Heterodox Sects as discussed by Harsh Kumar
Background
The Indian subcontinent is home to Vedic culture which flourished around the c. 1500 BC to c. 500 BC. During this age many rigid and costly rituals and sacrifices like Ashwamedha, Rajasuya etc. developed which were performed by the elite class of the society. Hence, these things became complex and rigid for common peoples and lost link with them. Thus, these types of factors gave rise to the heterodox sects during the 6th century BC.
Hence, the 6th century BC was an age of intellectual awakening in India. A number of ideas, values and beliefs emerged during this age. The 62 heterodox sects of this age represented the same. The heterodox sects like Buddhism and Jainism were a response and reactions to the evils of Brahmanical and changing realities. The prevailing socio-economic and religious life was responsible for emergence of these sects.
The heterodox sects of 6th century BC put forward a new vision of life which was in time needs and aspirations of masses. It was because of these synergies between the ideas of heterodox sects Buddhism and Jainism and aspiration of peoples that transformed these sects into religions of masses.
Also Read : Vedic Age – Origin and Political Life
Indus Valley Civilization – The Origin
The Post-Vedic Age – Second Urbanization of Indian Subcontinent
Factors Responsible for Emergence of Heterodox Sects
The 6th century BC was an age agriculture expansion which was backed by various factors like iron. Because of this expansion the peasants wanted use their bulls and calves in agricultural activities such as pulling the plough and carts. The Brahmanical religion of 6th century BC was emphasized the killings of bulls and calves for the religious purposes. These violent rituals were obstructing the progress of common peoples and hence, they started to looking for the new religion which will be free from these violent sacrifices and ceremonies.
It was this need of the peoples which triggered the rise of new non-violent sects like Buddhism and Jainism. The trade and commerce, and, arts and crafts witnessed a rapid progress during the 6th century BC. The peoples who were involved in these activities wanted to invest their resources in the progress of these activities further which was not possible because of the costly Brahmanical rituals and ceremonies.
Thus, sects like Buddhism and Jainism provided basic for the flourishing these activities. The Brahmanical religion was not in tune with the emerging life of the Urban Centres because they opposed the practices like money laundering and public eating houses which were the necessities of the urban centres. On the other hand, these practices were encouraged by the sects of Buddhism and Jainism. Thus, helped in flourishing these sects.
The rapid progress during the 6th century BC resulted in the emergence of the rich class of artisans, craftsmen and merchants and traders. Thus, these groups were inspiring for the higher status in the society which was not possible in the Brahmanical society as the status of people was decided by their birth and profession. And this high status was offered by the sects of Buddhism and Jainism.
The Brahmanical religion was characterized by the complex and costly rituals. Magical power was attached to hymns and it was demanded that these hymns need to be chanted in a particular way to get the desired result otherwise, the result could be destructive. Hence, these were away from the reach of common peoples. Thus, peoples were started to looking for religion which were free from these complexities and that base was provided by the Buddhism and Jainism which were simple in nature.
The leadership of the teachers like Buddha and Mahavira provided a strong base to these heterodox sects to flourished. Different type of teachings and vows were provided by Buddha and Mahavira, which were very easy to understand and more than that easy to follow. The role of priest was most important in performing the rituals and ceremonies in Brahmanical religion. On the other hand, heterodox sects were free from these things.
Thus, it was the complexities of Brahmanical religion that provide ground to the heterodox sects for flourishing in the Indian subcontinent. Over the time the Buddhism and Jainism were became popular religion in the world and further flourished to other countries also in later years.