Buddhism & Jainism — Study Notes for UPSSSC PET

Overview

Buddhism and Jainism emerged in the 6th century BCE as heterodox (nastika) reform movements challenging Brahmanical orthodoxy, ritualism, and the caste system. Both religions rejected Vedic authority and animal sacrifice while emphasizing ethical conduct, non-violence (ahimsa), and personal spiritual effort over birth-based privilege. For the UPSSSC PET exam, you must know the founders (Gautama Buddha and Mahavira), core doctrines, organizational structures (especially the Buddhist Sangha), and the major Buddhist councils that codified teachings. Questions typically test factual recall: birth/death places, key teachings, council locations, and differences between Buddhism and Jainism.

These religions had profound political and social impact—royal patronage from rulers like Bimbisara, Ajatashatru, and Ashoka spread Buddhism across Asia, while Jainism retained strong influence in western and southern India. Understanding their doctrines, literature, and historical development helps you connect them to later topics like the Mauryan Empire and Gupta period in the syllabus.

Key Concepts

• **Sixth Century BCE Context**: Period of intellectual ferment (shramana movement) with 62 heterodox sects questioning Vedic ritualism; urban growth in Magadha and Kosala created merchant classes seeking alternative spirituality beyond expensive Brahmanical ceremonies.