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Religion in India under Mauryas empire

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The Vedic religion, Jainism and Buddhism were the main religions, which flourished during the Mauryan Age. In addition, several minor religions including Ajivikas were also in existence. In the beginning the worship of the Vedic Gods like Indra, Varuna and Nature continued.

The river Ganga, was worshipped, as it is confirmed by many classical writers. Sacrifices were widely practised in those days. The rulers and private persons offered sacrifices and the services of the philosophers were requisitioned for this purpose.

Brahminism received a set back due to the meteoric rise of Buddhism but it witnessed revival during the reign of Pusyamitra Sunga.

Brahmins enjoyed many concessions. They were placed in high esteem. They used to conduct religious ceremonies.

Chandragupta was undoubtedly a follower of the Vedic religion in the beginning. From the Jaina tradition, it is learnt that he embraced Jainism at a later date.

Jainsim flourished at Mathura during the early centuries of the Chirstian era, along with the cult of the Nagas or serpent deities like Dadhikarma.

Asoka worshipped the Lord Shiva, before he converted himself to Buddhism. Kautilya advocates use of power of the state to check the tendency of the people to live as wandering ascetics. Perhaps, such a so-called asceticism was a pretext to avoid responsibility and hard duties.

The government took steps to prevent persons from resorting to asceticism till they fulfilled all social obligations including suitable arrangements for the dependents. Pilgrimage to holy spots and dedication to Naga pratimas was quite common.

Emperor Asoka after embracing Buddhism became its great patron. He made Buddhism a state religion and took exhaustive steps to popularize Buddhism. The simplicity, equality, etc. of Buddhism and its immunity from rituals and dogmas attracted the people in large numbers.

Indeed, its moral and ethical code greatly impressed the people. In no time, it flourished far and wide and spread in many foreign contries.

The revival of Hinduism in course of time ultimately elbowed out Buddhism. Today Buddhism is virtually non-existent in the land of its birth and origin.

The most remarkable feature of the religious horizon of the Mauryan period, is religious, toleration. In fact, several strong and important religions existed side by side. Some rulers became the ardent patrons of the religion of their choice. They took numerous steps to propagate its gospels, utilized state machineries, deputed missionaries to distant places.

Yet none thought of persecuting the rival religions or their followers. In fact, prevalent religions mutually co-existed without hurting each other and each one flourished simultaneously in its own way adding to its luster and glory. In this context, the Mauryan age has exhibited an extraordinary example and established a finest tradition in the religious world.

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Tags: bhagavatism, buddhism, india, indra, jainism, kautilya, mauryan age, mauryas period, pusyamitra sunga, religious condition, vaishnava brahmins, varuna, vedic religion, worship