices) created a thirst for a simpler, more ethical path. This led to the rise of Shramana movements (ascetic sects), the most prominent being Jainism and Buddhism. Led by two Kshatriya princes, Vardhamana Mahavira and Gautama Buddha, these religions preached non-violence (Ahimsa), equality, and salvation (Moksha/Nirvana) through personal effort rather than priestly intervention. They used the common language (Prakrit and Pali) instead of Sanskrit, making religion accessible to the masses.

Causes for the Rise

Why did new religions emerge suddenly in the 6th Century BCE? It wasn’t just a spiritual awakening; it was a socio-economic necessity.

1. The Kshatriya Reaction: The Varna system placed Brahmins at the top. Kshatriya rulers (like Buddha and Mahavira) resented the priestly dominance and sought a philosophy that validated their power without relying on rituals.
2. Rise of New Classes (Vaishyas): The discovery of Iron led to surplus agriculture and trade. The merchant class (Vaishyas) became wealthy but held a lower social status in the Brahmanical system. They eagerly supported Jainism and Buddhism, which respected their trade (non-violence suited their profession).
3. Cattle Wealth: Vedic rituals demanded the sacrifice of cattle. In an agrarian economy, cattle were essential for ploughing and milk. The new religions’ emphasis on Ahimsa (non-violence) protected this economic asset.
4. Language: The Vedas were in complex Sanskrit, understandable only to priests. The new teachers spoke Pali and Prakrit, the language of the common people.

Life of Buddha c. 563-483 BCE: The Journey to Enlightenment

Jainism: The Path of the Conqueror

Jainism is one of the oldest religions, with 24 Tirthankaras (ford-makers).

• Vardhamana Mahavira (24th Tirthankara): Born in Kundagrama (Vaishali), he left home at 30 and attained Kaivalya (Omniscience) at 42. He is called Jina (Conqueror).
• Core Teachings:
  • Triratna (Three Jewels): Right Faith, Right Knowledge, Right Conduct.
  • Pancha Mahavratas (Five Vows): Ahimsa (Non-violence), Satya (Truth), Asteya (Non-stealing), Aparigraha (Non-possession), and Brahmacharya (Celibacy – added by Mahavira).
  • Anekantavada: The philosophy of “many-sidedness” (pluralism), teaching that truth has many aspects.
• Austerity: Jainism emphasized extreme penance, including starvation (Sallekhana) and nudity (Digambara sect).

Reign of Ashoka: The Emperor Who Chose Peace

Buddhism: The Middle Path

Buddhism was founded by Gautama Buddha (born Siddhartha).

• Gautama Buddha: Born in Lumbini, he attained Enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree in Bodh Gaya. He is called the “Awakened One.”
• Core Teachings:
  • Four Noble Truths: Life is suffering; Suffering has a cause (Desire); Suffering can end; The way is the Eightfold Path.
  • Eightfold Path: Right View, Resolve, Speech, Action, Livelihood, Effort, Mindfulness, Concentration.
  • Middle Path (Madhyamaka): Buddha rejected both extreme luxury and extreme asceticism (unlike Jainism).
  • Nirvana: The blowing out of the flame of desire, leading to liberation from the cycle of rebirth.

Later Vedic Period c. 1000-600 BCE: The Age of Iron and Kingdoms

Quick Comparison Table: Jainism vs. Buddhism

Curious Indian: Fast Facts

• The “Fifth” Veda: The Tirukkural (Tamil classic) and sometimes the Mahabharata are called the Fifth Veda, but interestingly, Buddhism and Jainism were often referred to as Nastika (Heterodox) schools because they rejected the Vedas entirely.
• First Republics: Mahavira and Buddha both came from republican clans (Gana-Sanghas)—the Lichchhavis and Shakyas—which functioned like early democracies, influencing their emphasis on assemblies (Sangha).
• The Missing God: Neither Mahavira nor Buddha claimed to be gods or messengers of God. They were teachers (Gurus). They were deified only centuries later by their followers.
• Vegetarianism: The strict vegetarianism of India today is largely a legacy of Jain influence on Hinduism.

Conclusion

The Rise of Jainism and Buddhism was a necessary correction in Indian history. It broke the monopoly of the priesthood, empowered the trading classes, and introduced the concept of Ahimsa—a value that would later define India’s struggle for independence under Gandhi. While Buddhism eventually declined in the land of its birth (absorbed back into Hinduism), its light spread to illuminate the whole of Asia.

Reign of Chandragupta Maurya 321-297 BCE: The First Empire of India

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