IGNOU HISTORY NOTES : Modern India - BUDDHISM, JAINISM AND OTHER RELIGIOUS IDEAS

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IGNOU HISTORY Study Notes for IAS, UPSC Exams

Modern India 1857-1964

BUDDHISM, JAINISM AND OTHER RELIGIOUS IDEAS

Structure

17.0 Objectives
17.1 Introduction
17.2 Rise of New Religious Ideas
17.3 Gautama Buddha and Origin of Buddhism
17.4 Teachings of Buddha
17.5 Development of Buddhism
17.5.1 Spread of Buddhism
17.5.2 The Institution of the Sangha
17.5.3 Buddhist Councils
17.5.4 Buddhist Schools
17.6 Origins of Jainism
17.6.1 Parsvanatha
17.6.2 Mahavira
17.7 Teachings of Mahavira
17.8 Development of Jainism
17.8.1 Spread of Jainism
17.8.2 Jain Councils
17.8.3 Sects
17.9 Other Heterodox Ideas
17.9.1 Ajivh
17.9.2 Other Ideas
17.10 Impact of the New Religious Movements
17.li LetUsSumUp
17.12 Keywords
17.13 Answers to Check Your Progress Exercises

17.0 OBJECTIVES

After studying this Unit you should be able to know about :

• the background to the rise of new religious ideas during the sixth century B.C.,
• the emergence and growth of Buddhism and Jainism,
• the main tenets of these religions,
• the influence these religions came to wield on contemporary society,
• the other heterodox ideas prevalent in the sixth century B.C., and,
• the significance of these religious movements.

17.1 INTRODUCTION

The sixth century B.C. was an important stage in Indian history as far as the development of new religions is concerned. In this period, we notice a growing opposition to the ritualistic orthodox ideas of the Brahmanas. This ultimately led to the emergence of many heterodox religious movements. Among these Buddhism and Jainism developed into well organised popular religions. This Unit attempts to analyse the emergence andsignificance of these new religious ideas.
Firstly it deals with the factors that were responsible for the emergence and growth of heterodox ideas. Then it goes on to explain how Buddha and Mahavira tried to find a solution in their own ways to end human suffering. Since the causes for the emergence of the& two religions are common in nature, the? is some similarity in the principles adopted by these religions. However, they differ completely on some of the basic principles. We have discussed these points in the unit.

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