i. The emergence of influential thinkers such as Zarathustra in Iran, Kong Zi in China, Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle in Greece, and Mahavira and Gautama Buddha in India marked a period of deep philosophical inquiry into the mysteries of existence.
ii. Relationship between humans and the cosmic order were discussed.
iii. New kingdoms and cities were developing, and social and economic life was undergoing significant changes in the Ganga valley.
iv. Prompting these thinkers to also contemplate these societal transformations.
v. Pre-existing traditions, including the early Vedic tradition as known from the Rigveda involved hymns praising deities like Agni, Indra, and Soma, often chanted during sacrifices where people prayed for various blessings such as cattle, sons and good health.
vi. Sacrifices were collective affairs, but later some were performed individually by household heads for the well-being of their families.
vii. More elaborate rituals like the rajasuya and ashvamedha were conducted by chiefs and kings, with Brahmana priests overseeing the ceremonies.
viii. The Upanishads reflect a growing curiosity about the meaning of life, the possibility of life after death, and other profound existential inquiries.
ix. These texts delve into metaphysical concepts and explore the nature of reality and human consciousness.
x. Mahavira and the Buddha emphasised individual agency – suggesting that men and women could strive to attain liberation from the trials and tribulations of worldly existence.