The primary cause for the rise of Jainism and Buddhism was the religious unrest in India in the 6th Century BCE. Several social, economic, religious factors were also responsible for the emergence of heterodox religions like Buddhism and Jainism, In the Post-Vedic period the society was divided into four varnas viz, Brahmanas, Kshatriyas, Vaisyas and Sudras. The Brahmanas who occupied the top most place in the society became the custodians of religion and learning. The Kshatriyas reacted very sharply against the ritualistic domination and the enviable social status enjoyed by the Brahmanas. Gautama, the Buddha, the founder of Buddhism and Vardhamana Mahavira, the promoter of Jainism were Kshatriyas. Both of them questioned the authority of the Brahmanas. In the Bramanical society, the Vaisyas were ranked third. During this period, due to the emergence of agrarian economy, expansion of trade and commerce, and finally the formation of guilds made the Vaisya community economically po...
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