11 Markers
With reference to Jainism and Buddhism, evaluate the statement “Stability and prosperity of the new agrarian economy, this slaughtering of animal had to be stopped”.
Ans.
Jainism and Buddhism emerged as the most potent religious reform movements during the later-Vedic Period. Both were founded in the 6th Century BC and they sprung out of the same roots.
- Due to orthodox Vedic religion, there were division in society due to which mostly the lower class joined sects in large numbers.
Orthodox Vedic Religion
Economic Condition
- As far as economic condition is concerned there is immense growth in trade and commerce and with this agriculture also expanded as hurdles in Vedic religion for the lower class, didn’t allow them to do agriculture but these sects allow this.
Increase in agriculture production
The Increase in agriculture production during this was affected by many criteria like :
- Role of Iron Plough
- Rise in demand of drought animals for bullock-cart.
- Role of Vaishyas.
- Decline in sacrifices
- Patronization of Ruler.
With the use of iron plough, there is immense deforestation in UP, Bihar region, with the help of axes and tools made of iron, therefore net agricultural area rapidly increases.
Patronization to Jainism and Buddhism which promotes the concept of Ahimsa (Cherished the Values of our Nation), Provides Stability in the New Agrarian Economy, and stops the Slaughtering of Animals.
3.2 What is the significance of Mauryan Ruler in Indian History ? Evaluate the Causes of the fall of Maurya Empire.
Ans.
The Mauryan Empire was the first and most powerful Indian empire in the India Subcontinent under a single rule.
Significance of Mauryan Empire:
Secured Border
- The first and also last empire whose borders extended from Hindukush in the North-West to modern Karnataka in the south and from Makran in the west to modern Bangladesh in the east.
Art and culture
- The tradition of inscription, the development of arts, and also the spread of Buddhism outside India.
Administration
- For the first time, an efficient administration was set up which guided many such future arrangements.
- Mauryan were also first to form diplomatic alliances.
Causes of the Fail of the Mauryan Empire
- The Partition of the Empire: After the death of Ashoka, the Mauryan empire split into two halves-eastern and western partition.
- The partition resulted in attacks from the northwest.
- Highly centralized Administration: It becomes difficult for the later Mauryan emperor to manage the Centralized Administration.
- There are so many other reasons which led to the failure of the Mauryan Emperor like-the independence of the Province, the internal Revolt, Asoka’s Policies, Foreign invasion, and many more due to which it declined.