History & Civics
Why did Jainism fail to spread actively to other countries compared to Buddhism?
Answer
Jainism failed to spread actively to other countries compared to Buddhism due to the following reasons:
- Strict rules: The rigid practices of Jainism like severe penance and extreme non-violence, were hard for common people to follow.
- Division into sects: After Mahavira's death, Jainism split into two groups - Shwetambaras and Digambaras, which weakened unity and efforts to spread the religion.
- Lack of missionary effort: Unlike Buddhism, Jainism did not actively spread to other countries and remained limited to certain areas in India.
- Loss of Royal Patronage: Jainism did not receive much royal patronage compared to Buddhism, which was supported by rulers like Ashoka and Harsha.
- Social inequality: Although Jainism promoted equality, it did not completely remove social hierarchies, which reduced its appeal.
- Rise of Hinduism: During the Gupta period, the resurgence of Hinduism with royal patronage confined Jainism to smaller regions.
Related Questions
State the five vows which every Jain has to take.
Read the following excerpt and answer the questions that follow:
"These twelve compilations are therefore called the twelve Angas and are collectively known as Dwadashangi. The foremost of these Angas is the Aacharang Sutra. Other well known Angas are Sutrakritang, Samavayang, Sthanang, and Vyakhya Pragnapti which is more popularly known as Bhagavati Sutra."
(Source: https://egyankosh.ac.in/handle/123456789/35227)
(a) What are the Angas? Where and when were they compiled?
(b) What does the Aacharang Sutra deal with?
How did the Sangha contribute to the growth of Buddhism in ancient India?
How did the caste system help in the rise of Jainism and Buddhism?