The period 400 BCE-320 CE witnessed an upsurge in the growth of adherents to both jainism and Buddhism, and altogether Brahmanism also remained popular, it underwent some dramatic changes during this time. Jainism originated at a time when the Later Vedic period (1000 BC-600 BC) had come to an end and there was a rise of republics and small kingdoms. The rise of the first kingdoms was marked by the emergence of the ruling class in each kingdom, which belonged to the Kshatriya or the warrior caste. While the Kshatriyas ruled these kingdoms and protected the rest of the masses, the Brahmin or the priestly caste catered to the religious and educational needs of the people, as well as sanctified the rule of the Kshatriyas. Buddhism is one of the oldest religions in the world. Gautam Buddha (563 BC-483 BC) laid its foundation after he gained Enlightenment under a Bodhi tree at Bodhyaga. Gautama Buddha discarded the Vedic Brahmanical system, which divided the society into various castes and further alienated the people from one another on the basis of their birth. He strongly opposed lengthy rituals, animal sacrifices and ceremonial worship. This important book is written especially for the college student, the general reader, and the merely curious.

Content - Preface, 1. Introduction, 2. Jain Doctrines of Relativity, 3. Karma Theory, 4. Schools of Buddhism, 5. Buddhist Councils, 6. Buddhist Logic, 7. Hinayana, 8. Mahayana, 9. Important Bodhisattvas, 10. Other Heterodox Ideas, 11. The Era of 600 BC, Bibliography, Index