Symbiotic relationships between Buddhist establishments, traders, artisan guilds, and royal support led to a close proximity of religion, economy and polity in the Mauryan and post-Mauryan periods. Examine the statement.

Mauryan Period: Foundations of Symbiosis

During the Mauryan period (c. 322-185 BCE), particularly under Ashoka, Buddhism received unprecedented royal patronage. This wasn’t merely a religious act but a calculated political strategy. Ashoka’s Dhamma policy, while promoting ethical conduct, also aimed at social harmony and political stability, crucial for a vast empire.

• Royal Land Grants: Ashoka granted land to Buddhist Sanghas (monastic communities), exempting them from taxes. This provided economic security to the monasteries and allowed them to accumulate wealth.
• Infrastructure Development: The Mauryan state invested in infrastructure like roads and rest houses (dharamshalas) along trade routes, facilitating commerce and benefiting Buddhist pilgrims.
• Economic Role of Monasteries: Monasteries became centers of economic activity. They accepted donations from merchants and landowners, managed agricultural lands, and engaged in lending activities.
• Artisan Support: Ashoka commissioned artisans to create stupas, pillars, and other Buddhist monuments, providing employment and fostering artistic skills.

Post-Mauryan Period: Intensification of Interdependence

The disintegration of the Mauryan Empire led to the rise of numerous regional powers. However, the symbiotic relationship between Buddhism, trade, and polity continued to flourish, and in some ways, intensified.

• Satavahana Dynasty & Buddhist Patronage: The Satavahanas (1st century BCE – 2nd century CE) were significant patrons of Buddhism, particularly in the Deccan region. Their support is evident in the construction of stupas at Amaravati and Nagarjunakonda.
• Kushan Empire & Gandhara Art: The Kushans (1st-3rd century CE) actively promoted Buddhism, leading to the development of the Gandhara school of art, a fusion of Greco-Roman and Indian styles. This art flourished due to royal patronage and the wealth generated from trade along the Silk Road.
• Rise of Merchant Guilds (Shrenis): Post-Mauryan India saw the rise of powerful merchant guilds (shrenis) that played a crucial role in trade and commerce. These guilds often donated generously to Buddhist monasteries, seeking religious merit and social prestige.
• Monasteries as Banking Centers: Monasteries continued to function as banking centers, accepting deposits and providing loans to merchants and artisans. This facilitated trade and economic growth.
• The Role of Trade Routes: The Silk Road and maritime trade routes brought immense wealth to India. Buddhist monasteries located along these routes benefited from the influx of goods and donations from foreign merchants.

The Interplay of Religion, Economy, and Polity

The close proximity of religion, economy, and polity manifested in several ways:

Aspect	Mauryan Period	Post-Mauryan Period
Royal Patronage	Ashoka’s Dhamma policy, land grants, infrastructure development.	Satavahana and Kushan rulers’ support for Buddhist art and institutions.
Economic Role of Monasteries	Land management, acceptance of donations, lending activities.	Banking functions, trade facilitation, centers of craft production.
Merchant Guilds	Limited evidence of organized guilds.	Powerful shrenis donating to monasteries, influencing economic policy.
Political Legitimacy	Ashoka used Buddhism to unify the empire and promote social harmony.	Rulers gained legitimacy by associating themselves with the popular Buddhist faith.

This symbiotic relationship wasn’t without its complexities. While Buddhism benefited from royal and mercantile support, it also influenced political and economic decisions. For example, the emphasis on non-violence and ethical conduct may have discouraged aggressive military expansion in some cases. The economic power of monasteries also sometimes led to conflicts with local rulers.