AS

Abhishek Singh

Question Q-17GS1GS1

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

Open scan (p.10)
AnswerStrengthsGapsKeywords

Main Body

Taoist Philosophy: These terms like painting ideas, Brahmasutras & Vedantic philosophy belonged to Kerala.

Causes of Decline:

Though Jainism still has some hold in few areas, Buddhism practically disappeared from India.

1Succumbing to rituals & ceremonies over time though initially it had spirit of reforms
2Brahmanes reformed their religion to counter Buddhism & Jainism eg. declaring Buddha as an Avatar of Vishnu.
3Shift from Pali/Prakrit to Sanskrit caused disillusionment in masses.
4Idol worship also started in Buddhism eg. Mahayana had-itism.
5Corruption in Sangha: Generous royal grants made people greedy & corrupt => moral degradation
6Huns invasion: destroyed monastries & killed followers.

Impact on Society:

Buddhism

1Showed easy way to Salvation to suffering masses
2Art & Architecture development eg. Ajanta caves, Tripitakas.

(A) Patriarchy was prevalent

(B) Patriarchal

(C) Centralization of decision making

(D) Hereditary: kingship

The fabric of Indian philosophical thought owes as much to Northern India as to southern India. Evidently...

As per Max mulls Indian philosophy has pondered upon questions of life to the maximum possible extent.

Southern India:

1Bhakti movement: It originated in Tamil Nadu in 5th-6th century BC. Nayanars (Shaivite) & Alvars (Vishno-vite) enriched the literatures eg. Nalayadeya-pradhan of Alvars.
2Shankaracharya: who wrote Brahmasutras & Vedantic philosophy belonged to Kerala.
3Ramanuja: gave Visistadvaitidy.
4Similarly other saints like...

Nimbarka, madhav belonged to South. Saints like Tokaram, Gyaneshwar etc

Northern India:

1Saguna Saints: Like Tulsidas who wrote famous Ramchasytmanes
2Nirguna Saints: Like Nanak and Kabir lift endurable marks.
3Rajasthan: Merry a women devote
4Sufi movement: Spread against orthodoxy of Islam.
5Buddhism: Arose in North India & taught 'truth about life & four Noble paths
6Jainism: Arose in North but later spread to south at Sravangelas. So many traditions of philosophy indicate religious tolerance some eternal.
305 words7 paragraphs
Answer continues on next page
This is a continuation from previous page
  • Comprehensive listing of causes
  • Mentions specific examples of impact
  • Structured enumeration of social, economic and religious aspects
  • Comprehensive coverage of Southern Indian philosophers
  • Mentions specific texts and schools
  • Good geographical coverage of religious movements
  • Distinguishes between Saguna and Nirguna traditions

Open original scan

Page 10

Topper

Abhishek Singh

Subject & Paper

GS1GS1

Topic

Philosophy and Religion

Buddhism and Jainism Decline

Religious and Philosophical Impact

Writing Stats

305

Total words

7

Paragraphs