The Mauryan Polity c13.s12.155

c13.s12.155

(*h*) The subject of the last chapter⁵ of Otto Stein's thesis is religion and philosophy. According to Megasthenes philosophers who live on the mountains are worshippers of Dionysos.⁶ He distinguishes two kinds among them: (1) Brachmanes who are best esteemed for consistency in their opinions, and (2) Sarmanes most of whom were physicians, diviners, and sorcerers.¹ Arrian speaks of sophists who held the supreme place of dignity and honour by performing sacrifices to gods on behalf of the state. They are sages, some of whom go about naked, living upon roots and fruits.² The word sarmanes is one of some significance. Schwanbeck has shown with ability that the word sarmanes corresponds to the Sanskrit śramaṇa which means an ascetic.³ H. H. Wilson in his gloss opined that the term might refer to the Buddhists. But Lassen is perhaps nearer the truth when he takes the term to be Brahman ascetics.⁴ Elphinstone is also of the same opinion and remarks that "the habits of the physicians seem to correspond with those of Brahmans of the fourth stage". As we have already said it is indeed remarkable that the religion of the Buddha was not expressly noticed by the Greek authorities though it has existed long before Alexander.⁵ It has been shown elsewhere⁶ that there is nothing remarkable about this because the early history of Buddhism in India was quite different from its later history. The actual teachings of the Buddha did not tend to revolutionise ideas, social or religious as some scholars would have us believe. In one place we have some philosophers following the precepts of 'Boutta' identified with the Buddha.⁷ Some take Śramaṇas from this to be Jains. Whatever view may be taken, weighty arguments are adduced in favour of the theory that older forms of Hinduism flourished when Alexander or Megasthenes visited India.¹ This fits in with that in the *Arthaśāstra* where again there is no notice of the Buddhists but where on the other hand an elevated place is given to the Vedas and the *Dharmaśāstras* as well as the *śrotriya* Brahmanas.² Brahmanical rituals and sacrifices are mentioned elaborately and the king is said to take part in them. Festivals and festivities are mentioned as taking place at the commencement of the rainy season. Among the *śrotriyas* were sages and ascetics of different kinds. Some were shaven while others had matted hair. There were some who observed vows of silence and hence were called *munis*. Otto Stein is probably right when he says that the statement of silence alluded to as a punishment for those who professed to predict the future by Megasthenes is a misunderstanding or a misinterpretation.³