Q. Consider the following statements:

1. Both Buddha and Mahavira were Kshatriya by birth
2. Kshatriya enthusiastically patronised the new socio-religious reform movements such as Buddhism and Jainism

Which of the above is / are correct?
Answer: Both 1 & 2
Notes: Society at the end of the later Vedic period was divided into four Varnas- Brahmanas, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas and Shudras. In this Brahamanical world view, Kshatriya- the ruling class and Vaishya- the working class, were assigned inferior positions vis-à-vis Brahmans. Upto this time, there was a remarkable increase in the power and prestige of the state, hence the ruling class i.e. Kshatriyas. Yet, they were supposed to obey the Brahmanas. Vaishyas, the only economically productive class of these three, were facing even more disabilities. Additionally, large scale slaughter of cattle wealth in Brahmanical rituals was hurting the new agrarian economy and the Dharmashastras decried money lending. So, these two Varnas reacted against the Brahamanical supremacy and supported Buddhism and Jainism. Notably, both Buddha and Mahavira were Kshatriya by birth. Both, these Varnas enthusiastically patronised these new socio-religious reform movements.