From 6th Century BC to 4th Century BC various religious movements viz. Buddhism, Jainism etc. were born and grew up in the Post-Vedic Period known as the Period of Second urbanisation or the Age of Buddha . Modern historians are of the opinion that deep socio-economic and religious issues were involved behind the rise of new religious concept in the 6th century B.C. During the later Vedic period society had become divided into four distinct classes or varnas, such as Brahmanas, kshatriyas, vaishyas and sudras. this varna or caste distinction had also become hereditary. The Brahmanas claimed the highest position. They also enjoyed certain privileges which were denied to others. The Brahmanas were not required to pay taxes to the states. Also they enjoyed exemption from punishment for any offence done by them. In the social scale the kshatriyas occupied a position next to that of the Brahmanas. The vaishyas deprived of any privilege. The sudras occupied the lowest position in the society, their duty was to serve the other three classes. Religious movement of 6th century BC were led by the kshatriyas. Incidentally both Mahavira and Gautam Buddha were kshatriya by caste. Reaction of the vaishyas and sudras against the social disparity was not known.
• Causes of Religious Movements
1. The vedic philosophy had lost its original purity.
2. The vedic religion had become very complex and had degenerated into superstitions, dogmas and rituals.
3. Supremacy of the Brahmans created unrest in the society and Kshatriyas reacted against the Brahmanical domination.
4. Introduction of a new agricultural economy in Eastern India.
5. The desire of Vaishyas to improve their social position with the increase in their economic position due to the growth of trade.
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