{"id":23668,"date":"2026-04-13T19:36:32","date_gmt":"2026-04-13T14:06:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.jrfadda.com\/exams\/?p=23668"},"modified":"2026-05-06T14:43:18","modified_gmt":"2026-05-06T09:13:18","slug":"jainism-buddhism-ajivikas-origins-teachings","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.jrfadda.com\/exams\/ugc-net-notes\/jainism-buddhism-ajivikas-origins-teachings","title":{"rendered":"Jainism, Buddhism and Ajivikas: Origins, Teachings & Impact in Ancient India"},"content":{"rendered":"

Jainism, Buddhism and Ajivikas emerged during the 6th century BCE in India, marking a major transformation in religious, social, and philosophical thought. During this period, people began questioning the authority of the Vedas, Brahmanical rituals, and social inequalities. These sects offered alternative paths to spiritual liberation, ethical living, and societal reform.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Jainism, Buddhism and Ajivikas Historical overview\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n

The 6th century BCE was a period of rapid social and economic change. The rise of the Mahajanapadas, growing urban centers, and expansion of trade created new social dynamics. Traditional Vedic authority and ritualistic practices began to lose their appeal, especially among urban and merchant communities. Dissatisfaction with caste hierarchies, animal sacrifices, and rigid priestly control led to the Emergence of Heterodox Sects such as Jainism, Buddhism and Ajivikas.<\/span><\/p>\n

Jainism<\/b><\/h2>\n

Origins and Founder<\/b><\/h3>\n

Jainism was founded by Vardhamana Mahavira (c. 599\u2013527 BCE), the 24th Tirthankara. He was born into the Kshatriya clan of Nathaputta in Kundagrama near Vaishali. At the age of 30, he renounced his royal life to pursue spiritual knowledge. After 12 years of intense ascetic practice, he attained Kevala Jnana (omniscience) and spent the rest of his life teaching ethical conduct and spiritual discipline.<\/span><\/p>\n

Core Teachings<\/b><\/h3>\n