Buddhism and Jainism in Ancient India for SSC CGL, UPSC
Ancient History is the common and most important topic for competitive examinations. The topic of Buddhism and Jainism covers significant importance in the Ancient History of India. Here we are providing the most useful Buddhism and Jainism notes for SSC CGL, UPSC. You can also download Jainism and Buddhism notes for UPSC pdf at the end of the article. Besides Buddhism and Jainism Quiz will be provided along for a profound preparation for the upcoming government job examination.

Buddhism and Jainism notes for SSC CGL, UPSC
The sixth century BCE was significant as the world was experiencing religious upheaval in various parts. Great leaders like Confucius in China, Parmenides in Greece questioned the traditional socio-
religious norms and emphasized more on simple ethical and moral values. India was no exclusion. India witnessed the rise of two great alternative religions: Buddhism and Jainism. These religions emphasised non-violence and good social conduct.
There are several multi-faced causes responsible for the rise of Buddhism and Jainism.
- Kshatriyas opposed the ritualistic dominations of the Brahmanas.
- The rise of the new agricultural economy and animal husbandry established the importance of animals like bullocks and cattle. This was simply was against animal sacrifice rituals practised by Brahmanas.
- Vaishyas and other mercantile groups wanted better social status and a reign of peace. With the economic progress of Vaishyas and other mercantile groups, they became empowered and embraced non-Vedic religions.
- Peace-centred principles, non-violence, frugality of Buddhism and Jainism attracted more people.
- The stringent and punishable caste system causes a rise of tensions among all the varnas in society.
The various concept of Buddhism is obtained mainly from Milindapanho and Tripitaka.
Know about Milindapanho Milindapanho is a collection of non-canonical texts written in Pali, it consists of a dialogue on various philosophical issues between the Indo-Greek king Milinda/Menander and the monk Nagasena.
The Tipitaka (in Pali) and Tripitaka (in Sanskrit) means “The Three Baskets/Collections‘ is one of the earliest compilations of Buddhist teachings written on long, narrow leaves. The Buddhist monks transcribed and categorised the Buddha’s teachings in three baskets, which comprises three books
- The Sutta Pitaka (Sutra/Basket of Discourses)
- The Vinaya Pitaka (Discipline Basket)
- The Abhidhamma Pitaka (Basket of Higher Teachings)
Life of Buddha
- Goutam Buddha was born as Siddhartha in 563 BC at Lumbini, Nepal.
- He belongs to the Sakya Kshatriya clan.
- He is also known as Sakyamuni and Tathagata.
- His father was Suddhodhan and his mother was Mahamaya. Gautam Buddha was raised by his stepmother Gautami after the death of Mahamaya.
- He married Yashodhara at the age of 16.
- He left his family at the age of 29 with Channa, the charioteer and his loving horse named Kanthaka.
- He attained Nirvana at 35 years of age under a peepal tree at Gaya on the bank of river Niranjana.

Summary of Buddha’s Life story
Age | Place | Event | Name | Symbol |
0 | Lumbini | Birth | Janma | Lotus and Bull |
29 | Lumbini | The great departure | Mahavinishkraman | Horse |
35 | Gaya | Enlightenment | Nirvana | Bodhi Tree |
35 | Sarnath | First Sermon | Dharmachakraprabartan | Wheel |
80 | Kushinagar | Death | Mahaparinirban | Stupa |
Doctrines of Buddhism
The core idea of Doctrines of Buddhism is obtained from Ariya-Sachchani (Four Noble Truth) and Astangika-Marga (Eight-Fold Path)
Gautam Buddha’s teachings contain three important pillars:
- Buddha – Founder/ Teacher
- Dhamma – Teachings
- Sangha– Order of Buddhist monks/nuns (who act as torchbearers of Dhamma worshippers or Upasakas and are a major factor in the dissemination of the Buddha’s doctrine)
While struggling for Enlightenment, Buddha had discovered Dhamma/Four Noble Truths
The Four Noble Truths are:


