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Economic Role of Trade in Early Growth of Buddhism | |||||||
Paper Id :
16353 Submission Date :
2022-08-04 Acceptance Date :
2022-08-20 Publication Date :
2022-08-25
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Abstract |
Trade is a profession for earning a livelihood. Trade has played a very significant role in the life of the people. It reflects not the only economic condition but also reveals the standard of living and status of culture. If a place has a trading link to another place, that will soon have communication and interaction between human inhabitants. The guild was one of great corporate activity. The relationship between trade and Buddhism is very complicated. The Buddha shaped the relationship between trade and Buddhism in two ways. One, he decided the duties of Bhikkhu-Sangh with minimum requirements and dependency on laymen mostly traders. Two, the Buddha preached or influenced the Buddhist texts. Early Pali texts provide much analysis of the importance of trade in society and its practical aspects. Many Jataka stories are named after traders or trader’s associates. Trade and traders contributed a vital role in Buddhist history from the initial phase. Trade was important from the point of view of spreading Buddhism. Trade and traders were dependent on monks for their security for long travelling and moral upliftment. On the other hand, monks depended on traders rather than laymen for their daily minimum requirements of food, cloth and shelter.
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Keywords | Trade, Traders, Buddhism, Jataka, King, Guild, Money, Economic Role of Trade. | ||||||
Introduction |
Vanijya is an ancient term for trade. Trade is the selling and buying of goods and services between two or more parties in consideration of cash and cash equivalent. In another word, trade is the activity of exchanging goods or services between people or countries.[1] A person who purchases and sells goods and services to gain profit or margin is called a trader. Jambudipa or modern India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Nepal, and Bangladesh together has a very peculiar geographical location. Sumeru or Himavanta is a huge mountain range situated in the north of Jambudipa. A major portion of Jambudipa has surrounded by sea. Jambudipa has a broad area in middle, which became gradually triangular and pointed towards the south of the sea. This special geographical location and vast ocean in the south are responsible for the four-month rainy season and a complete seasonal cycle of climate. Thus people have different food, clothing and shelter according to the season. Thus traders have a better range of products. Several other favourable geographical circumstances were responsible for trade. Fertile plains with networks or rivers early Buddhist texts have most reference to Ganga plains with tributaries of Ganga and local rivers. The rivers are near which fulfil the water requirement of agriculture and flood maintain fertility.
The one fact about ancient trade which impresses itself on the most casual observer is the fact of trade by groups, caravans, and companies. The king also knew the importance of traders. Money is a cumulative form of currency. Money is a motif instrument and result of trade. Trade is started by a trader because of the motif to earn money. Long-distance land trade was done by Sattavaha and his five hundred companion traders. The group comprises five hundred traders because of security and comfortability reasons. The inland trade of a country may either be wholesale or retail. Trade between distant country parts was in the hands of adventurous merchants, who led great caravans from one part of the country to another. Trade and Buddhism have two distant purposes; trader wants to earn money but monks have business with their mind, thought and preaching laymen. Instead of this major difference, they influenced each other and were interdependent. The Jataka has 547 stories also called Jataka. Jataka stories have much evidence of trade. Trade played a role in the economic foundation of Buddhism and its spread.
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Objective of study | The main objectives of the proposed research paper to be study the role of trade of inland and foreign , to study significance of trade land and sea, to study the kings and merchants financial support to monks, to analyze the contribution and growth of trade as depicted in early Buddhist sources in the economic foundation of Buddhism. The paper provides information about relationship between trade and Buddhism. |
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Review of Literature | F.L. Pryor’s ‘A Buddhist Economic System in Practice’ tells
about the information regarding to the economic supports to Buddhism. The
actions of the ruler and economic policies affected the economic positions of
Buddhist monks. The economic dialectic between monks and laity has a strong
influence on capital formation. This work provides great information of state
economic support to Buddhism but lacks in merchants and trading class’s
economic supports to Buddhism.[2]Simon Zadek’s ‘The Practice of
Buddhist Economics: Another view’, provides the nature of Buddhist economy. He
has been discussed the impact of Buddhist institutions on laity supports to
monks on economic, role material welfare in Buddhist conception development.
