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Q.Two statements have been given below as Assertion (A) and Reason (R). Read the statements and choose the appropriate answer : Assertion (A) : Buddhism grew rapidly both during the lifetime and after the death of Buddha. Reason (R) : Many people were dissatisfied with existing religious practices and confused by the rapid social changes taking place around them. Options : (A) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct reasoning of (A). (B) Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) is not the correct reasoning of (A). (C) (A) is true, (R) is untrue. (D) (A) is untrue, (R) is true.

CBSECBSE Class XII Board 2025MCQ· 1mImportance★★★★★
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Buddhism's rapid growth was a direct result of widespread dissatisfaction with existing religious practices and the confusion caused by significant social changes during that era.

The mid-first millennium BCE was a period of profound transformation in Indian history, often considered a turning point globally. This era witnessed the emergence of new kingdoms and cities, alongside significant shifts in social and economic life. Such dynamic changes inevitably led to a questioning of established norms and the rise of new intellectual and spiritual movements, among which Buddhism stood out prominently.

Assertion (A) states that Buddhism grew rapidly both during the lifetime and after the death of Buddha. This is indeed accurate. The teachings of the Buddha, which were compiled and transmitted orally by his disciples, found a receptive audience. The movement gained considerable momentum, attracting followers from diverse backgrounds and spreading across various regions. This rapid expansion was not accidental but was fueled by a confluence of factors that made its message particularly appealing during that time.

Reason (R) posits that many people were dissatisfied with existing religious practices and confused by the rapid social changes taking place around them. This statement also holds true and provides crucial context for Buddhism's success.

  • Dissatisfaction with existing religious practices: The prevalent Brahmanical system, with its emphasis on elaborate rituals, sacrifices, and the rigid caste hierarchy, had become increasingly complex and inaccessible to the common person. Many found these practices burdensome, expensive, and lacking in genuine spiritual fulfillment. The dominance of the Brahmanas in religious matters was also being questioned, particularly by members of the Kshatriya class who were gaining political and economic power.
  • Confusion due to rapid social changes: The growth of cities and the emergence of a new urban culture brought about significant social upheaval. Traditional agrarian societies were giving way to more complex urban centers, leading to new economic activities and social interactions. This rapid transformation often left people feeling disoriented and searching for new frameworks to understand their lives and the world around them. The old social order and its accompanying belief systems seemed inadequate to address the challenges and uncertainties of this changing environment.
Note

The rise of urban centers created a more diverse society where traditional caste distinctions, while still present, might have felt less rigid in daily interactions compared to rural settings, further prompting a search for more inclusive spiritual paths. …

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