The Background: Sacrifices and Debates
The mid-first millennium BCE marked a significant turning point in world history, witnessing the emergence of notable thinkers across different regions. Figures such as Zarathustra in Iran, Kong Zi in China, Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle in Greece, and Mahavira and Gautama Buddha in India sought to unravel the mysteries of existence and explore the relationship between humanity and the cosmic order. This period also witnessed the rise of new kingdoms and cities, alongside transformations in social and economic life in the Ganga valley, which these thinkers endeavored to comprehend.
The sacrificial tradition, deeply rooted in pre-existing religious beliefs and practices, was prevalent during this time. The Rigveda, compiled between approximately 1500 and 1000 BCE, contained hymns praising various deities, notably Agni, Indra, and Soma, and these hymns were recited during sacrificial rituals. Initially, sacrifices were performed collectively, but later, from around 1000 BCE onwards, some were conducted by household heads for the welfare of their families. Elaborate sacrifices like the rajasuya and ashvamedha were undertaken by chiefs and kings, with Brahmana priests overseeing the rituals.
As intellectual curiosity grew, new questions regarding the meaning of life, the concept of life after death, and the possibility of rebirth emerged. Ideas found in texts like the Upanishads, dating from the sixth century BCE onwards, reflect this curiosity and philosophical inquiry into the nature of ultimate reality. Debates and discussions among various philosophical schools were common, with Buddhist texts mentioning as many as 64 sects or schools of thought. Teachers traveled widely, engaging in debates to convince others of the validity of their philosophies. Figures like Mahavira and Buddha challenged the authority of the Vedas and emphasized individual agency, advocating for liberation from worldly existence, contrasting with the Brahmanical belief in the determinative role of caste and gender in one’s life.
Thinkers, Beliefs and Buildings Cultural Developments| Class 12 History Notes
In this chapter, we embark on a journey spanning a millennium to explore the insights of philosophers as they sought to comprehend their world. We will delve into how their ideas were transmitted through oral and written texts, as well as expressed in architectural marvels and sculptures, reflecting the enduring impact of their thoughts on society.
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