This work also lacks in discussing role of trade in the economic supports to
Buddhism.[3] Moti Chandra’s
book Trade and trade routes in ancient
India provide information about trade and different trade routes in
ancient Indian times. This study was in the canonical and story literature of
Buddhists and Jains such accounts have survived which throw light on ancient
trade, trade routes, organization of the caravans and the position of the
caravan leader. The stable political conditions help in growth of trade and
commerce in a realistic manner. The book has not been provided information
about the role of trade in the economic foundation of Buddhism.[4] Hajime Nakamura’s
book Indian Buddhism is a
survey of Indian Buddhism with bibliographical notes. He said that Buddhism
grown along trade routes. The role of rich people, cities, merchant class was
in origin of Buddhism. He did not talk of trade in the economic foundation of
Buddhism.[5] |
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Main Text |
Kings Support
to Trade and Traders The first
evidence of politically united ancient India, some extraordinary archaeological
evidence e.g. Sanchi, Bharahut Stupas, Asokan inscriptions and
pillars, Ajanta, Ellora caves, their main or earliest theme the Buddha indicate Jatakas are
the birth stories of the Buddha in the previous existence. It was impossible to
build these monuments without the help of Kings and traders. They form a vast
literature, written in Pali, and afford an interesting account of the social,
political and economic condition of India about the time of Gautama Buddha. The
stories reveal the economic condition of India in the age of the Jatakas.[6] Gana-Sangha (Republic) Raja and Muddavisitta
(Monarchy) Raja were two types of political systems in Jambudipa.
Malla, Sakya, Licchavi and Vajji were famous for their Gana-Sangha. Magadha,
Vamsa, Avanti and Kosala were the most famous example of a monarchy system.
Their kings were the supreme authority. In the administrative city lived the
king's family, officials and traders. The safety provided for traders. The king
also knew the importance of traders. The king
encouraged the public Vanijja. The public became happy and live
peacefully. They gave more tax and kings provided them peace. There were three
types of kings' roles in trade. The first was in the establishment of
development of trade. The next one was in the establishment of law and order
which is necessary for trade. The last was a settlement of traders and related
disputes. Digha-Nikaya refers king's contribution for provide
money to traders for trade. Providing money to traders establish trade in no
trading areas. Other investments in safety-security, agricultural and animal
husbandry also indirectly encourage trade. An extra output of agriculture milk
products, as well as bullocks for agriculture and transportation, ultimately
help in trading. Peace and good law and order situation of a Janapada is
a very important part of the trade. There were many thieves and robbers. It was
the duty of the king to punish these culprits. There are many references in
early Buddhist texts which indicate that the king follows his responsibility to
establish law and order and peace in his Janapada city and
trade route. A strong administration was required for the authority of justice
and peace. A wise king knows the importance of trade and he encourages trade.
The Janapadas mostly have the power to control law order
situations and maintain a peaceful and healthy environment for peace and
development. The kings were
aware of the importance of traders. Gahapati was one of seven
Jewels of the king. He had money when the king needed he provided money. The
Setthi was mostly were most prosperous trader of Janapada. He was
an unpaid official of the king. The trade provides revenue to the king. Traders
and Gahapatis were the main trading group who involve, direct
and initiate the trading system. They often travel a lot for trade. This
generated new ideas and implement new technologies. The traders have a good
relationship with the king, Sippika, and Dasa- Kammakara and even
with compatriots of other Janapadas etc. Early Buddhist
Trade In the earliest
literature of the Buddhists, we find the word Vijo meaning
merchants in general. Some of these merchants traded with foreign countries and
carried their goods in their vessels (Samudda-vanijo). The Nikayas,
too, speak of sea-voyages to distant foreign lands but details are lacking
until we come to the period during which the Jatakas and other
later books were composed. The evidence is available in the context of Indian
goods in foreign literature which goes to confirm the existence of commercial
intercourse with the people of Western Asia. Vohra word has four broad and diverse
meanings, first trade, Business; second current appellation, common use (of
language), a common way of defining, designation, the proper mode of speech;
