Religious Movements of 6th Century BCE – OAS/OCS Notes

This page covers the religious movements of the 6th century BCE—Jainism, Buddhism, and Ajivikas—for OAS prelims. It includes founders, doctrines, sects, councils, literature, and their spread, with PYQ-based practice questions. Focus on factual details like names, places, and events, as OPSC asks direct questions from this topic.

Jainism

Origin and Tirthankaras

Jainism is one of the oldest religions. It believes in 24 Tirthankaras. Rishabhdev (Adinatha) was the first Tirthankara and the originator of Jainism. Parshvanatha was the 23rd Tirthankara, associated with Varanasi. Mahavira (Vardhamana) was the 24th and last Tirthankara. He was born at Kundagrama near Vaishali. His mother was Trishala, daughter of Licchavi king Chetaka. He attained enlightenment on the bank of river Rijupalika. His first disciple was Jamali. He died at Pawapuri (Bihar).

Doctrines of Jainism

• Tri Ratna: Right faith, right knowledge, right conduct.
• Anekantavada: Many-sidedness of reality; no single statement is absolutely true.
• Syadvad: Doctrine of 'may be'—truth is relative.
• Non-violence (Ahimsa): Supreme principle; even stones, rocks, and water have life.
• Karma: The world is animated; karma binds the soul. Penance destroys karma.
• Jainism does not believe in a creator God; the world is maintained by universal law.
• Final annihilation of the world is not accepted.

Sects and Councils

After Mahavira's death, a split occurred. The First Jain Council was held at Pataliputra (c. 300 BCE) under Sthulabhadra, leading to the formation of the Svetambara sect (white-clad). Bhadrabahu led the Digambara sect (sky-clad) and took Jainism to South India. The Second Jain Council was held at Vallabhi. Sthanakvasi and Yapaniya are other Jain sects.

Literature and Spread

Early Jain literature was compiled in Ardhamagadhi. The earliest holy books are the Fourteen Purvas, followed by Twelve Angas. Kharavela, the Kalinga king, was an ardent follower of Jainism in the 1st century BCE. Bhadrabahu carried Jainism to South India. Gommateshwara statue at Shravanabelagola represents Bahubali.

Buddhism

Life of Gautama Buddha

Gautama Buddha was born in 563 BC at Lumbini (Nepal). His mother was Maya from the Koliyan clan. His foster mother was Mahapajapati Gotami. He left home (Mahabhinishkramana), attained enlightenment at Bodh Gaya on the bank of river Niranjana, gave his first sermon at Sarnath (Dharmachakrapravartana), and attained Mahaparinirvana at Kushinagar in the Malla republic. His teachers included Alara Kalama. Devadatta wanted to lead the Sangha during Buddha's lifetime. Ananda was his constant companion.

Teachings of Buddhism

• Four Noble Truths: suffering, cause of suffering, cessation of suffering, path to cessation.
• Eightfold Path: right view, resolve, speech, conduct, livelihood, effort, mindfulness, meditation. It is the Middle Path.
• Nirvana: extinction of the flame of desire.
• Buddhism accepts Karma and rebirth but rejects the authority of the Vedas and God.
• Triratna: Buddha, Dharma, Sangha.
• Buddha allowed women into the Sangha at Vaishali, with Mahapajapati Gotami as the first bhikkhuni.

Sects and Councils

Hinayana (Theravada) believes in the original teachings of Buddha and does not worship images. Mahayana emerged during Kanishka's reign; it deifies Buddha, worships images, and follows Bodhisattvas. Vajrayana became prominent during the Sultanate period. Four Buddhist Councils were held: First at Rajgriha (Ajatashatru, Mahakassapa), Second at Vaishali, Third at Pataliputra (Ashoka), Fourth at Kashmir (Kanishka, Vasumitra).

Literature and Spread

The Tripitaka consists of Vinaya Pitaka (rules of monastic life), Sutta Pitaka (sermons on ethics and doctrine), and Abhidhamma Pitaka (psychology and metaphysics). It was written in Pali. Nalanda and Vikramshila were great Buddhist learning centres. Nagarjuna taught Shunyata and belonged to the Madhyamika school. Maitreya is the future Buddha. Buddhism spread to Sri Lanka, China, and South-East Asia.

Ajivikas and Other Sects

The Ajivika sect was founded by Makkhali Gosala. They believed that destiny determines everything and man is powerless. They used the Barabar caves as shelters. Other sects include the Bhagavata religion, which worshipped Vasudeva Krishna; the earliest epigraphic evidence is the Besnagar inscription of Heliodorus. Lingayat movement was founded by Basava. Alvar and Nayanar saints were Vaishnava and Shaiva respectively.

OAS vs UPSC: Focus Areas

Odisha Angle

Odisha has a strong Jain connection. Kharavela, the Kalinga king, was an ardent patron of Jainism. The Udayagiri and Khandagiri caves near Bhubaneswar are Jain rock-cut caves. OAS may ask about Kharavela's religion or the Jain heritage of Odisha.

Practice Questions