Jainism, Buddhism and Ajivika Philosophy in Tamil Nadu – Detailed Summary | Samacheer Kalvi 7th Social Science | Term 3 History

Jainism, Buddhism and Ajivika Philosophy in Tamil Nadu – Detailed Summary

Book: Samacheer Kalvi 7th Social Science

Term: Term 3

Subject: History

Unit: Unit 3

Lesson Name: Jainism, Buddhism and Ajivika Philosophy in Tamil Nadu

About the Lesson

“Jainism, Buddhism and Ajivika Philosophy in Tamil Nadu” is an important History lesson in the Samacheer Kalvi 7th Social Science book. This lesson explains the spread and influence of Jainism, Buddhism and Ajivika philosophy in Tamil Nadu.

These three religious and philosophical movements played an important role in the religious, educational, literary and cultural history of Tamil Nadu. They encouraged learning, discipline, non-violence, compassion, moral values and philosophical thinking.

Learning Objectives

To understand the spread of Jainism in Tamil Nadu.
To learn about Jain literature and Jain centres in Tamil Nadu.
To know about Jain rock beds, inscriptions and temples.
To understand the spread of Buddhism in Tamil Nadu.
To learn the important teachings of Buddhism.
To understand the three divisions of Tripitaka.
To learn about Buddhist scholars and Buddhist centres.
To understand the basic ideas of Ajivika philosophy.
To know the impact of Jainism, Buddhism and Ajivikas on Tamil society.

Detailed Summary of the Lesson

1. Introduction

Tamil Nadu had a rich religious and philosophical tradition. Apart from Vedic traditions, Jainism, Buddhism and Ajivika philosophy also influenced Tamil society.

Jain and Buddhist monks travelled to different parts of Tamil Nadu. They established educational centres, monasteries, caves and places of worship. These movements contributed to Tamil literature, education, art, architecture and moral thought.

2. Jainism in Tamil Nadu

Jainism was one of the important religions that spread in Tamil Nadu. Jain monks lived a simple and disciplined life.

They taught non-violence, truth, self-control, moral living and compassion towards all living beings. Jainism influenced Tamil literature and education deeply.

3. Mahavira

Mahavira was the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism.

His teachings were preserved by his disciples. Jain monks later compiled these teachings into sacred texts.

4. Jain Councils

Jain councils were organised to preserve and codify Jain teachings.

The first Jain Council was held at Pataliputra to codify the Jaina canon. This is an important one-mark question.

5. Agama Sutras

Agama Sutras are sacred texts of Jainism.

They were written in Ardha-Magadhi Prakrit. These texts contain Jain religious teachings and rules.

6. Kalpa Sutra

Kalpa Sutra is an important Jain text.

It is associated with Bhadrabahu. It contains details about Jain religious traditions and the lives of Tirthankaras.

7. Jain Sects

Jainism was divided into two major sects:

Digambaras
Svetambaras

Tamils broadly came under the Digambara sect.

8. Kalabhras and Jainism

The Kalabhras are believed to have patronised Jainism.

During their period, Jainism received support and Jain monks contributed to Tamil education and literature.

9. Jain Education

Jain monasteries and temples served as seats of learning.

Education was imparted in Jain institutions irrespective of caste and creed. This helped in the spread of knowledge among different sections of society.

10. Jain Contribution to Tamil Literature

Jain scholars made important contributions to Tamil literature.

Several Tamil works are associated with Jain influence. Jain monks wrote moral, ethical, literary and grammatical works.

11. Jivaka Chintamani

Jivaka Chintamani is an important Tamil epic influenced by Jainism.

It was composed by Tiruthakkathevar. This is an important textbook-back match-the-following point.

12. Naladiyar

Naladiyar is another important scholarly Tamil work attributed to a Jain monk.

It contains moral teachings and ethical ideas.

13. Panchatantra and Jain Influence

Panchatantra is said to have a great amount of Jain influence.

It uses stories and moral lessons to teach wisdom and practical knowledge.

14. Jain Centres in Tamil Nadu

Jainism flourished in different parts of Tamil Nadu.

Important Jain centres include Tiruparuttikunram, Kizha Kuyil Kudi, Kazhugumalai, Sittanavasal, Tirumalai, Vellore and other places.

