History Chapter 3: Buddhism and Jainism | Full Notes & 30 MCQs Mock Test
Chapter 3: Buddhism and Jainism
In the 6th Century BCE, India saw the rise of two major heterodox religions—Buddhism and Jainism. These movements emerged as a reaction against the rigid ritualism and Varna system of the Later Vedic period.
1. Buddhism (Gautama Buddha)
Founded by Siddhartha Gautama (563-483 BCE). He is known as the 'Light of Asia'.
- Birth: Lumbini (Nepal).
- Enlightenment (Nirvana): Bodh Gaya (Bihar) under a Pipal tree.
- First Sermon: Sarnath (Varanasi). Known as Dharmachakra Pravartana.
- Death (Mahaparinirvana): Kushinagar (UP).
2. Four Buddhist Councils
| Council | Place | Patron (King) | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | Rajgriha | Ajatashatru | Compilation of Sutta & Vinaya Pitaka. |
| 2nd | Vaishali | Kalasoka | Split into Sthaviravadins & Mahasanghikas. |
| 3rd | Pataliputra | Ashoka | Compilation of Abhidhamma Pitaka. |
| 4th | Kashmir | Kanishka | Final split into Hinayana & Mahayana. |
3. Jainism (Vardhamana Mahavira)
Jainism has 24 Tirthankaras. The 1st was Rishabhanatha and the 23rd was Parshvanatha.
Vardhamana Mahavira (24th Tirthankara):
• Born in Kundagrama (Vaishali).
• Attained Kaivalya (Supreme Knowledge) at the age of 42.
• Taught the Triratnas (Three Jewels): Right Faith, Right Knowledge, and Right Conduct.
• Sects: Digambaras (Sky-clad/Naked) and Shvetambaras (White-clad).
• Born in Kundagrama (Vaishali).
• Attained Kaivalya (Supreme Knowledge) at the age of 42.
• Taught the Triratnas (Three Jewels): Right Faith, Right Knowledge, and Right Conduct.
• Sects: Digambaras (Sky-clad/Naked) and Shvetambaras (White-clad).
Buddhism & Jainism Mock Test
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