Chandragupta Maurya and jainism

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Chandragupta Maurya and Jainism

Chandragupta Maurya (r. 321–297 BCE), the founder of the Mauryan Empire, is often remembered for his military conquests and administrative skills. However, his religious transformation in the later years of his life is equally significant. Under the influence of Jainism, Chandragupta renounced his throne and became an ascetic, setting an early example of a Mauryan ruler engaging deeply with religion

Early Religious Policies of Chandragupta Maurya

  • As a ruler, Chandragupta followed Brahmanical traditions, conducting royal rituals to legitimize his rule.

  • His chief advisor, Chanakya (Kautilya), was a Brahmin and the author of the Arthashastra, which emphasized statecraft, economic policies, and political strategy, but did not focus much on religious matters.

  • While maintaining the support of Brahmins, Chandragupta also ensured that other religious groups, including Jains and Ajivikas, could practice freely.

Chandragupta’s Conversion to Jainism

  • Later in life, Chandragupta came under the influence of Bhadrabahu, a renowned Jain monk of the Digambara sect.

  • Jain texts, such as the Bhadrabahu Charita and Rajavali-Katha, describe how Bhadrabahu predicted a 12-year famine, leading Chandragupta to step down as king.

  • He abdicated the throne in favor of his son, Bindusara, and left for Karnataka to live as an ascetic.

Chandragupta’s Last Years in Shravanabelagola

  • Chandragupta traveled to Shravanabelagola (modern Karnataka), an important Jain pilgrimage site.

  • He adopted Sallekhana, a Jain practice of gradual fasting to death, demonstrating extreme asceticism.

  • His death by voluntary fasting is seen as an act of spiritual liberation in Jain tradition.

Impact of Jainism on Mauryan Religious Policies

  • While Chandragupta himself became a Jain monk, his son Bindusara did not follow Jainism and instead supported the Ajivikas.

  • However, his conversion marked the beginning of Jain royal patronage in India, influencing future dynasties, such as the Kadambas and the Chalukyas.

  • The region of Karnataka remained an important Jain center due to his association with Shravanabelagola.

Legacy of Chandragupta’s Religious Policies

  • Encouraged religious tolerance, allowing multiple sects to thrive under Mauryan rule.

  • His Jain association contributed to the growth of Jainism in South India.

  • His story reflects the broader theme of religious transformation among Mauryan rulers, which continued with Ashoka’s conversion to Buddhism.

In the next part of this series, we will explore Bindusara’s religious policies, which were quite different from those of Chandragupta and Ashoka.😊

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