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CHAPTER VII
SOCIAL CONDITIONS
The age of Lord Mahāvīra is remarkable for many social changes. The religious reformers of this period opposed the caste system based on birth and even challenged the superiority of the Brāhmaṇas. The Sannyasa Āśrama became quite distinct from Vanaprastha during this period because of the influence of Jainism and Buddhism. Marriage was made gradually compulsory both for men and women. While society was based upon the joint-family system, the idea of proprietary rights had also begun to grow. The Gotra and Pravara came into existence. The old system of Niyoga gradually disappeared bccause of the growth of ascetic ideas in the society. Women enjoyed a high position. Because of the propagation of the doctrine of Ahimsā, people began to prefer a vegetarian dict. SOCIAL ORGANIZATION
The four Varnas, Brāhmaṇas, Kshatriyas, Vaiśyas and Sūdras, which were formed more or less on birth during the later Vedic period, became gradually rigid and fixed. The influence of the Brāhmaṇas greatly diminished both in the intellectual and political field and thcir place was taken by the Kshatriyas who began to consider themselves superior to other classes on account of the great importance they attached to their purity of blood. Consequently, they occupied the first position in the caste hierarchy. This period also witnessed thc dctcrioration in the position of the Sūdras, with the result that a number of religious leaders raised their voice for their uplift. Mixed castes resulted from organizations like guilds of people following different arts and crafts. Inicr-caste marriages also lcd to the origin of such castos.
The fecling of caste superiority was inicnsc during this period. Both the Kshatriyas and the Brāhmanas considered thiemselves to be superior to odlicr casics. This feeling of
