During Later Vedic period, the society was divided into 4 varnas namely, Brahmins, Kshatriya, Vaishyas and Shudras and it was decided on the basis on birth. Brahmins and Kshatriyas, who were the two dominated varnas at that time, competed for supremacy. Kshatriyas were the rulers who disliked the domination of the Brhamin priests. Both Gautam Buddha and Mahavira Jain challenged the hegemony of Brahmins. Moreover, the importance of Vaishyas grew as the importance of trade increased.
The Viashyas were placed at third position after the Brahmins and Kshatriyas. And they looked for new religions to advance their status and position in the society. That’s why they gave support to both Jainism and Buddhism.
Why new religions?
The society was angry over the ritualistic practices of the post Vedic period which were based upon superstition and exaggeration and held Brahminical dominance accountable for the mayhem.
The languages spoken by the masses such as Prakrit and Pali started getting prominence over Sanskrit, a language which was limited to priestly and aristocratic class.
In fact, Buddhism and Jainism movements were started to reform the Hinduism.
The Viashyas were placed at third position after the Brahmins and Kshatriyas. And they looked for new religions to advance their status and position in the society. That’s why they gave support to both Jainism and Buddhism.
Why new religions?
The society was angry over the ritualistic practices of the post Vedic period which were based upon superstition and exaggeration and held Brahminical dominance accountable for the mayhem.
The languages spoken by the masses such as Prakrit and Pali started getting prominence over Sanskrit, a language which was limited to priestly and aristocratic class.
In fact, Buddhism and Jainism movements were started to reform the Hinduism.
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