Best History Notes on Religious movement originating in Bihar available for BPSC and for other Competitive Exams aspirants in 2025
History – 4
Religious Movements Originating in Bihar: Jainism and Buddhism
For BPSC Mains / UPSC GS-I (Ancient Indian History)
Introduction
Bihar holds a unique place in Indian and world history as the cradle of two major Śramaṇic religious movements — Jainism and Buddhism — which emerged in the 6th century BCE as responses to the ritualism and social hierarchy of Vedic Brahmanism.
Historical Context: 6th Century BCE – Era of Religious Ferment
| Factor | Description |
| Vedic Orthodoxy | Dominance of Brahmanical rituals, animal sacrifice, and rigid caste hierarchies. |
| Socio-economic Changes | Rise of agriculture, urban centres (Mahajanapadas), trade guilds, and new wealth led to dissatisfaction among Kshatriyas and Vaishyas. |
| Śramaṇa Tradition | Non-Vedic ascetic traditions emphasizing renunciation, non-violence, meditation, and self-realization grew in opposition to ritualistic practices. |
Jainism – Founded by Vardhamana Mahavira (599–527 BCE)
Bihar’s Role
| Place | Significance |
| Vaishali | Birthplace of Mahavira (in Kundagrama, near Vaishali). |
| Rajgir | Place where Mahavira spent many chaturmasas (rain retreats) and preached. |
| Pawapuri (Nalanda) | Place of Mahavira’s nirvana (death) and cremation. Jain temple built on his Jal-Mandir. |
Core Teachings of Jainism
| Principle | Description |
| Ahimsa | Non-violence in thought, word, and deed. |
| Anekantavada | Relativity of truth; reality is multifaceted. |
| Aparigraha | Non-possessiveness and renunciation. |
| Triratna | Right faith, right knowledge, and right conduct. |
Buddhism – Founded by Gautama Buddha (563–483 BCE)
Bihar’s Role
| Place | Significance |
| Lumbini (Nepal) | Birthplace, but Bihar is where Buddha attained enlightenment and preached. |
| Bodh Gaya | Site of enlightenment under Bodhi tree (Mahabodhi Temple – UNESCO World Heritage Site). |
| Sarnath (UP) | First sermon (Dharmachakra Pravartana), but connected to Bihar culturally. |
| Rajgir (Rajagriha) | King Bimbisara of Magadha supported Buddha; site of early preaching and First Buddhist Council. |
| Vaishali | Buddha spent his last days here; first nunnery established. |
| Kushinagar (UP) | Site of Mahaparinirvana, but Bihar was central to his spiritual journey and Sangha development. |
Core Teachings of Buddhism
| Principle | Description |
| Four Noble Truths | Suffering exists, has a cause, can end, and there’s a path (Noble Eightfold Path). |
| Eightfold Path | Right view, intention, speech, action, livelihood, effort, mindfulness, and concentration. |
| Middle Path | Avoidance of extremes — neither indulgence nor severe asceticism. |
| Anatta, Anicca, Dukkha | No permanent self, impermanence, and suffering as universal truths. |
Bihar: The Sacred Geography for Jainism and Buddhism
| City/Site | Importance |
| Bodh Gaya | Enlightenment of Buddha; Mahabodhi Temple. |
| Pawapuri | Mahavira’s nirvana; Jain pilgrimage. |
| Vaishali | Early republican polity; associated with both Buddha and Mahavira. |
| Rajgir | Ancient capital of Magadha; seat of early Jain and Buddhist teachings. |
Impact of These Movements
| Aspect | Jainism & Buddhism’s Contribution |
| Religious Reform | Emphasized ethical conduct over rituals, accessible to all classes. |
| Literature & Language | Promoted Prakrit and Pali, enabling mass communication. |
| Art & Architecture | Inspired stupas (Bodh Gaya, Nalanda), viharas, chaityas and Jain temples. |
| Global Influence | Spread of Buddhism to Sri Lanka, Southeast Asia, Central Asia, and beyond. |
| Social Message | Advocated non-violence, equality, and compassion, challenging caste structures. |
Model Mains Answer (GS-I)
Bihar was the cradle of two major non-Vedic religious movements – Jainism and Buddhism, which emerged during the 6th century BCE in response to ritualistic Brahmanism. Both Mahavira and Buddha were associated with Bihar, where they preached their messages of non-violence, truth, renunciation, and ethical living. Sites like Vaishali, Bodh Gaya, Rajgir, and Pawapuri are central to their legacies. These movements challenged social orthodoxy, democratized spirituality, and left a lasting legacy on Indian and world history. Bihar’s historical contribution in nurturing these religions makes it a sacred and intellectual hub in India’s civilizational journey.
Keywords for Mains:
- Śramaṇa Movement
- Religious Reform
- Mahajanapada Period
- Prakrit & Pali Literature
- Non-Vedic Tradition
- Bihar’s Religious Heritage
These are suggested keywords which must be in your answer. One has to practice writing a long answer to cover in details. I will post questions asked in previous Exams from Religious movement.
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