Mahajanapada Period:

Que. “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 CSE, 2021]

Approach:

(1) Explain the Buddhism.

(2) Mention the political and economic needs of rulers and merchants.

(3) Explain how the Buddhist principles satisfy the needs.

(4) Conclude accordingly.

Introduction:

The statement you provided highlights an important aspect of the historical context in which Buddhism emerged and flourished in ancient India. Buddhism, founded by Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha, in the 6th century BCE, indeed developed in a specific cultural and socio-political context influenced by both the political and economic needs of rulers and the aspirations of the merchant class.

Factors contributed to the receptive cultural milieu for Buddhism:

Political Needs of Rulers:

(1) Support for Stability: Ancient India during the time of the Buddha was characterized by the rise of territorial states (Mahajanapadas) and the emergence of powerful rulers. Many rulers sought stability and social cohesion within their domains, which Buddhism offered through its ethical and moral teachings.

(2) Diplomacy: Buddhism’s emphasis on non-violence (ahimsa) and principles of ethical governance appealed to rulers as it could serve as a means of diplomatic relations and peaceful coexistence with neighboring states. Buddhism’s message of peace could be used to mitigate conflicts and promote diplomatic ties.

(3) Patronage: Some rulers, like King Ashoka of the Maurya Empire, became enthusiastic patrons of Buddhism. Ashoka’s support not only helped spread Buddhism but also promoted the construction of stupas, monasteries, and pillars with edicts, all of which contributed to the religion’s growth.

Economic Needs of Rulers and Merchants:

(1) Trade and Prosperity: Trade was a significant economic activity in ancient India, both domestically and with other regions like Central Asia and the Mediterranean. Merchants played a key role in these trade networks, and Buddhism’s emphasis on ethical conduct and non-violence resonated with the business community.

During the starting period of second urbanization which witnessed huge expansion in trade and commerce, thus Buddhism adopted the feasible attitude towards this aspect which was quite tough in Brahmanical orthodoxy. Trade and use of money gave rise to money lending and usury but the Dharmasastra did not favour these new practices. On the other hand, there are repeated references to debtor, creditor, debt and interest in the Pali texts. Money lending was not condemned. However, there was an emphasis on clearing of debts which supposedly made a person happy.

(2) Income Inequalities: The rise of a new wealthy class in villages and towns caused economic inequalities which further liquidated the tribal ideas of kingship. Many tribes of the Vedic period were affected by the concentration of private property in the hands of a few persons. This naturally tended to strengthen the fourfold division of society.

(3) Social Harmony: Buddhism’s teachings on social harmony and non-exploitation appealed to merchants who sought a stable and just society for conducting their trade. This could reduce the risk of social unrest and disruptions in commerce.

According to Baudhayana, food offered by a prostitute or an unchaste woman is prohibited. In contrast the Buddha did not believe in injunctions. Women were admitted in the Buddhist order and there was no prohibition on prostitutes joining the Sangha.

(4) Merit-Making: Buddhism introduced the concept of accumulating merit (punya) through good deeds, including supporting religious institutions. Merchants, aspiring to improve their social and karmic status, often engaged in acts of philanthropy, such as funding the construction of monasteries and offering alms to monks.

Buddhist Principles Satisfying the Needs:

(1) Buddha proved to be a practical reformer who took note of the realities of the day. He did not involve himself in fruitless controversies regarding the soul (atman) and the Brahma which raged strongly in his time; he addressed himself to the worldly problems.

(2) Emphasis on Ahimsa: Buddhist emphasis on ahimsa involved a critique of Brahmanical animal sacrifices. Monks and nuns could not kill animals and drink water from bodies in which small creatures lived.

(3) Royal Patronage: Royal patronage of Buddhism also accounted for its rapid rise. The Buddha himself was a Kshatriya prince. Kings like Prasenjit, Bimbisara, Ajatasatru, Asoka, Kanishka and Harshavardhan patronised Buddhism and helped its spread throughout India and outside, as well. Asoka deputed his children, Mahendra and Sanghamitra, to Sri Lanka for the spread of Buddhism.

(4) Buddha taught his followers the Four “Noble Truths”: The World is full of sorrows (dukkha), The cause of sorrow is desire (trishna), If desires are conquered, all sorrows can be removed and The only way this can be done is by following the “Middle-Path” (ashtangika marga or Noble Eightfold Path). 

It comprised: (i) Right view, (ii) Right intention, (iii) Right speech, (iv) Right action, (v) Right livelihood, (vi) Right effort, (vii) Right mindfulness, (viii) Right meditation.

(5) Concept of Nirvana: The concept of liberation (nirvana)-the goal of the Buddhist path-is closely related to overcoming ignorance, a fundamental misunderstanding or mis-perception of the nature of reality. Process of elimination of desire and ending of sufferings lead to freedom from rebirth. Prayers and sacrifices will not end desires.

(6) Concept of Karma: The connection between different lives is established by karma. In the Brahmanical tradition, karma refers to ritual action. In the Buddha’s teaching, karma means intentions which lead to actions of body, speech, or mind. Rebirth is governed by the cumulative results of the karma of a particular life.

Conclusion:

Buddhism’s emergence and flourishing can be attributed, in part, to the receptive cultural milieu created by the political and economic needs of rulers and the aspirations of the merchant class in ancient India. 

Buddhism’s ethical and moral teachings focus on social harmony, and opportunities for merit-making aligned with the interests of both rulers and merchants, making it an attractive and influential religious and philosophical tradition in the region.