TOPIC INFO (CUET PG)
TOPIC INFO – CUET PG (History)
SUB-TOPIC INFO – Ancient Indian History
CONTENT TYPE – Short Notes
What’s Inside the Chapter? (After Subscription)
1. Emergence of Heterodox Religious Sects
1.1. Reasons Behind the Emergence of New Religions
2. Jainism
2.1. Vardhamana Mahavira
2.2. Philosophy of Jainism
2.3. Other important aspects of the philosophy of Jainism
2.4. List of 24 Tirthankaras
2.5. Principles of Jainism (Doctrines)
2.6. Sects/Schools of Jainism
2.7. Jaina Literature
2.8. Major Jaina Languages
2.9. Jaina Architecture
2.10. Royal Patrons of Jainism
2.11. Important Terms Related with Jainism
2.12. Important Philosophies in Jainism
2.13. Decline of Jainism
3. Buddhism
3.1. Gautama Buddha
3.2. Philosophy of Buddhism
3.3. Symbols Representing Events of Buddh’s Life
3.4. Buddhist Doctrines
3.5. Eightfold Path (Ashtangika Marga)
3.6. Three Gems (Triratnas)
3.7. Five Precepts of Buddha (Panchshila)
3.8. Buddhist Monastic Community
3.9. Famous Monks at the Time of Buddha
3.10. Buddhist Councils
3.11. Sects of Buddhism
3.12. Bodhisattvas
3.13. Famous Buddhist Scholars
3.14. Buddhist Literature
3.15. Buddhist Architecture
3.16. Buddhist Mudras
3.17. Buddhism and Brahmanism
3.18. Decline of Buddhism
4. Differences between Buddhism and Jainism
5. Other Heterodox Sects (600-300 BC)
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Age of Religion
CUET PG History
The sixth century BC saw the rise of Jainism and Buddhism and other religious sects, which was destined to bring to an end the unquestioned supremacy of Vedic Culture. They mainly originated in the middle Gangetic plains
Emergence of Heterodox Religious Sects
- The sixth century BC marked a significant period in Indian history concerning the development of alternative belief systems.
- During this time, there was a noticeable opposition to the ritualistic and orthodox ideas propagated by the Brahmanas.
- This resistance paved the way for the emergence of various non-conformist religious movements, such as Jainism and Buddhism, which found patronage from different rulers.
| The term “Heterodoxy” finds its roots in the ancient Greek word “heteros,” signifying something other, different from the prevailing beliefs. It encompasses opinions or doctrines that deviate from an established belief system. |
Reasons Behind the Emergence of New Religions
Several factors contributed to the rise of these new non-conformist religions:
- Expensive Rituals: The Vedic religious practices had become intricate and burdensome, filled with numerous meaningless ceremonies, prompting a need for simpler alternatives.
- Discriminatory Systems: The later Vedic culture was characterized by a rigid caste system, leading to a hierarchical structure with the proliferation of castes and sub-castes. This discriminatory system became a driving force for the quest for alternative religious paths.
- Social Transformations in the Sixth Century BC
- The prevalent social conditions during the sixth century BC were marked by the subjugation of women and Shudras, leading to widespread distress among ordinary people. Notably, the growing influence of Brahmanas further exacerbated these inequalities.
- Dominance of Brahmanas: During this period, the significance of sacrifices and Yajnas solidified the dominance of Brahmanas in society. Acting as both priests and authoritative figures, they held a monopoly on performing sacred religious rites.
- Emergence of New Social Groups: The expansion of cultivated land gave rise to new states and social groups, gaining substantial economic power. The merchant class and affluent agricultural householders opposed the social positions imposed by Brahmanas based on heredity.
- Supremacy of Scriptures: Vedic literature, diverse and specialized in various aspects, was written in Sanskrit, a language accessible only to Brahmanas. This linguistic barrier prompted a yearning among the common people for a new, comprehensible language to understand their religion and literature.
- Rise of Non-Vedic Sects: In response to these social and linguistic challenges, various non-Vedic sects or religions emerged in the sixth century BC. These movements catered to the aspirations of Vaishya and non-Brahmanical powerful individuals and groups.