Q. With reference to the decline of the Vedic religion around the time of the rise of Buddhism, consider the following:

1. There was a growth of religious unrest in society.
2. The Vedic preachers were unable to satisfy the spiritual questions of the common people.
3. There was an emergence of unhealthy traditions and increasing emphasis on sacrifices and rituals in Vedic religion.

Which of the above was / were the reasons that contributed to the decline of Vedic religion?
Answer: 1, 2 and 3
Notes: All three reasons listed contributed to the decline of Vedic religion. Religious unrest was prevalent, rituals became complex and costly, and Vedic teachings failed to address popular spiritual needs. These factors led people to seek simpler alternatives, paving the way for the rise of Buddhism and Jainism, which offered accessible spiritual paths devoid of expensive rituals.