The Varna system, a hierarchical social stratification prevalent in ancient India, categorized society into four groups – Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras – based on occupation and birth. While initially possibly fluid, it gradually became rigid and associated with notions of purity and pollution. Simultaneously, around the 6th century BCE, a wave of new religious and philosophical movements emerged, including Buddhism, founded by Siddhartha Gautama. Buddhism, with its emphasis on equality and rejection of ritualistic practices, presented a significant challenge to the established Varna order, attracting followers from across the social spectrum, particularly those marginalized by the existing system. The Varna System: Structure and Rigidity The Varna system, as described in the Purushasukta hymn of the Rigveda, initially outlined a functional division of labor. However, over time, it evolved into a hereditary system with strict rules governing social interaction. The Brahmins (priests and scholars) occupied the highest position, followed by the Kshatriyas (warriors and rulers), Vaishyas (merchants and traders), and Shudras (laborers and service providers). Outside this system were the ‘untouchables’ or Dalits, who faced severe social discrimination. The emphasis on birth-based status and the restrictions imposed on lower Varnas created social tensions and discontent. Core Tenets of Buddhism Buddhism, in contrast to the Varna-centric Hinduism, offered a radically different worldview. Its core tenets, encapsulated in the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path, focused on the cessation of suffering through self-discipline, mindfulness, and ethical conduct. Key aspects of Buddhism that challenged the Varna system include: Rejection of Caste: Buddhism explicitly rejected the notion of inherent superiority based on birth. It emphasized that spiritual progress was open to all, regardless of their Varna. Emphasis on Equality: The Sangha, the Buddhist monastic order, was open to individuals from all Varnas, fostering a sense of equality and brotherhood. Non-Violence (Ahimsa): Buddhism’s emphasis on non-violence challenged the Kshatriya’s traditional role as warriors. Focus on Individual Effort: Salvation was achieved through individual effort and understanding, not through ritualistic practices performed by Brahmins. Buddhism as an Alternative to the Varna System The appeal of Buddhism lay in its ability to address the grievances of those marginalized by the Varna system. Shudras and Dalits, who were denied access to education, religious rituals, and social mobility, found solace in Buddhism’s egalitarian principles. The Buddhist Sangha provided them with opportunities for spiritual growth and social upliftment. Furthermore, Buddhism’s emphasis on a simple life and rejection of elaborate sacrifices resonated with those burdened by the economic demands of the Varna-based religious system. Impact on Society Buddhism’s rise led to a significant social impact: Increased Social Mobility: Individuals could escape the constraints of their Varna by joining the Sangha. Challenge to Brahmanical Authority: Buddhism undermined the authority of the Brahmins and their control over religious knowledge and practices. Spread of Buddhist Philosophy: Buddhist teachings promoted values of compassion, tolerance, and non-violence, influencing social norms and ethics. Feature Varna System Buddhism Social Hierarchy Rigid, birth-based Egalitarian, based on spiritual progress Access to Religion Restricted by Varna Open to all Role of Brahmins Dominant religious authority Minimized; emphasis on individual understanding Social Mobility Limited Enhanced through Sangha The relationship between the Varna system and the rise of Buddhism was complex and multifaceted. The rigidities and inherent inequalities of the Varna system created a fertile ground for the emergence of alternative religious and philosophical movements like Buddhism. By challenging the established social order and offering a path to liberation accessible to all, Buddhism gained widespread acceptance, particularly among those marginalized by the Varna system. While Buddhism eventually declined in India, its impact on social thought and its critique of the Varna system remain significant even today.

Varna & Buddhism: Social Dynamics | UPSC Mains ANTHROPOLOGY-PAPER-II 2022

Varna and Buddhism

How to Approach

This question requires an understanding of the socio-religious context of ancient India, specifically the relationship between the Varna system and the rise of Buddhism. The answer should explore how the rigidities and perceived injustices of the Varna system contributed to the appeal of Buddhism, which challenged this hierarchical structure. Structure the answer by first defining Varna, then explaining the core tenets of Buddhism, and finally, analyzing how Buddhism offered an alternative to the Varna system. Focus on the social implications and the reasons for Buddhism’s initial success.

The Varna system, a hierarchical social stratification prevalent in ancient India, categorized society into four groups – Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras – based on occupation and birth. While initially possibly fluid, it gradually became rigid and associated with notions of purity and pollution. Simultaneously, around the 6th century BCE, a wave of new religious and philosophical movements emerged, including Buddhism, founded by Siddhartha Gautama. Buddhism, with its emphasis on equality and rejection of ritualistic practices, presented a significant challenge to the established Varna order, attracting followers from across the social spectrum, particularly those marginalized by the existing system.

