The impact of improvement in agriculture, development of trade, money, and urbanisation on the society in the sixth century BC:

(i) The improvement in agriculture and development of trade, money and urbanisation had an impact on the society as well. Due to these changes traditional equality and brotherhood gave way to inequality and social conflict.

(ii) New social problems like violence, cruelty, theft, hatred, and falsehood began to take place. Now, people wanted some kind of reprieve from these problems. Therefore, when new religions such as Jainism and Buddhism preached the concept of peace and social equality, people welcomed it.

(iii) These religions emphasised that true happiness does not lie in material prosperity or performance of rituals but in charity, frugality, non-violence and good social conduct.

(iv) Besides, the general economic progress had led to the rise of Vaisyas and other mercantile groups, who wanted better social position than what brahmanas gave them. Therefore, they preferred to patronise non-Vedic religions like Buddhism and Jainism through substantial donations.

(v) Brahmanical dominance was not challenged only by Buddhism and Jainism. There were other sects that too challenged the Brahmanical dominance. According to Buddhist sources, more than 62 sects and philosophies flourished in this period. One of these sects was known as Ajivika which was founded by Makkhali Ghosal. Ajivikas were very popular in Magadha in the third century BC and Maruyan kings donated several caves in the honour of Ajivikas monks.