third lawsuit, law, judicial practice; the fourth name of Yakkha of
the sea.[7] But trade as the meaning of Vohra has
maximum references. Suttanipata says the person who depends
on Vohra for his livelihood is called Vanija. Majjhima-Nikaya cites
the Buddha asked Potaliya Gahapati about well being of his
work and business Majjhima-Nikaya. The word used for business in
Pali is Vohra. Every
individual or group has different needs and surpluses. It is not possible to
satisfy all needs on their own without any help or exchange of goods and
services. The initial form of trade was barter or direct exchange of goods and
services. Thus fulfilling needs and giving surpluses in exchange at the same
time were perquisites for trade. Later one side of the barter started to
involve precious metals, which refers to trade in early Pali literature.[8] Early Pali texts provide much analysis of the
importance of trade in society and its practical aspects. Anguttar-Nikaya mention
three types of people; first who successfully indulge in trade, second who
failed in trade, and third other people who benefited from trade. The Buddha
suggested some restrictions for Upasakas and Bhikkhu. Upasakas were
denied to involve five types of trades e.g. Satthavanijja,
Sattavanijja, Mamsavanijja, and Visavanijja. The Buddha strictly
denied involving in any type of economic activity for Bhikkhu and
Bhikkhunis. Trade is economic activity in which money and profit are
involved thus it is not allowed for Bhikkhu and Bhikkhunis. Trade
and other money-earning activities are forbidden such as Naccam, Vesim,
Panagaram, Sunam, Apanam, Vaddhim, Vanijjam, and Haritakapakkim. Vanijja has
two meaning broader meanings for all trading activities including Kayavakkaya,
Apanam and Vohara[9] but sometimes it excluded these trading activities. Several words
were used to denote Traders in Early Pali texts as Vanija, Apanika etc.[10] Gahapati, Satthavaha, Negama, Jetthaka Niyyam,
Assavanija, Varunivanija Kacchaputta Vanija, Vessika, and Voharika were
the other people who were involved in a trade or similar jobs. One who has the
livelihood of Kayavikkaya is called Vanija, and
one who is the leader of Vanija for long-distance travellers
is Satthavaha.[11] Gahapati word has maximum
references used for a trader. The ports of
departure were noted many; the Losaka-Jataka speaks of the
port of Gambhira (Gambhira Pattana), Bharukaccha, Roruka, Supparaka,
and Kavira-pattana were the other ports of departure of vessels. Some
of the merchants were carried on a coasting trade, while others journeyed
across the ocean. The vessels' at sea were under the command of Niyamakas and
were guided by skilled mariners, who noted the position at sea by marking the
position of pianets and stars (Vannu-patha). The Jatakas are
telling to us nothing about the principal commodities. Probably the exports
carried Indian cotton, birds, ivory and other raw produce of the country. Inland
trade- Commonly,
Indian merchants who were moved with goods in great caravans from one part of
the country to another, elected one of their members as their leader and this
man was called the Satthavaha or caravan leader. The Jatakas have
described the difficulties of caravan merchants. Robbers often looted the
caravans. Long-distance land trade was done by Sattavaha and
his five hundred companion traders. The group comprises five hundred traders
because of security and comfortability reasons. Individuals also do
long-distance trade also referred to in early Buddhist texts. Gandhara Setthi
and Anathapindika trade reference also indicates long-distance trade. Gandhara
Setthi sends five hundred bullock cart trade material to sell in Savatthi.
Anathapindika helped him to sell the material. When Anathapindika sent his five
hundred bullock cart trade material Gandhara setthi did not help him. Once
again Gandhara Setthi sends his five hundred bullock cart trade material for
sale in Savatthi this time Kammakara of Anathapindika beat the workers of
Gandhara setthi. Traders Tapassu and Bhallika came from Ukkala and
were on their way to reach Bodhgaya and meet the Buddha. In another reference,
a person says that he went to Kalinga and do trade. The Pali text Milinda-Panho also
informs us regarding a wholesaler or Pataliputra, returning to his city with
five hundred wagons.[12] Trade between
distant country parts was in the hands of adventurous merchants, who led great
caravans from one part of the country to another. Most of these caravans
followed the great trunk roads, while some merchants used river traffic in
exporting their goods. In one Jataka, we find a merchant travelling
from Sravasti to Rajagraha. Another mentioned ivory merchants of Banares moving
to Ujjain. The Gandhara Jataka refers to the Journey of
caravans from Videha to Gandhara, a distance of more than 1200 miles.[13] Sea
trade- Jataka have
a reference for long-distance sea trade from Bharukaccha. The Baveru-Jataka has
reference to Niyyam-Jataka who was the leader of sea Voyage.
