Religion & Philosophy

Enumerate the factors that led to the emergence and spread of Buddhism and Jainism in India around 6th century BCE

Buddhism and Jainism can be essentially understood as heterodox reform movements i.e they were born and could spread in response to pre-existing grievances about the then dominant traditions among the ordinary population. Since, these 6^th century movements were reform movements in response to the dominant Vedic religion which emphasized sacrificial rituals monopolized by Brahmin priests, they have common causes to their origin and share similar features as well.

Religious/philosophical causes

The changing nature of sacrifices performed; more elaborate and private

The years immediately preceding the 6^th century BCE , the nature of Vedic sacrifices underwent a drastic change. They become more elaborate, time consuming and less public, whereas in the early Vedic period these rituals were performed in a collective setting mostly organized by the chief and with collective resources. But due to changing economic landscape sacrifices or Yajnas began to be increasingly performed in private households of wealthy ‘Grahaptis’, this might have led to increasing feeling of estrangement from those who couldn’t conduct such grand ceremonies.

Also the number and types of Yajnas also sports a marked rise again adding to the discontent

Atmosphere of free Discussion and Debate

During the centuries under study were characterized by a milieu of hot discussions and debates as reflected in the Upanishads compiled during the period , profound questions were raised and answers sought, indicating renewed interest and curiosity in spirituality and therefore providing the perfect background for an intellectual renaissance. This also meant anything and everything could be questioned thus Buddhism and Jainism rejected the idea of infallibility of Vedas.

Novelty of the Message

Rejecting the value of sacrifices both the movements emphasized the idea of cycles of Karma and ‘Moksha’ and advocated renunciation stressing on individual efforts as means of liberation and not elaborate Yajnas conducted by Brahmins.

Buddhism and Jainism also put forward ideas of compassion towards other human beings and animals reflecting of the changing moral preferences of a society.

Economic/Political Causes

Changing economic activities

This period in the history of the subcontinent witnessed consolidation of agriculture which also triggered rapid urbanization. As the production requirements changed the cultural and moral ethos also realigned. For example sacrifices involving cattle now become undesirable. It is also identified from historical records that most of the followers of the new movements who helped them financially were urban traders, Stupas were located in urban centers and were collectively funded by many traders. It seems traders favored these movements especially Buddhism. The itinerant natures of traders and their wealth further helped their spread.

Royal Patronage

It’s evident from the Asokan edicts that he actively patronized the spread of Buddhism through edicts and also by sending missionaries and ambassadors to various parts of the world.

Socio-Cultural Factors

Use of popular languages like Pali

Early Buddhist scriptures were written in Pali and Jain ones were in Prakrit which meant that they were accessible to common people further aiding in their spread.

Rigid Varna System

These movements were also an open rebellion against the Varna system that emphasized too much on noble birth whereas heterodox movements accepted and acknowledged individual agency and merit.

Conclusion

Thus it could be correctly said that a set of causes spanning across economic political and social dimensions aligned together to facilitate the emergence and spread of Buddhism and Jainism. They rose in response to social resentment grew by virtue of economic support and favorable conditions and ultimately survived and flourished when political recognition was eventually granted.