Buddhist Council
Council | Year | Venue | Chairman | Patron |
1st | 483 BC | Rajgriha | Mahakasappa | Ajathsatru |
2nd | 383 BC | Vaisali | Sabbakami | Kalashoka |
3rd | 250 BC | Pataliputra | Mogaliputta | Ashoka |
4th | 98 AD | Kundalvan(Kashmir) | Vasumitra | Kanishka |
Famous Buddhist Writer
- Asvaghosha was the writer of ‘Buddhacharita‘. He was the contemporary of Kaniska.
- Nagarjuna established Mahayana Buddhism
- Asanga and Vasubandhu, are two brothers from Punjab, wrote Abhidharmakosa, considered an encyclopaedia of Buddhism.
- Buddhaghosa was a great Pali scholar.
- Dinnaga is considered the founder of Buddhist logic.
- Dharmakriti was another Buddhist logician.
Life of Vardhamana Mahavira
- Vardhamana is considered the 24th and last Tirthankara or Jina.
- He was known as Mahavira or the great hero.
- He was also known as Jitendriya (one who has conquered his inner desires) and Arihant (worthy).
- He possessed avadhijnana (superhuman insight and cognition).
- Mahavira was a contemporary of the Buddha and was born in 599 BCE in a village named Kundagrama near Vaishali (capital of Videha).
- He was born in a Kshatriya clan. His father Siddhartha was the chief of the Jnatjriya clan and his mother Trishala was Lichchavi’s King Chetaka’s sister.
- He married Yashoda and had a daughter called Priyadarshana.
- He attained kevalajnana (omniscience or infinite knowledge) on the banks of the Rijupalika river at 42 years of age.
- He passed away and became a Siddha at the age of 72 years in 527 BCE at Pavapuri near Patna.

Doctrines of Jainism
A Jaina must follow the three jewels of Jaina ethics, popularly called Triratna to achieve the liberation of the soul
- Right faith (Samyag Darshana)
- Right knowledge (Samyag jnana)
- Right conduct (Samyag Charitra)
Digambar and Shwetambar Sect in Jainism
Jainism gradually spread to western India where the Brahmanical domination was weak. The early Jainas adopted the Prakrit language and discarded the Sanskrit language which was patronised by the Brahmanas. This greatly helped in the spread of Jainism. King Chandragupta Maurya became a Jain, spent his last years in South India (Karnataka).
The great famine that occurred in Magadha and lasted for about 12 years. To protect themselves, many Jaina followers under the leadership of Bhadrabahu went South and spread Jainism there. The followers of Bhadrabahu later came to be known as Digambaras. Some Jains decided not to follow Bhadrabahu’s Jainism, instead, they followed Shtalabahu and stayed in Magadha, came out as Shwetambar with some changes in their principle.
What are the differences between Digambar Jains and Shwetambar Jains?
Digambara | Shvetambara |
---|---|
Digambara literally means ‘sky clad’. | Shwetambar literally means ‘white clad’. |
Practice of nudity is accepted | Practice of nudity is denied |
Followers of Bhadrabahu | Followers of Shtalabahu |
Jina-hood of women is denied | Jina-hood of women is acknowledged |
Hunger, thirst, sleep, fear are not accepted in the path of enlightenment | Food is allowed in pursuit of enlightenment |
Digambara Jains believe that Mahavir never married | Shvetambara believe that Mahavira married Yashoda |
The word ‘Purana’ is used for the hagiography | The word ‘Charita’ is used for the hagiography |
Difference between Buddhism and Jainism
Buddhism | Jainism |
---|---|
The Eightfold Path is followed | Triratna is followed |
It was spread in Indian subcontinent during origin | It was spread in India during origin |
The Buddha or Siddhartha is the founder | Rishabhdev is considered1st Tirthankar, Mahavira gave Jainism its popularity |
Places of worship is known as Buddhist monasteries, shrines. | Places of worship is known as Temples. |
Ancient buddhist literature were found in Pali language | Ancient Jain literature were found in Magadhi language |
The Buddha accepted homosexuals and asexuality and heterosexualiy. | Does not accept sexual activity other than reproduction. Therefore, it is not acceptable. |
Mahayana and Vajrayana are the offshoot sects | Svetambara and Digambara are the offshoot sects |
Buddhists follow the teachings of the Buddha. | Jains follow the teachings of all 24 Tirthankar |
Similarities of Buddhism and Jainism
Buddhism | Jainism |
---|---|
The concept of Creator God is rejected here | Creator God is denied |
Statues are used as meditation objects | Statues are used as meditation objects |
No distinctions between men and women | No distinctions between men and women |
Atheists are allowed to take part in the religious practices | Atheists are allowed to take part in the religious practices |
Note The Kings/Rulers who adopted Buddhism and Jainism Several kings/rulers became a follower of Buddhism and Jainism by getting influenced by the simple ethical and moral values, the religions pioneered.
Question and Answer on Buddhism and Jainism for SSC CGL UPSC
Question and Answer after every topic are important for the self-evaluation. That is why attempt a quiz on Buddhism and Jainism to boost your preparation.
Buddhism and Jainism for SSC CGL Quiz

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