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On: March 10, 2025
Daily Answer Writing Practice Questions (10 March 2025)
The National Rail Plan (NRP) for India – 2030 aims to develop a ‘future ready’ railway system by 2030. Discuss. (Answer in 200 words) भारत के लिए राष्ट्रीय रेल योजना (NRP)- 2030 का लक्ष्य वर्ष 2030 तक ‘भविष्य के लिए ...
On: March 8, 2025
Daily Answer Writing Practice Questions (8 March 2025)
Examine the key issues that obstruct the development of port infrastructure in India and outline the recent measures taken by the government to address these challenges. (Answer in 200 words) भारत में बंदरगाह अवसंरचना के विकास में आने वाली विभिन्न ...
On: March 7, 2025
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मानव-वन्यजीव संघर्ष का प्रबंधन
प्रधानमंत्री की घोषणा: मानव-वन्यजीव संघर्ष प्रबंधन के लिए एक समर्पित केंद्र की स्थापना। चुनौतियाँ: जनसंख्या वृद्धि और संसाधनों की प्रतिस्पर्धा। वन्यजीव संरक्षण का महत्व पारिस्थितिक संतुलन और जलवायु अनुकूलन: वन्यजीव पारिस्थितिकी तंत्र को बनाए रखने और जलवायु पैटर्न को विनियमित ...
Some of the forces behind Buddhism and Jainism’s rapid growth and popularity in India during the 6th century BCE are noted below:
Social and political feelings of protest against the hardness of the caste system, constricting social mobility, and rigid dividing lines led to strong discontentment. On one hand, some people failed to fathom the subtleties and weight that the religion of the Veda called for, concerning rituals and sacrifices.
There would also be economic changes since growth in trade would come about with the eventual result of urbanization and creation of new social classes consisting of merchants and artisans who often found themselves beyond the scope of the old order as defined by Veda.
Philosophical and Spiritual Pursuit: Buddhism and Jainism provided a philosophical pursuit against the authority of Brahmins and Vedic texts. Both gave a view of individualistic spiritual pursuit, ethics, and emancipation from this cycle of rebirth.
Strong Stress on Non-Violence: Both the religions taught ahimsa – no harm to all the beings which was the sentiment with people who wanted greater consideration to the welfare of animals and moral issues.
Having undergone such rituals, Buddhism and Jainism struck me as being relatively pragmatic in spiritual approach. In fact, the methodology toward enlightenment came only after undergoing meditation, mindfulness, and ethical living.
Missionary Zeal: Both religions had devoted monks and nuns, who spread their teaching aggressively through preaching and the establishment of monasteries. They ventured into all parts of India and beyond and were communicating the same message to diverse audiences.
All these factors combined to create a fertile ground for the rise and spread of Buddhism and Jainism, which eventually transformed the religious horizon of India and shaped its culture and society.
Evaluation of the Answer:
The answer provides a detailed explanation of the factors that led to the rise of Buddhism and Jainism in the 6th century BCE in India, focusing on socio-religious and economic factors. It highlights crucial points such as:
Social inequalities like the varna system, caste discrimination, and the elaborate Vedic rituals, all of which led people to seek alternative, more egalitarian religious practices.
The use of vernacular languages like Pali and Prakrit, which made these religions more accessible.
Economic changes like the growth of trade, rise of the Vaishyas (merchant class), and the agrarian economy.
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Strengths:
The answer is well-structured, breaking down factors into socio-religious and economic categories.
It mentions critical points like Brahminic supremacy, use of vernacular languages, and economic motives related to the merchant class.
Missing Facts:
The role of urbanization: The rise of cities provided new audiences and spaces for these religions.
Political factors: The support of rulers like King Ashoka for Buddhism after the 3rd century BCE could be briefly mentioned as an important factor for dissemination.
Popularization of non-violence: More emphasis on how non-violence was particularly appealing to the growing merchant class and agricultural economy, as opposed to the Vedic sacrifices.
Suggestions:
The answer could benefit from a mention of how the empowerment of common people through Jainism and Buddhism attracted followers from various strata, especially the lower castes.
Adding a brief mention of the personal appeal of figures like Mahavira and Buddha would strengthen the answer.