Ashoka helped spread Buddhism far and wide. How his grandson did the same for Jainism
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Context
On Mahavir Jayanti, the Prime Minister inaugurated the Samrat Samprati Museum in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, dedicated to the Mauryan emperor Samprati. Unlike his grandfather Ashoka, renowned for patronizing Buddhism, Samprati is a pivotal figure in Jain tradition, particularly for the Shvetambara sect. The article and associated historical accounts credit him with being a zealous patron of Jainism, earning him the moniker 'Jain Ashoka'.
UPSC Perspectives
Historical
The Mauryan period is crucial for understanding the interplay between state power and religious patronage. While Ashoka's promotion of Buddhist Dhamma is well-documented through his edicts, the role of his successors is less clear. The article highlights Samrat Samprati as a counter-narrative, focusing on his significant contributions to Jainism. According to Jain texts, especially from the Shvetambara tradition, Samprati's conversion by the monk Suhastin led to a period of vigorous propagation of Jainism. He is credited with building thousands of temples and installing millions of idols, thereby consolidating Jainism's presence in Western India and beyond. This patronage contrasts with the Digambara tradition's focus on Ashoka's grandfather, Chandragupta Maurya, who is said to have migrated south to Shravana Belgola with the monk Bhadrabahu. For UPSC, this topic exemplifies how historical narratives can be shaped by different religious traditions and how royal patronage was a key factor in the spread and institutionalization of belief systems in ancient India.
Cultural & Architectural
The development of religious architecture is a key theme in Indian art and culture. The article attributes the construction of 125,000 new temples and the renovation of 36,000 old ones to Samrat Samprati. While these figures from medieval Jain texts are likely hagiographical, they underscore his symbolic importance as a foundational figure for temple construction in the Jain imagination. Many old Jain temples in western India, lacking clear inscriptional evidence, are traditionally attributed to him. This narrative fills historical gaps and creates a lineage for sacred sites, much like Ashoka's name is linked to countless Buddhist stupas. From a UPSC perspective, this illustrates the concept of cultural memory and the role of patrons in the evolution of temple architecture, from early stupas and rock-cut caves to structural temples. The establishment of the itself is a modern act of preserving this cultural and religious heritage.
Polity & Constitutional
The inauguration of a museum dedicated to a religious-historical figure touches upon the State's role in preserving India's composite culture. The Indian Constitution provides a framework for protecting cultural and religious heritage. of the Directive Principles of State Policy obligates the State to protect monuments and objects of national importance. Furthermore, makes it a fundamental duty for every citizen to value and preserve this rich heritage. Cultural and educational rights are also protected as Fundamental Rights; guarantees the right of any section of citizens to conserve their distinct culture. The establishment of institutions like the can be seen as an effort by the state and community to fulfill these constitutional ideals, ensuring that diverse historical narratives, including those from minority traditions like Jainism, are preserved and promoted for future generations.