Topic: Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times.
1. The emergence and core philosophy of Buddhism and Jainism have a striking resemblance as well as certain differences. Contrast and compare the two religious philosophies. (250 words)
Reference: Indian art and culture by Nitin Singhania
Why the question:
The question is from the static portions of GS paper I , theme – Buddhism and Jainism.
Key Demand of the question:
Compare and contrast the core philosophies of Buddhism and Jainism.
Directive:
Compare and contrast – provide for a detailed comparison of the two types, their features that are similar as well as different. One must provide for detailed assessment of the two.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Introduce about Buddhism and Jainism.
Body:
Buddhism and Jainism are the two ancient Indian religions that developed in Magadha (Bihar) in the post-Vedic period (Sixth century BC- Fifth century BC). These religions emerged as the most significant religious reform movements in ancient India. While the proponent of Jainism is believed to be Mahavira Jain, the 24th Jain tirthankar, Buddhism regards Siddhartha Gautama as its founder.
Discuss the similarities in the two faiths such as values like peace and righteous conduct.
Bring out the differences between them like concept of soul, non-violence, sacrifice etc.
Conclusion:
In spite of differences, both the religious philosophies helped in enriching the culture, literature, architecture and art of India by contributing in respective capacities. More importantly, as religious reform movements, Buddhism and Jainism offered the people, especially the downtrodden ones, liberation from suffering and oppression by the rigid caste system.
