History Notes Chapter 5 Class 6 Maharashtra Board

Religious Trends in Ancient India

Jainism is an ancient religion of India that teaches non-violence.
Vardhaman Mahavir was the 24th Tirthankar (spiritual leader).
He was born in Kundagram, Bihar, and his parents were Siddharth and Trishala.
He gave up his home to gain knowledge and became enlightened after 12.5 years of penance.
He was called Jina (Conqueror), and his followers are called Jains.
His teachings included the Five Great Vows (Pancha Mahavratas):
- Ahimsa (Non-violence): Do not hurt any living being.
- Satya (Truth): Always speak the truth.
- Asteya (Non-stealing): Do not take what belongs to others.
- Aparigraha (Non-attachment): Do not hoard wealth and things.
- Brahmacharya (Chastity): Control desires.

Jainism also teaches Three Jewels (Tri-Ratna):

His main teaching was Anekantavada, meaning truth has many sides.

Gautama Buddha was the founder of Buddhism.
He was born as Siddharth in Lumbini (Nepal). His parents were Shuddhodana and Mayadevi.
He left his home to find out why people suffer.
He attained enlightenment (Bodhi) under a pipal tree at Bodh Gaya, Bihar.
His first sermon was at Sarnath, near Varanasi.
His teachings include:
- Four Noble Truths (Aryasatyas):
- There is suffering in life.
- There is a cause of suffering.
- Suffering can end.
- The way to end suffering is the Eightfold Path.
Eightfold Path:
- Right View
- Right Resolve
- Right Speech
- Right Conduct
- Right Livelihood
- Right Effort
- Right Mindfulness
- Right Concentration
Panchasheel (Five Rules):
- Do not kill animals.
- Do not steal.
- Do not behave badly.
- Do not lie.
- Do not use intoxicants.
He rejected caste-based discrimination and gave equal rights to men and women.
His main teachings included compassion (Karuna) and wisdom (Prajna).

Judaism is one of the oldest religions, brought to India by Jewish people.
They believe in one God and value justice, truth, peace, love, and charity.
Their prayer house is called a Synagogue.

Christianity was founded by Jesus Christ.
St. Thomas brought Christianity to Kerala in 52 CE.
Teachings:
- There is one God, and He loves all.
- Jesus Christ is the Son of God, who came for mankind’s salvation.
- Love everyone, including enemies.
- Forgive people who make mistakes.

The holy book of Christianity is the Bible, and the prayer house is called a Church.

Islam is a monotheistic (believes in one God) religion.
Allah is the one true God, and Prophet Muhammad is His messenger.
The holy book of Islam is the Quran Sharif.
Teachings:
- Allah is eternal, merciful, and powerful.
- People should worship Allah and live a good life.
Islam came to India in the 7th century CE through Arab traders.
The prayer house is called a Mosque (Masjid).