Jainism and Buddhism -1 | KPSC KAS Preparation: All subjects - KPSC KAS (Karnataka) PDF Download

 Page 1


 
   
 
 
Rise of Buddhism and Jainism 
The social conditions towards the end of later Vedic period lead to the development of religions 
like Jainism and Buddhism.  
The social conditions at the end of later vedic culture were: 
? The society was divided into 4 varnas (chathur varnas) - Brahmana, Kshatriya, Vaishya and 
Shudra. 
? The practices of yagas and animal sacrifices increased. 
? Priest became a superior class in the society and earned huge wealth.  
? The economic status of the Vaishyas, who were involved in trade increased but they did 
not enjoy social status as Brahmanas.  
This low social status even after gaining huge wealth 
led to new thoughts among the people in North 
eastern parts like Bihar, Vajji, Magadha. They were 
against Vedic practices and caste system and started a 
new tradition called Sramana tradition in which they 
give up everything they have and live as a free man. 
The people who followed Sramana tradition were 
monks who wandered to seek enlightment. When they 
left home and started travellig, they were called 
Parivrajak. This system finally led to the formation of 
religions like Jainism and Buddhism.  
Jainism  
Jainism was founded by Rishabhananda.The successors of Rishabhananda were called 
Thirthankaras or prophets. There were 24 Thirthankaras in Jainism.  
The 23rd Thirthankara was Parsvanatha. He founded the 4 fundamental principles of Jainis. They 
are: 
1. Ahimsa – No harm or Injury to any living being 
2. Truthfulness  
   
   
  
 
RISE	AND	DECLINE	OF	JAINISM
Page 2


 
   
 
 
Rise of Buddhism and Jainism 
The social conditions towards the end of later Vedic period lead to the development of religions 
like Jainism and Buddhism.  
The social conditions at the end of later vedic culture were: 
? The society was divided into 4 varnas (chathur varnas) - Brahmana, Kshatriya, Vaishya and 
Shudra. 
? The practices of yagas and animal sacrifices increased. 
? Priest became a superior class in the society and earned huge wealth.  
? The economic status of the Vaishyas, who were involved in trade increased but they did 
not enjoy social status as Brahmanas.  
This low social status even after gaining huge wealth 
led to new thoughts among the people in North 
eastern parts like Bihar, Vajji, Magadha. They were 
against Vedic practices and caste system and started a 
new tradition called Sramana tradition in which they 
give up everything they have and live as a free man. 
The people who followed Sramana tradition were 
monks who wandered to seek enlightment. When they 
left home and started travellig, they were called 
Parivrajak. This system finally led to the formation of 
religions like Jainism and Buddhism.  
Jainism  
Jainism was founded by Rishabhananda.The successors of Rishabhananda were called 
Thirthankaras or prophets. There were 24 Thirthankaras in Jainism.  
The 23rd Thirthankara was Parsvanatha. He founded the 4 fundamental principles of Jainis. They 
are: 
1. Ahimsa – No harm or Injury to any living being 
2. Truthfulness  
   
   
  
 
RISE	AND	DECLINE	OF	JAINISM
 
   
 
3. No stealing  
4. No attachment to property  
Vardhamana Mahavira was the 24th and the last Thirthankara of Jainism. He proposed Triratnas 
or Three gems as the route to moksha or salvation. They were 
1. Right faith on lord Mahavira 
2. Right knowledge on the doctrines of Jainism 
3. Right action or conduct - 4 fundamental principles + Brahmacharya 
 
Vardhamana Mahavira 
Vardhamana Mahavira was the Kshatriya prince of the Lichchhavis, a group that was part of Vajji 
sangha. He used Prakrit language, which was used by the common people to communicate his 
ideas. The followers of Mahavira came to be known as Jainas. They had to lead a simple life,giving 
up everything including clothes and they begged for food. 
The tough life proposed by Mahavira led to difference in opinion among the followers. Two 
important Jain councils were held to settle this differences. 
? First council - al Patliputra in 3rd century BC 
? Second council - at Vallabhi in 5th century AD 
The councils could not settle the dispute, as a result of which Jainism split into two categories - 
Swethambaras and Digambaras. 
 
 
Page 3


 
   
 
 
Rise of Buddhism and Jainism 
The social conditions towards the end of later Vedic period lead to the development of religions 
like Jainism and Buddhism.  
The social conditions at the end of later vedic culture were: 
? The society was divided into 4 varnas (chathur varnas) - Brahmana, Kshatriya, Vaishya and 
Shudra. 
? The practices of yagas and animal sacrifices increased. 
? Priest became a superior class in the society and earned huge wealth.  
? The economic status of the Vaishyas, who were involved in trade increased but they did 
not enjoy social status as Brahmanas.  
This low social status even after gaining huge wealth 
led to new thoughts among the people in North 
eastern parts like Bihar, Vajji, Magadha. They were 
against Vedic practices and caste system and started a 
new tradition called Sramana tradition in which they 
give up everything they have and live as a free man. 
The people who followed Sramana tradition were 
monks who wandered to seek enlightment. When they 
left home and started travellig, they were called 
Parivrajak. This system finally led to the formation of 
religions like Jainism and Buddhism.  
Jainism  
Jainism was founded by Rishabhananda.The successors of Rishabhananda were called 
Thirthankaras or prophets. There were 24 Thirthankaras in Jainism.  
The 23rd Thirthankara was Parsvanatha. He founded the 4 fundamental principles of Jainis. They 
are: 
1. Ahimsa – No harm or Injury to any living being 
2. Truthfulness  
   
   
  
 
RISE	AND	DECLINE	OF	JAINISM
 
   
 
3. No stealing  
4. No attachment to property  
Vardhamana Mahavira was the 24th and the last Thirthankara of Jainism. He proposed Triratnas 
or Three gems as the route to moksha or salvation. They were 
1. Right faith on lord Mahavira 
2. Right knowledge on the doctrines of Jainism 
3. Right action or conduct - 4 fundamental principles + Brahmacharya 
 
Vardhamana Mahavira 
Vardhamana Mahavira was the Kshatriya prince of the Lichchhavis, a group that was part of Vajji 
sangha. He used Prakrit language, which was used by the common people to communicate his 
ideas. The followers of Mahavira came to be known as Jainas. They had to lead a simple life,giving 
up everything including clothes and they begged for food. 
The tough life proposed by Mahavira led to difference in opinion among the followers. Two 
important Jain councils were held to settle this differences. 
? First council - al Patliputra in 3rd century BC 
? Second council - at Vallabhi in 5th century AD 
The councils could not settle the dispute, as a result of which Jainism split into two categories - 
Swethambaras and Digambaras. 
 
 
 
   
 
 
Spread and Decline of Jainism 
Jainism spread within India only. The main reason for its popularity was that its teachings were 
preached in Prakrit, the language used by common people. Books were also written in Sanskrit 
and Tamil. 
The reasons for decline of Jainism are: 
? The rigid ideals like Ahimsa vere difficult to follow. 
? Jainism was supported mainly by traders but not farmers. 
? Split into Swethambaras and Digambaras 
Art and sculpture: 
Jainism encouraged the construction of stone pillers, statues and cave temples. Example of 
architecture is the statue of Gomatheshwara Bahubali at Sravanabalagola in Karnataka.  
Gomatheshwar Bahubali 
He was the son of Rishabhanadha, the founder of Jainism. He meditated motionless for about 12 
years in standing position. It was built around 981 AD, the monolith statue is 57 foot (17m) tall.