15. Tiruparuttikunram

Tiruparuttikunram is an important Jain centre near Kanchipuram.

It is associated with Jain religious and educational traditions.

16. Kizha Kuyil Kudi

Kizha Kuyil Kudi is associated with Madurai.

It is one of the important Jain centres mentioned in the textbook-back questions.

17. Tirumalai Cave Jain Temple

Tirumalai is a Jain temple in a cave complex located near Arani town in Tiruvannamalai district.

It is an important Jain heritage site of Tamil Nadu.

18. Neminatha

Neminatha was the 22nd Tirthankara of Jainism.

The image of Neminatha is considered to be the tallest Jain image in Tamil Nadu.

19. Jain Rock Beds

Jain monks lived in natural caves and rock shelters.

Rock beds were carved for their use. Rock beds with no head-rests are found in Vellore.

20. Kazhugumalai Rock-Cut Temple

Kazhugumalai is an important Jain centre in Tamil Nadu.

The Kazhugumalai Rock-Cut Temple is believed to have been built by Parantaka Nedunchadayan. It marks the revival of Jainism in the 8th century.

21. Jainism During the Pallava Period

Jainism flourished during the Pallava reign.

Most of the Pallava rulers are described in additional questions as having Jain connections. Jain scholars and monks were active during this period.

22. Buddhism in Tamil Nadu

Buddhism also spread in Tamil Nadu and influenced Tamil society.

Buddhist monks established monasteries and educational centres. Buddhism encouraged compassion, non-violence, moral conduct and meditation.

23. Buddha’s Teachings

Buddha’s teachings were transmitted for a long time through the memory of teachers and disciples.

Later, Buddhist teachings were compiled into sacred texts called Tripitaka.

24. Four Noble Truths

The Four Noble Truths are the basic teachings of Buddhism.

Life includes pain, old age, disease and death.
Suffering is caused by craving and aversion.
Suffering can be overcome and happiness can be attained.
True happiness and contentment are possible by following the Eight-fold Path.

25. Eight-fold Path

The Eight-fold Path is the path suggested by Buddha to overcome suffering.

Right view
Right intention
Right speech
Right action
Right livelihood
Right effort
Right mindfulness
Right concentration

26. Tripitaka

Tripitaka means three baskets.

It is the collection of Buddhist sacred texts. The three divisions of Tripitaka are Vinaya Pitaka, Sutta Pitaka and Abhidhamma Pitaka.

27. Vinaya Pitaka

Vinaya Pitaka contains the rules of the order of Buddhist monks.

It explains monastic discipline and proper conduct for monks.

28. Sutta Pitaka

Sutta Pitaka contains the teachings and discourses of Buddha.

It explains moral, spiritual and philosophical ideas in the form of sermons.

29. Abhidhamma Pitaka

Abhidhamma Pitaka contains Buddhist philosophy and deeper explanations of Buddhist teachings.

It deals with ideas about mind, reality, knowledge and moral discipline.

30. Buddhist Literature

Buddhist literature includes many important works.

Jataka stories describe various stories of the lives of Buddha. Later Buddhist works include Buddhacarita and Visuddhimagga.

31. Buddhacharita

Buddhacharita was written by Asvaghosa.

It is an important literary work connected with Buddhism.

32. Visuddhimagga

Visuddhimagga was written by Buddhagosha.

It is a later work in Buddhist literature.

33. Milinda Panha

Milinda Panha is an important Buddhist text.

It is associated with Nagasena. This is an important match-the-following point.

34. Buddhist Educational Centres

Buddhist institutions became great centres of learning.

Nalanda, Taxila and Vikramashila gained reputation as great educational centres of Buddhism.

35. Huein Tsang

Huein Tsang was a Chinese traveller.

He visited the Pallava country in the 7th century. His accounts are useful for understanding the religious condition of South India.

36. Mattavilasa Prahasana

Mattavilasa Prahasana was written by Mahendravarman.

It describes Buddhism as a religion in decay. This is an important textbook-back fill-in-the-blank point.

37. Buddhist Monk Vajrabodhi

Vajrabodhi was a Buddhist monk skilled in tantric rituals.

He is mentioned in additional textbook-back points related to Buddhism.

