Question Q.7Answer in 250 wordsGS1GS1

Flow do you explain the decline of Buddhism and Jainism? What was the impact of these philosophies on Indian society?

Introduction

Buddhism and Jainism originated as a reaction against brahmanical society, dominance of upper castes and questions related to spiritualism and way of life.

23 words

Main Body

Reasons for decline of Buddhism:

1Post-Mauryan politics dominated by Hindus → Shunga dynasty, Kanara dynasty → large-scale persecution of Buddhists.

2Authoritarianism of nuns and monks → suppression and exploitation of marginalized sections.

3Decline of Hinayana Buddhism → idealization of 'Buddha' → demand for 'idols, donations, laity etc' → lost its earlier appeal.

Decline of Jainism:

1Extreme forms of asceticism, especially in Digambara sect. eg: Nudity, extreme non-violence → cannot practice agriculture etc; completely renouncing 'ordeal' lifestyle.

2Declining patronage for Jain saints.

3Rise in influence of Hinduism → Gupta period.

4Disconnects with the masses.

Nonetheless, the philosophies of Buddhism & Jainism played a crucial role in initiating we caste-ridden Hindu codify.

Decline of Jainism (continued):

1Extreme forms of asceticism, especially in Digambara sect. eg: Nudity, extreme non-violence → cannot practice agriculture etc; completely renouncing 'ordeal' lifestyle.

2Declining patronage for Jain saints.

3Rise in influence of Hinduism → Gupta period.

4Disconnects with the masses.

Nonetheless, the philosophies of Buddhism & Jainism played a crucial role in initiating we caste-ridden Hindu codify.

180 words4 paragraphs

Conclusion

Impact of Buddhism & Jainism: 1) have rise to 'Samana' tradition of unorthodox philosophy → rejected the authority of Vedas 2) Provided an alternate system of faith → great provided equality and democracy to the masses eg: Buddha's 'sanghas' → vote based decision-making. 3) Supported the 'middle path' => wisdom lies in moderation, as per Buddha. 4) Jainism gave the world the philosophy of non-violence and living in harmony with nature → inspired Uvaini's 'satyagraha'. 5) Buddha and Mahavira => freed bodily's marginalized groups from brahmanical commence => paved we way for Ambedkar and ethere. Therefore, Buddhism & Jainism came as source of new perspective and have justice impetus to bhakti sufi tradition: ∴ their contribution to Indian philosophy remains invaluable.

121 words

Well-structured answer with clear reasons for decline
Mentions specific dynasties and historical context
Discusses impact on Indian society
References satyagraha and non-violence philosophy

Open original scan

Page 19

Topper

Ritika Chitlangia

Subject & Paper

GS1GS1

Topic

Salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times

Pre Vedic

Buddhism and Jainism

Writing Stats

324

Total words

Paragraphs