In the Later Vedic period, the caste system and Brahminic supremacy became entrenched. Caste groups became rigid with the passage of time. The varna system now turned into an oppressive Jati (caste) system.
In all this, women became doubly oppressed. Jainism and Buddhism are perceived as “protest religions”. Both these religious traditions opened their doors to all sections of society.
The right to salvation was no longer limited to a particular stratum of society. Understandably, Buddhism with its fewer rigid rules and regulations in comparison to Jainism was embraced by many.
Gautama Buddha permitted women to join his monastic community and to fully participate in it. Buddhist doctrines do not differentiate between women and men, since everyone, regardless of gender, status or age, is subject to old age, illness, and mortality, thus suffering applies to all.
Several Jain nuns have played a very active part in the abolition of sati practice, abolition of slavery of women, and in the prohibition of animal sacrifices.
Jainism, being a religion of religious equality, is devoted to recognizing the rights of all living creatures. Jainism and Buddhism opposed the caste system in India. Thus, Jainism and Buddhism provided hope to all people.