Besides trade material, they sold crow in one hundred Kahapana. In
the next trade journey beside their trade material, they sold peacocks in one
thousand Kahapana after a long request conversation by
residents of Baveru. The Baveru people craze peacocks because there were
no birds. In Supparka-Jataka a group of seven hundred traders
returned to Bharukaccha. Other merchants carried their goods on board vessels,
and this use of water traffic for purposes of trade is proved by the Jataka evidence.
Thus from the Cullasetthi-Jataka, we know of a merchant who took a
vessel to Banaras, while the Mahajanaka-Jataka suggests that
in those days the Ganges was navigable by river crafts of considerable size,
and merchants from big cities on her bank came down right up to the sea.[14] Trade provided
availability of thing e.g. Varanasi trade centre provided cloth and sandal.
Avanti king has Sivivattha. Trade provided support city and Janapada economy.
e. g. Kasi was a big trade centre and thus has large earnings. So Kosala and
Magadha fought many wars for Kasi. Setthi and Gahapati were
very respectful and have an important place in Janapada (seven
jewels of the king) and city (Nigama increased earning of the city;
people of Saket were worried because their Setthi was ill). Trade reduced the
rate of things. Trade provide technology and information transfer quickly.
Trade especially sea trade has more profitability in less time. So different
segment of society was attracted to trade. Trade provides employment and a good
lifestyle. Types of cloth/clothes- Pali word Vattha means
cloth and clothes both.[15] Clothes were a very popular material of trade
and Dussavanija or clothes trade was one of the famous trades
mentioned in early Buddhist texts. Kasi was most famous for Vattha.[16] The religious impression/symbol of clothes has
religious importance. During the time of the Buddha different Ganacarya used
different types of clothes to show their devotion. Kusaciram,
Vakaciram, Phalakaciram,, Kesakambalam, Valakambalam, Ulukapakkham,
Ajinakkhipam, vattha were very rarely mentioned in the Pali texts.[17] Bhikkhus wear Civar because
it protects from cold, summer, Dansa, Mosquitoes, wind, sun rays, protect from
attack of Snake and Scorpion bites. The Civar is not for play,
pride, or decoration purpose. White clothes are excellent. Clothes have many
stages of manufacturing e.g. raw material collection, spinning, weaving,
sewing, colouring, washing, and polishing. Every stage needs a skilled person.
The process of each stage is well defined in Sutta and Vinay texts.
Dhunki or carding cotton instrument[18]and weaving by weaver[19] is mentioned in Jataka. It has social
value and popular gift items, the people from the high class wear Kasika
Vattha or costly clothes which indicate their richness and place in
society. People gifted clothes including Civara and Dusala to
the Buddha, kings and other people. Majjhima-Nikaya cites Atthaka
Nagara Dasam Gahapati called Bhikkhusangha for Bhojanadana.