38. Manimekalai

Manimekalai is a Tamil epic connected with Buddhist ideas.

It reflects Buddhist moral and philosophical thought and shows the influence of Buddhism in Tamil literary tradition.

39. Buddhism and Tamil Society

Buddhism influenced Tamil Nadu through monasteries, education, literature and moral teachings.

It encouraged compassion, charity, discipline, meditation and non-violence.

40. Ajivika Philosophy

Ajivika was another important philosophical sect in ancient India.

The Ajivikas had a presence in Tamil Nadu and influenced religious and philosophical discussions.

41. Patronage of Ajivikas

The Mauryan emperor Asoka and his grandson Dasaratha patronised the Ajivikas.

This patronage helped the Ajivikas grow as a religious and philosophical community.

42. Ajivika Ideas

Ajivikas believed strongly in fate and destiny.

They followed a strict ascetic way of life. They gave importance to discipline, renunciation and philosophical thought.

43. Ajivikas and Persecution

Throughout history, Ajivikas had to face persecution in many places.

Though their influence declined over time, they remained an important part of India’s ancient philosophical traditions.

44. Jainism, Buddhism and Ajivika – Common Features

Jainism, Buddhism and Ajivika philosophy were different from one another, but they had some common features.

They criticised empty rituals.
They gave importance to discipline.
They encouraged simple living.
They valued moral conduct.
They contributed to education and literature.
They influenced Tamil culture and society.

45. Contribution to Tamil Nadu

These religious and philosophical traditions made Tamil Nadu an important centre of learning.

They contributed to Tamil literature, educational institutions, cave architecture, inscriptions, moral thought and social values.

Central Idea of the Lesson

The central idea of the lesson is that Jainism, Buddhism and Ajivika philosophy played an important role in the religious and cultural history of Tamil Nadu. Jainism contributed to Tamil literature, education and cave monuments. Buddhism spread moral teachings such as Four Noble Truths and Eight-fold Path and contributed to Buddhist literature and learning centres. Ajivika philosophy added to the diversity of religious and philosophical thought in Tamil Nadu.

Jainism – Important Points

Topic	Important Point
24th Tirthankara	Mahavira.
First Jain Council	Held at Pataliputra.
Agama Sutras	Written in Ardha-Magadhi Prakrit.
Kalpa Sutra	Associated with Bhadrabahu.
Jain Sects	Digambaras and Svetambaras.
Tamils Broadly Belonged To	Digambara sect.
Kalabhras	Patronised Jainism.
Jain Monasteries	Served as seats of learning.
Neminatha	22nd Tirthankara; tallest Jain image in Tamil Nadu.
Kazhugumalai Rock-Cut Temple	Believed to have been built by Parantaka Nedunchadayan.

Jain Literary Contributions

Work	Related Person / Point
Agama Sutras	Sacred books of Jainism written in Ardha-Magadhi Prakrit.
Kalpa Sutra	Associated with Bhadrabahu.
Jivaka Chintamani	Composed by Tiruthakkathevar.
Naladiyar	Attributed to a Jain monk.
Panchatantra	Has a great amount of Jain influence.

Important Jain Centres in Tamil Nadu

Place	Importance
Tiruparuttikunram	Important Jain centre near Kanchipuram.
Kizha Kuyil Kudi	Associated with Madurai.
Kazhugumalai	Important Jain rock-cut temple centre.
Sittanavasal	Associated with Jain cave art and heritage.
Tirumalai	Jain cave temple near Arani in Tiruvannamalai district.
Vellore	Rock beds with no head-rests are found here.

Buddhism – Important Points

Topic	Important Point
Basic Teaching	Four Noble Truths and Eight-fold Path.
Tripitaka	Collection of Buddhist sacred texts.
Vinaya Pitaka	Contains rules of Buddhist monks.
Sutta Pitaka	Contains teachings and discourses of Buddha.
Abhidhamma Pitaka	Contains Buddhist philosophy.
Buddhacharita	Written by Asvaghosa.
Visuddhimagga	Written by Buddhagosha.
Milinda Panha	Associated with Nagasena.
Huein Tsang	Chinese traveller who visited Pallava country in the 7th century.
Mattavilasa Prahasana	Describes Buddhism as a religion in decay.

