Spread of Religion During the Mauryan Empire

The Mauryan period witnessed significant religious transformations, influenced by the decline of Brahmanical dominance and the rise of new spiritual movements. 

• These changes fostered a diverse and dynamic spiritual environment.

Challenges to Brahmanism in Mauryan Empire

Brahmanism, which had solidified its hold during the Later Vedic period, faced growing opposition.

• The lower castes within the fourfold varna system began gravitating toward emerging sects that promised social inclusivity.
• The commercial class, disillusioned with Brahmanical orthodoxy and rituals, extended support to alternative spiritual paths.
• The Mauryan rulers were largely opposed to Brahmanical dominance, though the Brahmanas retained a strong societal influence.
• Despite occasional hostility, there was an effort to foster harmony and mutual respect within society.

Religious Affiliations of Mauryan Rulers

• Chandragupta Maurya: Later in life, he embraced Jainism and renounced worldly pleasures.
• Bindusara: He was inclined toward the Ajivika sect, reflecting the diversity of spiritual leanings in the royal household.
• Ashoka: Ashoka personally adopted Buddhism but refrained from imposing it on his subjects.

Ashoka’s Role in Religious Propagation

Ashoka’s adoption of Buddhism marked a turning point in the spread of the religion:

• • He renounced war and violence, promoting the principles of non-violence and compassion.
  • The royal household almost entirely ceased meat consumption, reflecting Ashoka’s commitment to vegetarianism.
  • Ashoka endeavored to spread Dhamma, focusing on moral values, tolerance, and ethical living.
  • Missions were sent far and wide, including to Sri Lanka, Central Asia, and the Mediterranean, to propagate Buddhist teachings.

Rise of Heterodox Religions in Mauryan Empire

The Mauryan era saw the birth and growth of heterodox religions, including Jainism, Buddhism, and Ajivikas.

• Buddhism’s Appeal: Buddhism opposed:

• • • The dominance of Brahmanas.
    • The practice of sacrifices and rituals.
    • These principles resonated with the lower social classes and the emerging urban and commercial groups, who sought simpler and more inclusive spiritual practices.

• The Ajivika Sect: The Ajivika sect emerged as another significant religious movement during this time:

• • It was founded by Makkhaliputra Goshal, a spiritual leader.
  • The sect’s core belief was in niyati (fate), asserting that everything is predetermined, and human actions cannot alter the course of destiny.
  • The Ajivikas reached their zenith during the reign of Emperor Bindusara, Ashoka’s father.

Tantrism and Its Evolution During Mauryan Empire

Tantrism, a significant religious and cultural phenomenon, traces its origins to ancient tribal rites and rituals, particularly those connected to the worship of mother goddesses.

• Over time, these practices evolved and merged with mainstream religions, giving rise to unique religious systems.

Origins and Early Development

• The roots of Tantrism are often linked to tribal practices, especially the mother goddess cults, which emphasized fertility and creation.
• Some historians argue that Tantric rituals were influenced by Ajivika practices, later blending with the Pashupata sect to form a distinct religious tradition.
• By 500 CE, the foundational strands of Tantrism had emerged, with the first Tantras (religious texts) being composed around 800 CE.
• The earliest epigraphical evidence of Tantrism is an inscription by Vishvavarman, discovered in Gangadhar, Rajasthan, dating to 423 CE.

Religious Texts and Practices

• The Tantric religion derives its practices from sacred texts like the Tantras, Agamas, and Samhitas.
• It incorporates folk elements, including magic-based practices and influences from Shakta and Hatha Yoga traditions.
• Tantrism introduced tribal rituals, cultic practices, and tribal goddesses into mainstream religious traditions, creating an inclusive spiritual framework.

Impact on Hinduism and Buddhism

Tantrism gave rise to new religious systems:

• Shaktism under Hinduism, emphasizing the worship of feminine divine power.
• Vajrayana under Buddhism, focusing on esoteric practices and rituals.
• Tantric Buddhist monasteries thrived in regions like Bihar during the 7th century CE, playing a crucial role in spreading Tantric ideologies.
• The Tara cult, an integral part of Buddhist Tantrism, revered Tara as the Shakti (female counterpart) of the bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara.

   Social and Cultural Dimensions

• Women’s Role: Women could rise to the position of spiritual leaders in Tantric traditions, challenging the patriarchal norms of the time.
• Caste Dynamics: Tantrism often transgressed rigid caste boundaries, promoting inclusivity and equality in spiritual practices.
• Integration of Tribal Practices: Tribal deities and rituals were seamlessly incorporated, enriching the cultural fabric of Tantrism.