The Mauryan Polity c11.s2.t12: Conclusion

The Mauryan Polity c11.s2.t12

Language: English

Conclusion

c11.s2.t12.1

In the light of the above facts it is indeed difficult to believe that Candragutpa either during the period of his reign, or in the evening of his life, became a convert to the Jaina faith. The other possible alternative is that he was a devout follower of the Vedic school of religion, and if the legends have anything to impart, it is, that Candragupta, as was usual with the Kṣatriya monarchs of old, abdicated his throne in favour of his son, and betook himself to the third *āśrama* or *vānaprastha*, to lead a life of quiet and ease. Bindusāra was also a follower of the Brahmanical school. This is corroborated even by an accredited Buddhist work, the *Mahāvaṃśa*.² What is more remarkable is that another Buddhist work, the *Divyāvadāna*, speaks of Bindusāra and his son Aśoka as being Kṣatriyas³ though it is generally believed that the Buddhists did not recognise the institution of caste.

c11.s2.t12.2

² P. 15.

c11.s2.t12.3

³ P. 370, ed. by Cowell and Neil.

Linked texts (2)

Divyāvadāna — Sanskrit
Mahāvaṃsa — Pāli