CUET PG History Age of Religion: Buddhism and Jainism

The CUET PG History Age of Religion: Buddhism and Jainism is an important part of Ancient Indian History. Buddhism and Jainism emerged in the 6th century BCE as Shramana traditions that challenged Vedic ritualism, expensive sacrifices and the rigid birth-based varna system. Their teachings emphasised ethical conduct, non-violence, self-discipline and liberation.

For CUET PG History preparation, students should focus on the causes behind the rise of these religions, the lives and teachings of Mahavira and Gautama Buddha, important philosophical concepts, sects, councils and religious literature.

Rise of Buddhism and Jainism

The emergence of Buddhism and Jainism was closely associated with the Second Urbanisation of the Gangetic plains. Several social, economic and religious developments contributed to the popularity of these Shramana movements.

The major causes for the rise of Buddhism and Jainism include:

• Growing dissatisfaction with elaborate and expensive Vedic rituals.

• Opposition to animal sacrifices.

• Restrictions created by the birth-based varna system.

• Growing opposition to Brahminical religious dominance.

• Demand for simpler and more accessible religious practices.

• Support from sections such as Kshatriyas and Vaishyas.

• Use of local languages, which made religious teachings easier to understand.

• Emphasis on equality and rejection of caste-based discrimination.

Buddhism particularly attracted merchants and artisans because of its emphasis on non-violence and rejection of animal sacrifice.

Jainism: Tirthankaras and Mahavira

Jainism recognises 24 Tirthankaras, spiritual teachers who showed the path to liberation. Rishabhadeva, or Adinath, is traditionally regarded as the first Tirthankara. The historicity of the first 22 Tirthankaras remains uncertain, while Parshvanatha, the 23rd, and Mahavira, the 24th, are considered historical figures.

Mahavira, also known as Vardhamana, was born in 540 BCE at Kundalagrama near Vaishali. He renounced worldly life at the age of 30 and practised severe penance for 12 years. At the age of 42, he attained Kevalya, or supreme knowledge. He subsequently taught for around 30 years before attaining nirvana at the age of 72 at Pava near Rajgriha.

Panch Mahavratas of Jainism

The five great vows of Jainism are known as the Panch Mahavratas:

1. Ahimsa – Non-violence

2. Satya – Truthfulness

3. Asteya – Non-stealing

4. Aparigraha – Non-possession

5. Brahmacharya – Celibacy

The fifth vow, Brahmacharya, was specifically added by Mahavira. Monks follow these vows strictly, while householders observe milder forms called Anuvratas.

Jain liberation is associated with the Three Jewels (Ratnatraya): Samyak Darshan (right faith), Samyak Jnana (right knowledge) and Samyak Charitra (right conduct). Jain philosophy also includes Anekantavada and Syadvada, which emphasise the multiplicity and relativity of viewpoints.

Digambara and Shvetambara

Jainism developed two principal sects: Digambara and Shvetambara. Their division is associated with a famine in Magadha during the reign of Chandragupta Maurya.

The First Jain Council was held at Pataliputra around 300 BCE under Sthulabhadra and resulted in the compilation of the 12 Angas. The Second Jain Council was held at Vallabhi in Gujarat in 512 CE under Devardhigani Kshamashramana and finalised the compilation of the 12 Angas and 12 Upangas.

Gautama Buddha: Life and Major Events

Siddhartha Gautama, who became the Buddha, was born in 566 BCE at Lumbini to King Shuddhodana of the Shakya tribe and Queen Maya. His encounter with the Four Sights—an old man, a sick person, a dead person and an ascetic—led him towards renunciation.

At the age of 29, Siddhartha undertook the Mahabhinishkramana, or Great Renunciation. After practising severe austerities, he adopted a balanced approach. He meditated under the Bodhi tree at Bodh Gaya and attained enlightenment after 49 days.

These places and symbols are important for CUET PG History examinations.

Four Noble Truths and Eightfold Path

The Four Noble Truths constitute the philosophical foundation of Buddhism:

• Life involves suffering or Dukkha.

• Suffering has causes such as craving, ignorance and attachment.

• Cessation of suffering is possible.

• The Eightfold Path leads to the cessation of suffering.

The Eightfold Path consists of Right View, Right Intention, Right Speech, Right Action, Right Livelihood, Right Effort, Right Mindfulness and Right Concentration. Buddhism also emphasises the Middle Path, which avoids the extremes of luxury and severe austerity.

Buddhist Philosophy and Literature

The Buddhist concept of Anatta, or non-self, rejects the idea of a permanent, unchanging soul. Individual existence is understood through five aggregates or skandhas: body, sensation, perception, mental formations and consciousness.

Buddhist canonical literature is organised into the Tripitaka, or Three Baskets:

• Vinaya Pitaka – Rules of monastic discipline.

• Sutta Pitaka – Teachings of the Buddha.

• Abhidhamma Pitaka – Philosophical, ethical and metaphysical teachings.

Important non-canonical Buddhist texts include the Dipavamsa, Mahavamsa, Milindapanha and Jatakas.

Buddhist Councils and Sects

The Second Buddhist Council was held at Vaishali in 383 BCE during the reign of Kalashoka. It marked an important doctrinal division between the Sthaviravadins and Mahasanghikas. The former tradition eventually developed into Theravada, also referred to in the source as Hinayana, while the latter contributed to the development of Mahayana Buddhism. Vajrayana, associated particularly with Tibetan Buddhism, developed later and incorporated tantric practices.

CUET PG History: Important Exam Points

For quick revision, candidates should remember:

• Buddhism and Jainism emerged in the 6th century BCE.

• Both belonged to the broader Shramana tradition.

• Jainism recognises 24 Tirthankaras.

• Mahavira was the 24th Tirthankara.

• Buddha attained enlightenment at Bodh Gaya.

• Buddha delivered his First Sermon at Sarnath.

• Jainism emphasises Ahimsa and the Three Jewels.

• Buddhism is based on the Four Noble Truths and Eightfold Path.

• Jainism developed the Digambara and Shvetambara traditions.

• Buddhist canonical literature is known as the Tripitaka.

The CUET PG History Age of Religion: Buddhism and Jainism topic covers one of the major religious and intellectual developments of ancient India. 

Candidates should revise the causes of their emergence, Mahavira and Buddha's lives, core philosophies, sects, councils and literature. Memorising important dates, places, concepts and comparisons can help in preparing effectively for CUET PG History questions.

Preparation Resources:

• CUET PG History Syllabus

• CUET PG History Previous Year Papers

• CUET PG Online Batches

• CUET PG Test Series