Religious Movements in Ancient India
“Buddhism and Jainism arose in the 6th century BCE to reform orthodox Vedic practices and offer alternative spiritual paths.”
Background
Around 6th century BCE, Northern India witnessed a wave of religious reform due to discontent with Vedic rituals, dominance of Brahmins, sacrifices, and social inequalities like the caste system. Two major religions that emerged in response were:
- Buddhism – founded by Gautama Buddha (Siddhartha) in 6th century BCE.
- Jainism – revived by Mahavira (24th Tirthankara) around the same period.
Buddhism
- Founder: Gautama Buddha (born at Lumbini, attained enlightenment at Bodh Gaya, first sermon at Sarnath, died at Kushinagar)
- Philosophy: Four Noble Truths and Eightfold Path to attain Nirvana (freedom from rebirth and suffering)
- Four Noble Truths: Life is suffering (Dukkha), origin of suffering is desire (Tanha), cessation of suffering is possible, and the path is the Eightfold Path
- Eightfold Path: Right View, Right Thought, Right Speech, Right Action, Right Livelihood, Right Effort, Right Mindfulness, Right Concentration
- Belief in Karma and Rebirth, but denial of soul (Atman)
- Texts: Tripitaka (Vinaya, Sutta, Abhidhamma)
- Divisions: Hinayana and Mahayana
Jainism
- Reviver: Mahavira (24th Tirthankara, born at Kundagrama, attained Kaivalya at Jrimbhikagrama, died at Pavapuri)
- Philosophy: Belief in soul (jiva), karma, and non-violence as the path to liberation (moksha)
- Key Principles (Triratna): Right Faith, Right Knowledge, Right Conduct
- Five Vows: Ahimsa, Satya, Asteya, Brahmacharya, Aparigraha
- Texts: Agamas (written in Prakrit)
- Divisions: Shwetambar and Digambar
Buddhism vs Jainism
| Aspect |
Buddhism |
Jainism |
| Founder |
Gautama Buddha |
Mahavira |
| Belief in Soul |
No (Anatta) |
Yes |
| View on God |
Non-theistic |
Atheistic |
| Main Goal |
Nirvana |
Moksha |
| Language of Scriptures |
Pali |
Prakrit |
Previous Year Questions
- SSC CGL 2017: Where was Gautama Buddha born?
- Lumbini
- RRB NTPC 2019: Who gave the first sermon at Sarnath?
- Buddha
- HSSC 2021: What is the meaning of Jain vow "Aparigraha"?
- Non-possession
- SSC JE 2020: What are the main scriptures of Jainism?
- Agamas
- SSC MTS 2020: In which language are Buddhist texts written?
- Pali
- RRB ALP 2018: What is the meaning of "Nirvana" in Buddhism?
- Freedom from cycle of rebirth
- SSC CHSL 2022: What are the three jewels of Jainism called?
- Ratnatraya
- UPSC Prelims 2020: Which religion denies the existence of a soul?
- Buddhism
- HSSC 2019: Where did Mahavira attain Kaivalya?
- Jrimbhikagrama
- RRB Group D 2022: Who was the 24th Tirthankara?
- Mahavira
- SSC JE 2019: What is "Dhamma Chakra Pravartana"?
- First sermon of Buddha at Sarnath
- SSC GD 2021: Name the sacred symbol of Jainism.
- Swastika
- RRB NTPC 2020: Where did Buddha attain enlightenment?
- Bodh Gaya