The Varna System: Structure and Rigidity

The Varna system, as described in the Purushasukta hymn of the Rigveda, initially outlined a functional division of labor. However, over time, it evolved into a hereditary system with strict rules governing social interaction. The Brahmins (priests and scholars) occupied the highest position, followed by the Kshatriyas (warriors and rulers), Vaishyas (merchants and traders), and Shudras (laborers and service providers). Outside this system were the ‘untouchables’ or Dalits, who faced severe social discrimination. The emphasis on birth-based status and the restrictions imposed on lower Varnas created social tensions and discontent.

Core Tenets of Buddhism

Buddhism, in contrast to the Varna-centric Hinduism, offered a radically different worldview. Its core tenets, encapsulated in the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path, focused on the cessation of suffering through self-discipline, mindfulness, and ethical conduct. Key aspects of Buddhism that challenged the Varna system include:

Rejection of Caste: Buddhism explicitly rejected the notion of inherent superiority based on birth. It emphasized that spiritual progress was open to all, regardless of their Varna.
Emphasis on Equality: The Sangha, the Buddhist monastic order, was open to individuals from all Varnas, fostering a sense of equality and brotherhood.
Non-Violence (Ahimsa): Buddhism’s emphasis on non-violence challenged the Kshatriya’s traditional role as warriors.
Focus on Individual Effort: Salvation was achieved through individual effort and understanding, not through ritualistic practices performed by Brahmins.

Buddhism as an Alternative to the Varna System

The appeal of Buddhism lay in its ability to address the grievances of those marginalized by the Varna system. Shudras and Dalits, who were denied access to education, religious rituals, and social mobility, found solace in Buddhism’s egalitarian principles. The Buddhist Sangha provided them with opportunities for spiritual growth and social upliftment. Furthermore, Buddhism’s emphasis on a simple life and rejection of elaborate sacrifices resonated with those burdened by the economic demands of the Varna-based religious system.

Impact on Society

Buddhism’s rise led to a significant social impact:

Increased Social Mobility: Individuals could escape the constraints of their Varna by joining the Sangha.
Challenge to Brahmanical Authority: Buddhism undermined the authority of the Brahmins and their control over religious knowledge and practices.
Spread of Buddhist Philosophy: Buddhist teachings promoted values of compassion, tolerance, and non-violence, influencing social norms and ethics.

Feature	Varna System	Buddhism
Social Hierarchy	Rigid, birth-based	Egalitarian, based on spiritual progress
Access to Religion	Restricted by Varna	Open to all
Role of Brahmins	Dominant religious authority	Minimized; emphasis on individual understanding
Social Mobility	Limited	Enhanced through Sangha

Additional Resources

Key Definitions

Varna

Varna literally means ‘color’ but in the context of ancient India, it refers to the four social divisions: Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras. It was initially based on occupation but later became hereditary.

Sangha

Sangha refers to the Buddhist monastic community, comprising monks and nuns. It played a crucial role in preserving and disseminating Buddhist teachings and provided a space for individuals from all Varnas to pursue spiritual enlightenment.

Key Statistics

According to estimates, by the 3rd century BCE, Buddhism had gained significant patronage from the Mauryan Empire, with Emperor Ashoka actively promoting its spread.

Source: Romila Thapar, *Asoka and the Decline of the Mauryas* (1961)

Archaeological evidence suggests that by the 1st century BCE, Buddhism had spread across the Indian subcontinent and beyond, with numerous stupas and monasteries built during this period.

Source: Based on archaeological surveys and historical records (knowledge cutoff 2023)

Examples

Ashoka’s Conversion

Emperor Ashoka’s conversion to Buddhism after the Kalinga War (261 BCE) and his subsequent promotion of Buddhist principles through edicts inscribed on pillars and rocks demonstrates the religion’s growing influence and its potential to impact governance.

Frequently Asked Questions

▶Did Buddhism completely abolish the Varna system?

No, Buddhism did not entirely abolish the Varna system. While it rejected its inherent inequalities and offered an alternative path to spiritual progress, the Varna system continued to exist in society, particularly among those who did not convert to Buddhism.

Varna and Buddhism

Model Answer

Introduction