The Emergence of New Religions (5.1) Flashcards
To explain the material and social factors, which became the basis for the rise of Mahajanapadas and the new religions in the sixth century BC
Eastern UP and Bihar
Centre of economic and political activity; more rainfall and better soil fertility than Haryana and Western UP
Iron ore resources of Bihar and surrounding areas
Easier to exploit; usage of iron tools and ploughshare more common
Ploughshare
Used to clear thick forest cover and cultivate hard soil; dated to around 500 BC and found from Jakhera in the Etah district of Western UP
Sources of evidence of agricultural growth
Archaeological and literary sources
Evidence of use of iron comes from ___
Rajghat, Kaushambi, Vaishali, Varanasi and Sonpur
What did expansion of agriculture result in?
Improved food supply, development of craft production, trade and urban centres.
When was the era of the ‘Second Urbanization’ in the Indian Subciontinent?
Sixth century BC
Give the names of the more important towns and cities that developed in the Ganga Basin between 600 and 300 BC.
Pataliputra, Sravasti, Varansi, Vaishali, Champa, Kaushambi and Ujjaini
What is the evidence that suggests the development of trade?
The discovery of thousands of coins known as Punch Marked Coins (PMC).
What are Punch Marked Coins?
Various kinds of marks such as crescents, fish, trees, hills, etc. are punched on these coins. Numismatists have have identified nearly 550 types of such coins, made mainly if silver and sometimes copper.
What was the impact on society that resulted from development trade, money and urbanization?
Due to these changes, traditional equality and brotherhood gave way to inequality and social conflict.People wanted reprieve from new social problems like violence, cruelty, theft, hatred and falsehood.
What did Jainism and Buddhism emphasize?
These religions preached the concepts of peace and social equality.These religions emphasized that true happiness does not lie in material prosperity or performance of rituals but in charity, frugality, non-violence and good social conduct.
What were the religions/sects that challenged brahmanical dominance?
Buddhism and Jainism were not the only religions which challenged brahmanical dominance. According to Buddhist sources, more than 62 sects and philosophies flourished in this period. Eg:- Ajivika
Ajivakas sect
Founded by Makkhali Goshal. Very popular in Magadh in the third century BC and Mauryan kings donated several caves to honour Ajivaka monks.
