The sixth century BCE was a remarkable period in Indian history when the field of philosophical inquiries was bubbling with intense activity. Apart from significant developments in the political, social and economic spheres, it marked the beginning of early historical period in north India and witnessed the process of state formation and urbanisation in the Ganga valley. According to Buddhist sources as many as 62 new religious sects and according to Jain texts 363 sects emerged in north India in the sixth century BCE. Of all the searching souls and religious preachers of this time, Gautam Buddha was exceptionally influential, with the most popular social base.
