 1000-500 BCE The caste system is established as Hinduism gains popularity, placing the recently conquered folks at the bottom of the ladder. Siddhartha Gautama Buddha abandons his life of luxury to seek enlightenment, and his egalitarian message goes over big, especially with those seeking refuge from suffering. Meanwhile, Vardhamana Mahavira establishes Jainism, which entails total self-denial, self-discipline and respect for all living creatures. |
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