Article 2: Religious Patronage & Mauryan Legacy
Why in News: On the occasion of Mahavir Jayanti, the Prime Minister inaugurated the Samrat Samprati Museum in Gandhinagar, highlighting the role of Samprati in spreading Jainism.
Key Details
- Samrat Samprati, grandson of Ashoka, is regarded as a key patron of Jainism.
- A museum dedicated to him was inaugurated in Gandhinagar, reflecting renewed interest in Jain heritage.
- While Ashoka promoted Buddhism, Samprati is credited with spreading Jainism across India and beyond.
- Historical and Jain texts highlight his role in temple construction, missionary activities, and icon dissemination.
Mauryan Empire & Religious Pluralism
- Diverse Religious Traditions: The Mauryan period (4th–2nd century BCE) witnessed the coexistence of Buddhism, Jainism, and Brahmanism, reflecting India’s long-standing pluralistic ethos.
- State Patronage of Religions: Rulers like Ashoka extended patronage to Buddhism, but evidence suggests tolerance towards multiple sects, as seen in inscriptions advocating respect for all faiths.
- Role of Royal Lineage: Members of the Mauryan dynasty, including Chandragupta Maurya, are associated with Jainism, indicating religious diversity within the ruling elite.
- Continuity of Traditions: Despite Ashoka’s Buddhist emphasis, Jainism continued to flourish, especially in western and southern India, showing resilience of religious traditions.
Ashoka and the Spread of Buddhism
- Dhamma as State Policy: Ashoka propagated Dhamma, a moral code based on compassion, non-violence, and welfare, through rock and pillar edicts across the empire.
- Missionary Activities: He sent Buddhist missions to regions like Sri Lanka, Central Asia, and Southeast Asia, contributing to Buddhism’s global spread.
- Institutional Support: Construction of stupas, viharas, and monasteries strengthened Buddhist institutions and ensured long-term sustainability.
- Ethical Kingship Model: Ashoka is regarded as an ideal ruler who combined political authority with moral governance, influencing later Asian polities.
Samprati: The Jain Counterpart of Ashoka
- Lineage and Reign: Samprati, grandson of Ashoka and son of Kunala, ruled around 230–220 BCE, possibly sharing power with Dasharatha after imperial division.
- Conversion to Jainism: Jain traditions suggest his conversion under the monk Suhastin, linking royal authority with Jain monastic networks.
- Shvetambara Traditions: Samprati holds a prominent place in Shvetambara Jain texts, where he is portrayed as a devout patron and propagator of Jainism.
- Parallel with Ashoka: Scholars often compare Samprati to Ashoka, as both rulers used state resources to promote religious ideologies.
Spread of Jainism under Samprati
- Missionary Expansion: Samprati is credited with sending Jain monks to regions such as Afghanistan, Nepal, and possibly Central Asia, expanding the faith’s geographical reach.
- Temple Construction: He is traditionally associated with building thousands of Jain temples, especially in western India, though many lack inscriptions.
- Icon Installation: Promotion of Jina idols and iconography helped institutionalize Jain worship practices and strengthen religious identity.
- Cultural Integration: Jainism under Samprati adapted to regional contexts, facilitating its spread among trading communities and urban centers.
Comparative Analysis: Ashoka vs Samprati
- Religious Patronage: Ashoka promoted Buddhism, while Samprati championed Jainism, reflecting state-supported religious dissemination.
- Mode of Expansion: Both rulers used missionaries, architecture, and symbolism to spread their respective religions.
- Historical Evidence: Ashoka’s legacy is supported by epigraphic evidence, whereas Samprati’s contributions are largely preserved in literary and religious traditions.
- Impact on Society: Their efforts contributed to the spread of non-violence (Ahimsa), ethical conduct, and spiritual values in Indian society.
Contemporary Relevance
- Cultural Heritage Recognition: Establishment of museums like Samprati Museum reflects efforts to preserve and promote ancient heritage.
- Soft Power and Civilizational Identity: India’s ancient traditions like Buddhism and Jainism contribute to its global cultural diplomacy.
- Religious Tolerance: Mauryan pluralism provides lessons for modern secularism and coexistence.
- Art and Architecture Linkages: Temple building and iconography connect to Indian art & culture syllabus, including Jain architecture and sculpture.
Conclusion
The legacy of Ashoka and Samprati highlights the role of rulers in shaping India’s religious and cultural landscape. While Ashoka’s contributions to Buddhism are historically well documented, Samprati’s association with Jainism underscores the importance of diverse religious patronage in ancient India. Recognizing such figures through institutions like museums strengthens cultural awareness and reinforces India’s tradition of pluralism, tolerance, and ethical governance.
EXPECTED QUESTIONS FOR UPSC CSE
Prelims MCQ
Q. Which Mauryan ruler is known for issuing rock edicts promoting Dhamma?
(a) Chandragupta Maurya
(b) Bindusara
(c) Ashoka
(d) Samprati
Answer: (c)
Descriptive Question
Q. Compare the role of Ashoka and Samprati in the spread of Buddhism and Jainism respectively. How did state patronage influence religious expansion in ancient India? (GS Paper I)