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Origin of Śramanism: Causes and Conflict : 113
as rivals. It proves that for the preachers of Acārānga, Śramanas and Brāhmaṇas are not rivals to each other as considered later on."
930
It seems that the behaviour, conduct and qualities were same for the Brahmana and Śramana and hence their spotless life placed them high in the society. There was a tremendous similarity between Buddhist, Jain and Brāhmaṇical practices of Śramanas and they were in constant mutual contacts exchanging and debating their ideas, opinions and knowledge. There is a constant discussion about the origin of Śramanas and there are several theories regarding the origin of Śramanism but
most of them are fanciful and come out of traditions. Few of them seem to be more reasonable and are listed below:
Ksatriya Protest: Garbe, Jacobi and a few other scholars are of the opinion that the Śramanism in Jainism and even in Buddhism was originated as a protest against the exclusiveness and superiority of the Brahmanas. According to Garbe, "these two pessimistic religions (Buddhism and Jainism)...... are simply to be regarded as the most eminent of the numerous teachers who in the sixth century before Christ in North Central India opposed the ceremonial doctrines and the caste- system of the Brahmanas"."
10
It seems that the extremism of Brāhmaṇa priests and their elaborate and extravagant rituals forced Kṣatriyas to protest in this manner, though they could not make the new cult free from castism, because Jaina texts refer 'high' and 'low' tribes (Jati Ārya and Jatī- Jungiya) and 'high' and 'low' crafts (Sippa Arya and Sippa Jungiya). It is rightly remarked by Jain, "Inspite of caste- denouncing preaching and sermons, the Jains could not do away with the time honoured restrictions of caste." So it cannot be confirmed that Śramanism came in prominence due to this reason, because 'castism' was prevalent in Jainism too, though its mode was different. Jainism is supposed to be of earlier occurrence than at the time of Mahävira, so it could be concluded in S.B. Deo's words. "At the most we may say that this revolt against Vedic philosophy and ritualism which was gathering strength for centuries together previously, found the best expression through Mahavira and Buddha, besides some others." Speaking of Buddha and Mahavira Pt. Sukhalalaji remarked that both of them are likely to be the Kṣatriya of Vṛṣala group and that Buddha was also known as Vṛṣalaka12.
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