(DAW)

DAILY ANSWER WRITING

Feb.’23

GS-I (Paper- II)

(Model Answer-2)
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 Sunya IAS – DAILY ANSWER WRITING (DAW) – FEB.’23
GS – I (PAPER – I I)
(Model Answer)

Q2. Explain the reasons for the rise of Buddhism and Jainism in India. Also, discuss the
contributing factors for the rise of several religious sects within themselves with
varying beliefs and practices.

(250 words, 15 marks)

Approach
Introduction: Briefly describe Buddism and Jainism.
Body:
 Explain reasons for the rise of Buddhism and Jainism
 Explain reason for the rise of religious sects among Buddhism and Jainism
Conclusion: Conclude appropriately.

Introduction: Buddhism and Jainism are two religions originated in India around 5th century
B.C.E in the later Vedic period. Both religions share many similarities, and their origin is
linked to existing socio-economic setup of them time.

Reasons for the rise of Buddhism and Jainism are as follows

 Socio-religious factors:
 Rigid caste system: Brahmanical supremacy caused resentment among other
castes, particularly among Kshatriyas and Vaishyas. Both Buddha and Mahavira
belonged to Kshatriya origin. Vaishyas too extended their support to new
religions.
 Complex rituals and ceremonies: Vedas written in Sanskrit is not understood by
the masses. Moreover, religious sacrifices were expensive and elaborate.
 Simplicity of new religions: Buddhism and Jainism used common man’s
languages like Pali and Prakrit and its principles can be easily followed unlike
Vedic religions.
 Economic factors:
 Rise of new economy: Use of iron ploughshare necessitated the use of bullocks.
Cattle sacrifices during later Vedic times acted as hindrance to growth of
agricultural economy.
 Growth of trade: Trade helped in improving position of merchant class
(Vaishyas) and they wanted to enhance their social status and supported
Buddhism and Jainism.
 Peace and stability: Both Buddhism and Jainism preached non-violence, which
might put end to hostilities between kingdoms and as result foster more trade and
commerce.

Reasons for the rise of several religious sects within Buddhism and Jainism are as
follows
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GS – I (PAPER – I I)
 Differences among followers: After the death of Buddha and Mahavira, differences
among the followers caused formation of new sects, each with their own set of
practices.
o Example: The Mahayana Buddhism viewed Buddha as a supreme leader,
while Hinayana Buddhism viewed Buddha as more of a teacher.
 Interactions with other religions: During later period features of Hinduism got
integrated into Jainism and Buddhism.
o Example: Idol worship by Mahayana Buddhists.
 Evolution of society: Many initial ideas were rejected in the later period as the
society evolved. Hence, new sects adopted flexible principles unlike rigid initial ides.
o Example: Svetambara believed women are equally capable of achieving
liberation, while Digambara believed women must be reborn as a man to
achieve nirvana.
 Independent growth: When groups separated by distance developed independent of
each other, new sects were emerged.
o Example: Jain followers migrated to South India due to famine in Magadha
developed unique practices and caused split of Jainism into Digambara and
Svetambara.
 Spread to new regions: Transmissions to South-East Asia and East Asia resulted in
formation of new offshoots of religions.
o Example: Vajrayana Buddhism in Eastern India.
Conclusion: Buddhism and Jainism evolved into several new sects with changes in time and
place to suit the need of the changing society. However, core ideas such as dhamma and non-
violence remained intact in them.

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