Rise of Heterodox Sects
Rise of Heterodox Sects Numerous religious sects arose in the middle Gangetic basin in the sixth century B.C. We here of as many as 62 religious sects in this period. Jainism and Buddhism were very important. Causes of Rise of Religious Movement In post -Vedic times, society was clearly divided into four varnas- Brahmanas, vaishyas, and shudras . Each varna was assigned well-defined functions, although it was emphasized that varna was based on birth and two higher varnas were given some priviledges. Naturally the varna-divided society seems to have generated tensions. The Kshatriyas, who acted as rulers, reacted against the domination of the priestly class called brahamanas , who claimed various priveges. It was one of the causes of the origin of new religions. Vardhamana Mahavira who founded Jainism, and Gautama Buddha, who founded Buddhism, belonged to the kshatriya clan, and both disputed the authority of the Brahmanas. The trade of money-lending was establ