The Advent of Early Buddhism, Jainism and the Ajivika Sect

The religious teachers Siddhartha Gautama, Mahavira and Makkhali Gosala emerge to prominence during a period of intellectual churn. While initially challenged by other groups and schools, they consolidate Buddhism, Jainism and the Ajivika sect, respectively. Their followers will go on to dominate religious art, literary activity and political philosophy for centuries. The growth of these schools proceeds alongside the consolidation of political power in the Gangetic Plains, with major powers such as Magadha and the Licchavi confederation going to war, and elites seeking to ally with powerful religious sects.