Thinkers, Beliefs and Buildings (Cultural Developments) (c. 600 BCE-600 CE)
Madhya Pradesh Board · Class 12 · History
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Key Topics to Revise
1. Religious and Intellectual Background
- The mid-first millennium BCE was a turning point in Indian history because new thinkers asked deep questions about life, rebirth, sacrifice, and ultimate reality.
- The early Vedic tradition is known from the Rigveda, which contains hymns praising deities such as Agni, Indra, and Soma.
- Sacrifices were central to early Vedic religion and were performed to seek cattle, sons, good health, long life, and prosperity.
2. Jainism, Buddhism, and New Ethical Ideas
- Mahavira, also called Vardhamana, was the 24th tirthankara in Jaina tradition and was preceded by 23 others.
- Jaina monks and nuns took five vows: abstain from killing, stealing, lying, celibacy, and possessing property.
- Jainism taught that the world is fully animated and that even stones, rocks, and water have life.
3. Competing Philosophies and Social Debate
- Makkhali Gosala belonged to the Ajivika tradition and taught a fatalist view of life.
- Ajivikas believed that everything is predetermined and cannot be changed by human effort.
- Ajita Kesakambalin belonged to the Lokayata tradition and taught a materialist view.
4. Buddhist Texts, Councils, and Pilgrimage
- The Buddha taught orally during his lifetime.
- After his death, his teachings were compiled by disciples at a council of elders at Vesali.
- The compiled texts were called the Tipitaka, meaning three baskets.
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