PM inaugurates Samrat Samprati Museum at Koba: Grandson of Ashoka, Champion of Jainism

Why in News?

• On the occasion of Mahavir Jayanti, the Prime Minister inaugurated the Samrat Samprati Museum in Gandhinagar.
• The museum highlights the role of Samrat Samprati in spreading Jainism, similar to how Ashoka spread Buddhism.

UPSC Relevance:

GS-I: History & Culture, Jainism

Background: Mauryan Religious Landscape

Role of Ashoka

• Ashoka (269–232 BCE) promoted Buddhism after the Kalinga War.
• He propagated Dhamma, which emphasized ethical governance, non-violence, and tolerance.
• He sent missionaries to Sri Lanka, Central Asia, and Southeast Asia, aiding the global spread of Buddhism.

Co-existence of Religions

• Despite Ashoka’s patronage of Buddhism, Jainism remained influential in the Mauryan Empire.
• His first wife, Padmavati, is believed to have been associated with Jainism, indicating religious diversity.

Who was Samprati?

• Samprati was the grandson of Ashoka and the son of Kunala. He ruled parts of the Mauryan Empire after Ashoka.
• Samprati’s reign (approx. 224–215 BCE) was marked by a shift in state patronage from Buddhism to Jainism. Influenced by the Jain monk Suhastisuri, he dedicated his imperial resources to the propagation of the Shvetambara tradition, mirroring the administrative and missionary methods his grandfather used for Buddhism.
• He is considered one of the greatest patrons of Jainism, comparable to Ashoka’s role in Buddhism.

Contribution of Samprati in Spreading Jainism

1. State Patronage to Jainism

• Samprati actively supported Jain monks and institutions.
• He provided royal patronage, which helped Jainism gain legitimacy and wider acceptance.

2. Construction of Jain Temples

• He is believed to have built thousands of Jain temples (basadis) across India.
• These temples became centers for religious learning and propagation.

3. Missionary Activities

• Samprati sent Jain monks to regions beyond the Mauryan Empire, including:
  • South India
  • Western India
  • Possibly Central Asia
• This helped in expanding Jainism geographically.

4. Promotion of Non-Violence (Ahimsa)

• Like Jain teachings, he emphasized ahimsa (non-violence) in governance.
• This strengthened the ethical and philosophical base of Jainism.

5. Support to Jain Literature and Scholars

• He encouraged the preservation and spread of Jain scriptures.
• His patronage contributed to the institutionalization of Jain traditions.

6. Restoration:

• He is credited with the renovation of ancient Jain pilgrimage sites, including Shatrunjaya and Girnar in Gujarat.

Comparison: Ashoka vs Samprati

Historical Significance

• Samprati is often called the “Jain Ashoka” due to his role in spreading Jainism.
• His reign ensured that Jainism remained a major religious force despite the dominance of Buddhism.
• He contributed to religious pluralism in ancient India.
• His efforts strengthened Jainism particularly in Western and Southern India, where it still has a strong presence.

Limitations / Historical Debate

• Much of Samprati’s life is based on Jain textual traditions, which may contain exaggerations.
• There is limited archaeological evidence compared to Ashoka’s inscriptions.
• His exact territorial control and political achievements remain less documented.

Relevance for Today

• The study of Samprati highlights India’s long tradition of religious tolerance and coexistence.
• It reinforces the importance of state support in cultural and ethical propagation.
• His model of governance rooted in non-violence and ethics remains relevant in modern policymaking.

Practice Questions

Consider the following statements about Samprati:

1. He was the grandson of Ashoka.
2. He promoted Buddhism through inscriptions.
3. He is associated with the spread of Jainism.

Which of the above are correct?
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 1 and 3
(c) 2 and 3
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (b)

Mains Question

Q. “Samprati played a role in Jainism similar to Ashoka’s role in Buddhism.” Discuss.