Which of the following can be attributed to Jainism and Buddhism's ri...
- The common people did not accept the complex rituals and sacrifices advocated in the later Vedic period. The sacrificial ceremonies were too expensive.
- The people got confused with superstitious beliefs and mantras. By contrast, Rig Vedic practices were simple in the preceding period.
- The Upanishads were highly philosophical in nature and were not easily understood by all.
- Therefore, people wanted a simple, short and intelligible way to salvation.
- The language of religious teachings should also be known to them. The teachings of Buddha and Mahavira fulfilled this need.
- Certain privileges were enjoyed by higher classes, which were denied to the lower classes. The Kshatriyas had resented the domination of the priestly class.
- It should be noted that both Buddha and Mahavira belonged to Kshatriya origin.
- The economic conditions of the Vaishyas were improved due to trade growth.
- As a result, the common people wanted to enhance their social status, but the orthodox Varna system did not allow this. Therefore, they supported Buddhism and Jainism.
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Which of the following can be attributed to Jainism and Buddhism's ri...
Jainism and Buddhism emerged as influential religions in India during the sixth century BC. Several factors contributed to their rise, including the impracticality and expense of Rig Vedic practices, the incomprehensibility of the Upanishads, and the economic growth of trading communities.
1. Impracticality and Expense of Rig Vedic Practices:
- The Rig Vedic practices were complex and required the involvement of priests and elaborate rituals.
- The rituals involved the sacrifice of animals, which became increasingly impractical and expensive for common people.
- The rituals were also highly exclusive, as only the upper castes had access to them.
- This exclusivity and the burden of expensive rituals created a sense of dissatisfaction among the common people.
2. Incomprehensibility of the Upanishads:
- The Upanishads, which are philosophical texts associated with the Vedas, were written in Sanskrit and contained complex philosophical concepts.
- The Upanishads were mainly accessible to the Brahmin priests and scholars who had received extensive education in Sanskrit.
- As a result, the common people found it difficult to comprehend the teachings of the Upanishads, leading to a sense of alienation.
3. Rise in the Economic Status of Trading Communities:
- During the sixth century BC, there was a significant increase in trade and commerce in India.
- This led to the emergence of prosperous trading communities, such as the Vaishyas and the Shudras, who were traditionally excluded from the Vedic rituals and religious practices.
- The trading communities, who were engaged in business and economic activities, found solace in the teachings of Jainism and Buddhism, which emphasized ethical conduct, non-violence, and equality.
- These religions offered them a sense of belonging and provided a moral framework that resonated with their economic pursuits.
In conclusion, the rise of Jainism and Buddhism in sixth century BC India can be attributed to the impracticality and expense of Rig Vedic practices, the incomprehensibility of the Upanishads, and the economic growth of trading communities. These factors created a fertile ground for the emergence of alternative religious and philosophical movements that were more accessible and inclusive.
Which of the following can be attributed to Jainism and Buddhism's ri...
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