Religious System of Mauryan Period

Throughout the period of empire, Brahmanism was an important religion. The Mauryans favoured Brahmanism as well as Jainism and Buddhism.

  • Minor religious sects such as Ajivikas also received patronage. A number of Hindu texts were written during the Mauryan period.

Brahmanism

  • The Buddhist texts Samantapasadika and Mahavamsa suggest that Bindusara followed Hindu Brahmanism, calling him a "Brahmana bhatto" ("monk of the Brahmanas").
  • Magadha, the centre of the empire, was also the birthplace of Buddhism. Ashoka initially practised Brahmanism but later followed Buddhism; following the Kalinga War, he renounced expansionism and aggression.

Jainism

  • According to a Jain text from 12th century, Chandragupta Maurya ....
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