Q. “The political and economic needs of rulers, combined with economic and status needs of the merchant class, together provided the receptive cultural milieu in which Buddhism flourished,” Comment. [UPSC- 2021]

Ans:

The sixth century B.C. was an important stage in Indian history as far as the development of new religions is concerned. In this period, we notice a growing opposition to the ritualistic orthodox ideas of the Brahmanas. This ultimately led to the emergence of many heterodox religious movements in the middle Gangetic plains. We hear of as many as 62 religious sects. Among these Buddhism developed into the most popular and well organised religions.©selfstudyhistory.com

The growth and success of Buddhism in ancient India can be attributed to the support and patronage from rulers and the merchant class. The rulers and merchants had political, economic and status needs and found Buddhism to be a suitable religion to fulfill those needs.

(1) Political needs of rulers:

• Kshatriyas, whether in the monarchies or in the Gana-Samghas, came to wield much more political power than before. So, they resisted the Brahman’s domination and in turn promoted Buddhism.
• kshatriyas, who functioned as rulers, reacted strongly against the ritualistic domination of the brahmanas, and seem to have led a kind of protest movement against the importance attached to birth in the varna system.
  • The kshatriya reaction against the dominalion of the priestly class called brahmanas, who claimed various privileges, was one of the causes of the origin of new religions. Gautama Buddha, who founded Buddhism belonged to the kshatriya clan, and he disputed the authority of the brahmanas.
• Many rulers embraced Buddhism as a means to extend their political influence and control over their subjects.
  • For example, Emperor Ashoka is said to have embraced Buddhism after the Kalinga War and actively promoted it throughout his empire.
  • Ashoka sent Buddhist missionaries to various parts of the Indian subcontinent and beyond, establishing Buddhism as a major religion in the region.
  • This patronage by Ashoka and other rulers helped Buddhism gain prominence and acceptance among the masses.

(2) Economic needs of rulers:

• Buddhism provided opportunity of economic benefits for the kingdoms and rulers.
• The agricultural economy based on the iron ploughshare required the use of bullocks, and it could not flourish without animal husbandry. But the Vedic practice of killing cattle indiscriminately in sacrifices stood in the way of the progress of new agriculture.
  • The cattle wealth slowly decimated because the cows and bullocks were killed in numerous Vedic sacrifices.
  • The tribal people living on the southern and eastern fringes of Magadha also killed cattle for food.
  • But if the new agrarian economy had to be stable, which was required by the rulers, this killing had to be stopped and this was provided by the Buddhism.
• Buddhist monasteries and establishments in ancient India attracted traders, artisans, and craftsmen, leading to the growth of trade and commerce in the region. The rulers, in turn, benefitted from the increased economic activity and generated revenue through taxes and trade.

(3) Economic needs of the merchant class:

• The merchant class of ancient India also found Buddhism to be a religion that catered to their economic needs.
• Buddhism’s emphasis on non-violence, tolerance, and compassion resonated with the merchant class, who relied on peaceful trade relations for their livelihood.
  • Buddhism preached the gospel of non-violence, which would put an end to wars between different kingdoms and consequently promote trade and commerce.
• The support for Buddhism further strengthened their trade relations with Buddhist regions and communities.

(4) Status needs of the merchant class:

• Due to urbanization, increase in use of coins, trade and commerce, increased economic power of merchant class but their social status in the Brahmanical society the Vaishyas (merchant class) ranked third, the first two being: brahmanas and kshatriyas and hence they were looked down upon by the higher varnas.
  • Naturally – they looked for some religion which would improve their position.
  • The vaishvas extended generous support to both Gautama Buddha. The merchants, called the setthis made hand- some gifts to Gautama Buddha and his disciples.
• The Brahmanical law books, called the Dharmasutras, decried lending money on interest. A person who lived on Interest was condemned by them.
  • The merchant class, who lent money on account of growing trade and commerce, were not held in esteem and were eager to improve their social status.
• The support for Buddhism allowed them to assert their social status and identity.
  • Buddhism in the initial stage did not attach any importance to the existing varna system and this egalitarianism appealed to the merchant class.

Thus, Buddhism flourished under above socio-economic conditions provided by the socio-economic needs of rulers and merchant class and tried to provide alternative religious order to fix the prevailing issues in the contemporary time. It further led to the growth and spread of Buddhism in India and beyond. ©selfstudyhistory.com