Four Noble Truths

No.	Truth
1	Life includes pain, old age, disease and death.
2	Suffering is caused by craving and aversion.
3	Suffering can be overcome and happiness can be attained.
4	True happiness and contentment are possible by following the Eight-fold Path.

Eight-fold Path

No.	Path
1	Right view
2	Right intention
3	Right speech
4	Right action
5	Right livelihood
6	Right effort
7	Right mindfulness
8	Right concentration

Tripitaka – Three Divisions

Division	Meaning / Content
Vinaya Pitaka	Rules and discipline for Buddhist monks.
Sutta Pitaka	Teachings and discourses of Buddha.
Abhidhamma Pitaka	Buddhist philosophy and deeper doctrinal explanations.

Ajivika Philosophy – Important Points

Topic	Important Point
Ajivikas	Ancient religious and philosophical sect.
Patronised By	Asoka and his grandson Dasaratha.
Main Idea	Strong belief in fate and destiny.
Way of Life	Ascetic and disciplined life.
Historical Condition	Ajivikas faced persecution in many places.

Jainism, Buddhism and Ajivika – Comparison

Jainism	Buddhism	Ajivika
Gave importance to non-violence, truth and self-control.	Gave importance to Four Noble Truths and Eight-fold Path.	Gave importance to fate, destiny and ascetic discipline.
Sacred texts are Agama Sutras.	Sacred texts are Tripitaka.	No major surviving text like Jainism and Buddhism.
Influenced Tamil literature such as Jivaka Chintamani and Naladiyar.	Influenced Tamil literature such as Manimekalai.	Influenced philosophical discussions in ancient India.
Kalabhras patronised Jainism.	Buddhist centres of learning became famous.	Asoka and Dasaratha patronised Ajivikas.

Important Exam Points from the Lesson

Question Focus	Answer
First Jain Council held at	Pataliputra.
Agama Sutras written in	Ardha-Magadhi Prakrit.
Kalabhras patronised	Jainism.
Rock beds with no head-rests found at	Vellore.
Kazhugumalai Rock-Cut Temple built by	Parantaka Nedunchadayan.
Tallest Jain image in Tamil Nadu	Neminatha.
Buddhacharita written by	Asvaghosa.
Chinese traveller Huein Tsang visited Pallava country in	7th century.
Buddhism as a religion in decay described by	Mattavilasa Prahasana.
Asoka and Dasaratha patronised	Ajivikas.
Kalpa Sutra associated with	Bhadrabahu.
Jivaka Chintamani composed by	Tiruthakkathevar.
Neminatha	22nd Tirthankara.
Milinda Panha associated with	Nagasena.
Kizha Kuyil Kudi associated with	Madurai.
Vinaya Pitaka contains	Rules of Buddhist monks.
Jataka stories describe	Various stories of the lives of Buddha.
Visuddhimagga written by	Buddhagosha.
Tirumalai Jain cave temple located in	Tiruvannamalai district.

Vocabulary to Remember

Jainism – religion that teaches non-violence, truth and self-control.
Tirthankara – spiritual teacher in Jainism.
Mahavira – 24th Tirthankara of Jainism.
Agama Sutras – sacred texts of Jainism.
Ardha-Magadhi Prakrit – language of Agama Sutras.
Digambara – one of the main sects of Jainism.
Svetambara – one of the main sects of Jainism.
Monastery – place where monks live and study.
Rock Beds – stone beds carved for monks in caves.
Buddhism – religion founded on the teachings of Buddha.
Tripitaka – three baskets of Buddhist sacred texts.
Vinaya Pitaka – rules for Buddhist monks.
Sutta Pitaka – teachings and discourses of Buddha.
Abhidhamma Pitaka – Buddhist philosophy.
Four Noble Truths – basic teachings of Buddhism about suffering.
Eight-fold Path – path to overcome suffering in Buddhism.
Jataka – stories of the previous lives of Buddha.
Ajivika – ancient philosophical sect that believed in fate and destiny.
Ascetic – person who lives a simple and disciplined spiritual life.
Persecution – ill-treatment because of religious or other differences.

TET / Exam Focus Areas

Very Important Focus: These are the most expected textbook-based areas from this lesson.

