The correct answer is: a) Vedic Brahmanism.
Jainism and Buddhism are Indian religions that originated in the 6th century BCE. They both share a common origin in the Vedic tradition, but they rejected the authority of the Vedas and the Brahmanical priesthood. Jainism and Buddhism became popular in Punjab, a region in northwestern India, in the 6th and 5th centuries BCE. This was a time of great social and political change in Punjab, as the region was conquered by the Persian Empire and then by the Mauryan Empire. The rise of Jainism and Buddhism can be seen as a response to these changes.
Vedic Brahmanism was the dominant religion in India at the time of the rise of Jainism and Buddhism. It was a polytheistic religion that worshipped a pantheon of gods and goddesses. The Vedas were the sacred texts of Vedic Brahmanism, and they were believed to be the revealed word of the gods. The Brahmanical priesthood was the highest authority in Vedic Brahmanism, and they controlled all aspects of religious life.
Jainism and Buddhism rejected the authority of the Vedas and the Brahmanical priesthood. They taught that the only way to achieve salvation was through individual effort, not through ritual or sacrifice. Jainism and Buddhism also emphasized the importance of non-violence and compassion.
The rise of Jainism and Buddhism challenged the dominance of Vedic Brahmanism. They offered a new way of life that was more egalitarian and less hierarchical. Jainism and Buddhism became popular among the lower classes, who were oppressed by the Brahmanical priesthood. The rise of Jainism and Buddhism also led to a decline in the power of the Brahmanical priesthood.
The rise of Jainism and Buddhism was a major turning point in Indian history. It marked the beginning of the decline of Vedic Brahmanism and the rise of new religions that emphasized individual effort and non-violence.