Early India and the Rise of Heterodox Religions
Domain focus
This section tests the rise of Buddhism and Jainism in the sixth century BCE, their doctrines, organisation and appeal, and their relationship with states and society.
Core concepts
- Buddhism: Buddha taught the Four Noble Truths and Eightfold Path; karma, samsara and nirvana; sangha and monasteries; Tripitaka in Pali.
- Jainism: Mahavira is the 24th tirthankara; strict ahimsa, asceticism, karma and liberation; Agamas; split into Digambara and Svetambara.
- Both rejected Vedic sacrifice and Brahmanical authority but used vernacular preaching and lay support.
- Merchants and rulers patronised them; Mauryan Ashoka supported Buddhist institutions.
Worked example
A question asks why merchants favoured Buddhism. Reasoning: Buddhism allowed lay followers to earn merit through donation and did not require costly sacrifices; monasteries and trade routes created networks. This does not mean merchants rejected all Brahmanical practices.
Traps
Buddha was not worshipped as a god in early Buddhism. Jainism is not identical with Buddhism; ahimsa is more central and asceticism stricter. Do not confuse the Tripitaka with Jain Agamas. Avoid dating both religions to one exact year.