“Buddhism was more of a social movement under the backing of a religion”.

Buddhism is a religion that was founded by Siddhartha Gautama (“the Buddha”) more than 2,500
years ago in India. With about 470 million followers, scholars consider Buddhism one of the major
world religions. The religion has historically been most prominent in East and Southeast Asia, but its
influence is growing in the West. Many Buddhist ideas and philosophies overlap with those of other
faiths.
The primary cause for the rise of Jainism and Buddhism was the religious unrest in India in the 6th
century B.C. The complex rituals and sacrifices advocated in the Later Vedic period were not
acceptable to the common people. The sacrificial ceremonies were also found to be too expensive.
However it took the social route due to the following factors.
Reasons for rise of Buddhism:
 Social cause: Caste system became rigid and it created inequality in the society. The Kshatriyas
had resented the domination of the priestly class, and both Buddha and Mahavira belonged to
Kshatriya origin.
 Religious unrest: Religious life in ancient India was originally very simple. But in the Later Vedic
period complex rituals and ceremonies began to dominate the practice of worship. The complex
rituals and sacrifices were not acceptable to the common people. It became expensive and
elaborate. Blind faith and superstitious beliefs confused the people.
 Economic cause: The growth of trade led to the improvement in the economic conditions of the
Vaisyas. Now, they wanted to enhance their social status but the orthodox Varna system did not
allow this. Similarly, money-lending was imperative for traders, which was prohibited in Vedas.
Thus, merchant class extended the chief support to these new religions.
 Moreover, rise of agriculture raised demand for drought animals which were being sacrificed for
religious ceremonies. The principle of nonviolence, suited settled agrarian community better
which was brought by Buddhism.
 Brahminic supremacy: Priests considered themselves superior and others as inferiors. They took
advantage of knowing Sanskrit, and interpreted religion according to their convenience.
Whereas these new religions were open for all and preached in local language like Prakrit and
Pali, which found appeal to common masses.
Impact of Buddhism on Indian society
 Languages and Literature: Jaina contribution to Prakrit and Kannada literature. The language of
Pali and other local languages developed through the teachings of Buddhism.
 Arts and Architecture: The stupas at Sanchi, Bharhut and Gaya, Jaina temples at Mount Abu in
Rajasthan in the domain of architecture are wonderful pieces of architecture. Buddhism takes
the credit for the chaityas and viharas in different parts of India.
 Philosophy: The concept of ahimsa was chief contribution. Later, it became one of the cherished
values of our nation.
Political progress: Sabhas and samitis find its roots here. It had also promoted the spread of
Indian culture to other parts of Asia.
 Simple Religion: Its principles were very simple. It was easily followed by the people. It was not
complex like Vedic religion.
 Opposition to Caste System: Due to their opposition the complexity of caste system reduced
from the society.
Conclusion:
Buddhism arose to suit the needs of a changing society, patronized by an emerging class and left an
indelible mark on India’s culture, architecture, philosophy and way of living. Some tenets of these
religion have been adopted by Hinduism in their long course of association and have become an
integrated part of the society. These religions also found their influence in neighboring countries and
helped India expand its footprint in these regions; paving way for a cultural connects to this day.