ଜେନିଜମ୍ ଏବଂ ବୁଦ୍ଧିଜ୍ମ: ପ୍ରାଚୀନ ଭାରତ

Jainism and Buddhism in Ancient India (600-500 BCE)

• Transitional Period: Indian society transitioned from pastoral/agrarian to agricultural/urban, driven by iron technology advancements. This led to the rise of Mahajanapadas (large kingdoms).
• Dissatisfaction with Vedic Rituals: Traditional Vedic rituals, particularly animal sacrifices, clashed with the changing agricultural lifestyle. People craved new philosophies for meaning and liberation.
• Rise of Jainism and Buddhism: Jainism emphasized non-violence and asceticism, while Buddhism focused on the Middle Way and Four Noble Truths. These philosophies appealed to those disillusioned with Vedic practices.
• Social and Economic Factors: Growth of trade and commerce in addition to the emergence of new economic opportunities played a role in the rise of these new philosophies.
• Challenge to Varna System: The growing dissatisfaction with the Varna system, which based social status on birth, fueled the popularity of Jainism and Buddhism. These new philosophies offered alternatives to the rigid hierarchical structure.
• Philosophical Shift: A broader intellectual revolution occurred, influenced by figures and reformers emphasizing knowledge, meditation, and philosophical inquiry (akin to Upanishads). The concepts of Brahman and the soul were discussed extensively.
• Desire for Inclusivity and Ethical Governance: The shift reflected society's push for inclusivity and ethical governance, as people sought alternatives to traditional social hierarchies and the associated rigid structures.
• Emphasis on Ahimsa (Non-Violence): The growing desire for non-violence contrasted with the previous focus on ritualistic aggression and violence, and highlighted a move towards a compassionate approach. It was also a reaction to the complexities and materiality of urban life, prompting a desire for a more simplified and ascetic existence.
• Critique of Materialism and Wealth: Jainism and Buddhism promoted ethical living and inner peace, rejecting excessive focus on material wealth and accumulation of wealth.
• Over 360 Philosophies: Many new sects/philosophies arose during this period, but Jainism and Buddhism stood out due to their alternative approaches to ethics and social organization.
• Influential Figures and Reformers: Various influencers and reformers played a significant role in articulating new ideas.

ଏହି କ୍ୱିଜ୍ ଜେନିଜମ୍ ଏବଂ ବୁଦ୍ଧିଜ୍ମର ଉଦୟ ଓ ପ୍ରାଚୀନ ଭାରତରେ ସାମାଜିକ ଓ ଅର୍ଥନୈତିକ ପ୍ରଭାବ ବିଷୟରେ ଅଲଙ୍କାର କରିଛି। ଯେଉଁଠାରେ ଗୁରୁତ୍ୱ ଦିଆଯାଇଛି ନିୟମିତ ବୈଦିକ ଥିବା ବ୍ୟବସ୍ଥାରେ ବିବେଚନା କରିବାକୁ। ଏହା ସଙ୍ଗେ ସେମାନଙ୍କର ତତ୍ତ୍ୱ କଣ ଥିଲା ବିଷୟରେ ଚର୍ଚ୍ଚା କରାଯାଇଛି।