Where was the first Jain Council held?
In which language was Agama Sutras written?
Which religion was patronised by the Kalabhras?
Where are rock beds with no head-rests found?
Who is believed to have built the Kazhugumalai Rock-Cut Temple?
Which image is considered the tallest Jain image in Tamil Nadu?
Who wrote Buddhacharita?
Who visited Pallava country in the 7th century?
Which work describes Buddhism as a religion in decay?
Who patronised the Ajivikas?
Match Kalpa Sutra with Bhadrabahu.
Match Jivaka Chintamani with Tiruthakkathevar.
Explain the Four Noble Truths.
Explain the Eight-fold Path.
Explain the three divisions of Tripitaka.
Write a note on Jainism in Tamil Nadu.
Write a note on Buddhism in Tamil Nadu.
Write a note on Ajivika philosophy.

Short Answer Questions and Answers

1. Where was the first Jain Council held?

The first Jain Council was held at Pataliputra.

2. In which language was Agama Sutras written?

Agama Sutras was written in Ardha-Magadhi Prakrit.

3. Which religion was patronised by the Kalabhras?

Jainism was patronised by the Kalabhras.

4. Where are rock beds with no head-rests found?

Rock beds with no head-rests are found in Vellore.

5. Who is believed to have built Kazhugumalai Rock-Cut Temple?

Parantaka Nedunchadayan is believed to have built Kazhugumalai Rock-Cut Temple.

6. Which image is considered the tallest Jain image in Tamil Nadu?

The image of Neminatha is considered the tallest Jain image in Tamil Nadu.

7. Who was Neminatha?

Neminatha was the 22nd Tirthankara of Jainism.

8. Who wrote Buddhacharita?

Buddhacharita was written by Asvaghosa.

9. Who visited Pallava country in the 7th century?

The Chinese traveller Huein Tsang visited Pallava country in the 7th century.

10. Which work describes Buddhism as a religion in decay?

Mahendravarman’s Mattavilasa Prahasana describes Buddhism as a religion in decay.

11. Who patronised Ajivikas?

The Mauryan emperor Asoka and his grandson Dasaratha patronised Ajivikas.

12. What is Kalpa Sutra associated with?

Kalpa Sutra is associated with Bhadrabahu.

13. Who composed Jivaka Chintamani?

Jivaka Chintamani was composed by Tiruthakkathevar.

14. What is Milinda Panha associated with?

Milinda Panha is associated with Nagasena.

15. What are the three divisions of Tripitaka?

The three divisions of Tripitaka are Vinaya Pitaka, Sutta Pitaka and Abhidhamma Pitaka.

16. What does Vinaya Pitaka contain?

Vinaya Pitaka contains the rules of the order of Buddhist monks.

17. What does Sutta Pitaka contain?

Sutta Pitaka contains the teachings and discourses of Buddha.

18. What does Abhidhamma Pitaka contain?

Abhidhamma Pitaka contains Buddhist philosophy and deeper explanations of Buddhist teachings.

19. What are the Four Noble Truths?

The Four Noble Truths teach that life includes suffering, suffering is caused by craving and aversion, suffering can be overcome, and happiness is possible through the Eight-fold Path.

20. What is the Eight-fold Path?

The Eight-fold Path includes right view, right intention, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness and right concentration.

21. Name any two Jain centres in Tamil Nadu.

Tiruparuttikunram and Kazhugumalai are two important Jain centres in Tamil Nadu.

22. What is Ajivika philosophy?

Ajivika was an ancient philosophical sect that believed strongly in fate and destiny and followed an ascetic way of life.

23. Why were Jain monasteries important?

Jain monasteries were important because they served as seats of learning and provided education irrespective of caste and creed.

24. What is Naladiyar?

Naladiyar is an important Tamil moral work attributed to a Jain monk.

25. What are Jataka stories?

Jataka stories describe various stories of the lives of Buddha.

How to Write This in Exam

For a short answer, write the direct point first. For example, if the question asks “Where was the first Jain Council held?”, write “The first Jain Council was held at Pataliputra.”

For a long answer, divide the answer into headings such as Jainism in Tamil Nadu, Jain literature, Jain centres, Buddhism in Tamil Nadu, Four Noble Truths, Tripitaka, Buddhist literature, Ajivika philosophy and conclusion.

