Studies in the Bhagavati Sutra

Author(s): J C Sikdar
Publisher: Research Institute of Prakrit Jainology & Ahimsa Mujjaffarpur

Page 180

Sec. 1]
STUDIES IN THE BHAGAWATI SUTRA
155
But the Buddhist texts' bear ample evidences that besides the above mentioned functions, they adopted also other occupations to earn their livelihood without losing their caste.
Position of the Brahmanas in the Society as depicted in the BhS The BhS' clearly shows that the Brahmanas occupied an honourable and dignified position equally with the Ksatriyas who were considered to be superior to all other castes the society.
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The economic condition and occupation of the Brahmanas, the two most important factors of civic life determine their social position in relation to other castes.
The following accounts of their financial condition and profession will throw some light upon their place in the society.
One scene laid at Brahmanakundagrāma describes the appearance of the rich aristocrat Brahmana and Brahmaṇī, Rṣabhadatta and Devānanda on bullock-cart, being adorned with best clothes and ornaments with a large retinue of attendants and female slaves belonging to different Indian tribes and foreign nationalities, who were dressed in their respective national costumes, to attend the holy teachings of Lord Mahavīra, delivered at the Bahusalaka Caitya (temple) where they were initiated by the Master to Sramana Dharma.1
The economic condition of this Brahmana family to afford the luxury of maintaining a large contingent of waiting maids and attendants and the very name of the Sanniveśa-Brahmanakunḍagrama (Mahana-kunḍagama) associated with the members of this caste, speak of their separate entity and social status of high position as house-holders.
In another scene laid at Vanijyagrama, Somila", a proud learned Brahmana as already mentioned appears at Dütipalasaka Caitya to debate with Lord Mahāvīra on the philosophical doctrines.
1 Jataka 11, 5, 290; 4, 84; 4, 169; 2, 87; 4, 15; 5, 22; 471; 5, 227; Ib, 2, 200; 6, 170; 4, 207.
Bh8, 8, 6, 332; 15, 1, 541. 3 Ib, 9, 33, 380; 381, 382. Ib, 9, 33, 382. 5 Ib, 18, 10, 647.