Causes of Origin of Buddhism and Jainism

Some Significant Causes of Origin of Alternative Religions 

1. The Kshatriyas' reaction against domination of the Brahmanas: The post Vedic society was clearly divided into four varna's: Brahmanas, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas and Shudras. Kshatriyas (who functioned as rulers and warriors) were ranked second in the varna hierarchy. They reacted strongly against the ritualistic domination of the Brahmanas and the various privileges enjoyed by the priestly class (such as receiving gifts and exemption from taxation and punishment). It is rather unsurprising that both Buddha and Mahavira (key leaders of Buddhism and Jainism), who strongly disputed the authority of the Brahmanas, belonged to the Kshatriya varna. Equally interesting is the fact that Buddhist Pali texts frequently reject the Brahmanical claim to innate superiority and reverses the Brahmanical order of rank, thus placing Kshatriyas higher than the Brahmanas. 

2. Rise of nwe agricultural economy which demanded animal husbandary: In the sixth century BCE, as noted earlier, the centre of economic and political activity shifted from Haryana and Western UP to Eastern UP and Bihar, which had more rainfall and more fertile land. Since it was now easier to exploit the iron ore resources of Bihar and adjoining regions, people started using more and more iron tools and ploughshare to clear the thick forest cover and cultivate the hitherto unexplored areas. The agricultural economy based on iron ploughshare required the use of bullocks, and thus could only flourish with animal husbandry. But the Vedic practice of animal sacrifice resulted in killing of cattle indiscriminately and stood in the way of the progress of the new agricultural economy. Thus, for the stability and prosperity of the new agrarian economy, this slaughtering of animals had to be stopped. Since both Buddhism and Jainism advocated non-violence and were strongly against any form of sacrifices, they were found promising to he peasant masses. 

3. Patronising of Buddhism and Jainism by Vaishyas and other mercantile groups who wanted better social status and a reign of peace: As we are well aware, the sixth century BCE is known as the era of the second urbanisation in the Indian sub-continent. Expansion of Agriculture resulted in improved food supply and helped in the development of craft production, trade and urban centres. The developmentof trade is reflected in discovery of thousands of silver and copper Punch-Marked Coins (PMC) by the numismatists. More than sixty towns and cities such as Patliputra, Rajagriha, Shravasti, Varanasi, Vaishali, Champa, Kaushambi and Ujjaini developed between 600 and 300 BCE. These cities became centres of craft production and trade, and were inhabited by a large number of artisans and merchants. This general economic progress had led to the rise of the Vaishyas and other mercantile groups, who wanted better social position than what the Brahmanas gave them. Since Buddhism and Jainism did not attach any importance to the exiting varna system, it was preferred to patronise non-Vedic religions like Buddhism and Jainism through substantial donations. Also, both Buddhism and Jainism preached the gospel of non-violence, which could put an end to wars between different kingdoms, and consequently promote further trade and commerce, which was beneficial for this economic class. 

4. Ready acceptance of simple, ascetic, peace-centred principles of the Buddhism and Jainism by general folk: The improvement in agriclture and develoment of trade, money and urbanisation had an impact on the society as well. Due to these changes, traditonal equality and brotherhood gave way to inequality and social conflict. People wanted some kind of reprieve from the increasing social problems like violence, cruely, theft, hatredand falsehood. Common people yearned to return to simple , primitive and uncorrupt life. Therefore, when new religions such as Buddhism and Jainism preached the concept of peace and social equality, simple and puritan ascetic living, people welcomed it.