Pramāṇa · Search · About · API

Life in Ancient India as Depicted in the Jain Canons, with Commentaries: An Administrative, Economic, Social and Geographical Survey c12.s2.t3: Their Privileges

Life in Ancient India as Depicted in the Jain Canons, with Commentaries: An Administrative, Economic, Social and Geographical Survey c12.s2.t3

Language
English

Their Privileges

c12.s2.t3.1

Whatever view the Jains may have had about the Brāhmaṇas, it is certain that generally they were held in respect and esteem by the people as pointed out already. We are told that king Bharata fed them daily and distinguished them from others by putting the mark of kākinī jewel on their person.¹⁷ The kings showed liberality towards them by offering gifts. We learn that the Nandas of Pāṭaliputta gave away wealth to the Brāhmaṇas¹⁸ Vararuci, a Brāhmaṇa, received one hundred and eight dīnāras every day for reciting the same number of verses in praise of the king¹⁹ Not only kings but other people also gave away charity and paid reverence to the Brāhmaṇas, whose services they required on various occasions On special occasions such as birth, death-ceremony etc. they were invited to meals.²⁰

c12.s2.t3.2

¹⁷ Ava. cū. p. 213 f.

c12.s2.t3.3

¹⁸ Uttarā Ṭī 3, p 57

c12.s2.t3.4

¹⁹ ibid 2, 27 a

c12.s2.t3.5

²⁰ Uttarā Ṭī 13, p 194 a

c12.s2.t3.6

Besides, the Brāhmaṇas enjoyed certain other privileges, such as immunity from taxes and capital punishment We have seen as to how a Brāhmaṇa was received by a certain king on his discovery of a treasure-trove whereas a merchant was despised for the same and his property confiscated²¹

c12.s2.t3.7

²¹ See Supra p. 62

Linked texts (1)