The Mauryan Polity c11.s2.t9.1

c11.s2.t9.1

There is again the internal evidence of Megasthenes to show that the word ‘Śramaṇas’ does not denote the Buddhists. In Frag. XLIII he says: “Among the Indians are those philosophers also who follow the precepts of the Buddha whom they honour as a God on account of his extraordinary sanctity.” Appropriately to this notion the *Bhāgavata Purāṇa* has accepted the Buddha as an *avatār* of Viṣṇu² and has accorded to him a place of honour among the orthodox Gods and deities. By referring to the sect of the followers of the Buddha Megasthenes was certainly able to make the nice distinction between the orthodox ascetics and the Buddhist monks. He has not said much about them like the author of the *Arthaśāstra*. Possibly these authorities did not feel the heavy weight of their influence. The Buddhist sect flourished like many other sects and claimed no ascendancy at any period over the established religion of the land.