Sample Exam Answer

“Jainism, Buddhism and Ajivika Philosophy in Tamil Nadu” is an important History lesson in 7th Social Science. These religious and philosophical movements influenced Tamil Nadu’s education, literature, art, architecture, moral ideas and social life.

Jainism spread widely in Tamil Nadu. Jain monks lived in caves and rock shelters and carved rock beds for their use. Jain monasteries and temples served as seats of learning. Education was given irrespective of caste and creed. The first Jain Council was held at Pataliputra. Agama Sutras, the sacred texts of Jainism, were written in Ardha-Magadhi Prakrit. Jainism was patronised by the Kalabhras.

Jain scholars contributed to Tamil literature. Jivaka Chintamani was composed by Tiruthakkathevar, and Naladiyar is also attributed to a Jain monk. Important Jain centres in Tamil Nadu include Tiruparuttikunram, Kizha Kuyil Kudi, Kazhugumalai, Sittanavasal and Tirumalai. The image of Neminatha is considered the tallest Jain image in Tamil Nadu.

Buddhism also influenced Tamil Nadu. Buddha’s teachings were preserved in Tripitaka, which has three divisions: Vinaya Pitaka, Sutta Pitaka and Abhidhamma Pitaka. Vinaya Pitaka contains rules for Buddhist monks. Sutta Pitaka contains the teachings of Buddha. Abhidhamma Pitaka contains Buddhist philosophy. The Four Noble Truths and the Eight-fold Path are the basic teachings of Buddhism. Buddhacharita was written by Asvaghosa, and Visuddhimagga was written by Buddhagosha.

Ajivika was another important philosophical sect. The Mauryan emperor Asoka and his grandson Dasaratha patronised Ajivikas. Ajivikas believed strongly in fate and destiny and followed an ascetic way of life. Thus Jainism, Buddhism and Ajivika philosophy enriched the religious, literary and cultural history of Tamil Nadu.

One Mark Important Points

First Jain Council – Pataliputra
Agama Sutras Written In – Ardha-Magadhi Prakrit
Kalabhras Patronised – Jainism
Rock Beds With No Head-rests – Vellore
Kazhugumalai Rock-Cut Temple Built By – Parantaka Nedunchadayan
Tallest Jain Image in Tamil Nadu – Neminatha
Neminatha – 22nd Tirthankara
Buddhacharita Written By – Asvaghosa
Huein Tsang Visited Pallava Country – 7th century
Buddhism in Decay Described By – Mattavilasa Prahasana
Asoka and Dasaratha Patronised – Ajivikas
Kalpa Sutra – Bhadrabahu
Jivaka Chintamani – Tiruthakkathevar
Milinda Panha – Nagasena
Kizha Kuyil Kudi – Madurai
Jain Sects – Digambaras and Svetambaras
Tamils Broadly Belonged To – Digambara sect
Jain Monasteries – Seats of learning
Vinaya Pitaka – Rules of Buddhist monks
Sutta Pitaka – Teachings of Buddha
Abhidhamma Pitaka – Buddhist philosophy
Tripitaka – Vinaya, Sutta and Abhidhamma Pitakas
Jataka Stories – Stories of the lives of Buddha
Visuddhimagga – Buddhagosha
Important Buddhist Centres – Nalanda, Taxila and Vikramashila
Tirumalai Jain Cave Temple – Tiruvannamalai district
Panchatantra – Has Jain influence
Naladiyar – Attributed to a Jain monk

Short Conclusion

“Jainism, Buddhism and Ajivika Philosophy in Tamil Nadu” teaches us about the religious and philosophical diversity of Tamil Nadu. Jainism contributed to education, literature, caves and rock beds. Buddhism contributed moral teachings, Tripitaka, Four Noble Truths, Eight-fold Path and Buddhist literature. Ajivika philosophy added to ancient India’s philosophical discussions through its belief in fate and ascetic life. This lesson is important for exams because many direct questions can be asked from Pataliputra, Agama Sutras, Kalabhras, Kazhugumalai, Neminatha, Buddhacharita, Huein Tsang, Tripitaka, Four Noble Truths, Eight-fold Path and Ajivikas.