He gave one Dussayuga to each Bhikkhu after
food.[20] He gave Civar of three layers to Anand.[21] In the question
of King Milinda, the various parts of a ship are described as well as the ship
as a whole. Thus we find various commercial objectives mentioned:
Bharukachaha, Suvannbhumi (Burmah), and Sobhira. Tambapanna dipa (Ceylon), Baveru
(Babylon), and China are mentioned in later literature, in the Questions of the
King Milinda.[22] The story of Baveru-Jataka indicates
that the Vamas of Western India undertook trading voyages to the shores of the
Persian gulf or its rivers in the 5th perhaps even in the 6th century
B.C. just as in our days. The story of Baveru-Jataka relates
the adventures of Indian merchants who took the first peacock by sea to
Babylon. The Greeks very well knew certain Indian commodities by their Indian
names in the fifth century B.C. The direct overseas intercourse with China was
a late development. In the Pali literature, the earliest reference to sea trade
with China occurs only in later works like the Questions of the King Milinda.[23] The articles of this trade were rubies, pearls,
sugar, aromatics, peacocks, corals and the like many embassies from Indian
sovereigns who brought merchandise under the name of tribute to the Chinese
court. Later on, the intercourse between the two countries received a special
stimulus from the Indian propaganda of Buddhism, and the result was that at one
time and in one province more than 3000 Indian monks and 10,000 Indian families
were there to impress their national religion and art on Chinese soil.[24] Another
direction that the commerce of India took was towards the East which is an
ultra-Gangetic peninsula, comprising Java, Pegu, and Malacca. The Jataka stories
are full of references to an active Indian, trade with the Suvannabhumi or the
Golden Chersonese all these accounts point to complete navigation of the Bay of
Bengal and the Indian Ocean and the flow of steady and ceaseless traffic
between Bengal and Ceylon, Madras and Burma.[25] In the
international field, ancient India had sound and well-developed trade relations
with Egypt, Greece, Rome, Arabia, Persia, China and countries of central and
South-eastern Asia. Also, she had her commercial sway over many civilized
islands lying within the orbit of the Indian Ocean. The increasing trade links
with distant countries overcame the difficulties of distance, diversity in
climate, differences in languages and the dangers of wild animals and pirates
to a great extent. Among the exports from India, are items like live animals;
minerals including precious stones, beryls, diamonds and pearls; manufactures
including iron and steel, cutlery, weapons of war, armours, metal wares, cotton
cloth, muslins, ivory-work, ships, perfumery and pottery; drugs including opium
and other unguents, dyestuffs and indigo and food items including pepper,
ginger, cloves, cinnamon, cardamom, betel-nuts, corn and rice figured in
prominence. The main items of imports had been minerals like brass, tin, lead,
gold and silver, consumable articles like wine, fruits and frankincense;
manufactures like silk fabrics, boats, precious stones, and Chinese porcelain;
and China and Southeast Asian countries and the Western nations in the fields
of commerce and trade. China exported silk fabrics through Indian merchants.[26] Reflected Trade
in Jataka The Buddha
shaped the relationship between trade and Buddhism in two ways. One, he decided
the duties of Bhikkhu-Sangh with minimum requirements and
dependency on laymen mostly traders. Two, the Buddha preached or influenced the
Buddhist texts. These texts have teachings of the Buddha for monks and laymen.
The Buddha solved the problems of the monks and laymen and taught them with
daily life examples. The relationship between trade and Buddhism is not
mentioned. But instead of trade, all laymen community was advised by the
Buddha. The Buddha was very clear about his ideas and thoughts. Probably the
Buddha deliberately established Panchvatthuni. Devadutta has manor
disagreements on these five things. These are in which building Vihara and
begging alms were most important. These two things reveal the Buddha
intentionally created a dependency of Bhikkus on laymen.
Because the monks were not allowed to do any physical, monetary work e.g.
digging, transaction of money etc, it was the duty of laymen. On the other
hand, begging alms removed the ego of monks and increased dependency on laymen.
There was a lot of Jungle at that time. It was easy to survive for food and
dwelling in the jungle. It was easier for a Bhikkhu to
practice personal upliftment in the jungle than living near human settlements.
But the Buddha has Karuna for many, so he established this
type of complex but more beneficial system. Among the public, this useful
system of the Buddha was first understood, recognized and followed by the
traders. Jataka,
Digha-Nikaya, Majjhima-Nikaya, Samyutta-Nikaya, Angutta-Nikaya and some other Khuddaka-Nikaya texts
as Dhammapada, Suttanipata, Theragatha, Udana are the major
the Pali texts. Although Jataka is a part of Khuddaka-Nikaya because
of its ancient subject matter and a lot of trade evidence it has given
importance. The Buddha’s teachings are preserved in the early Buddhist texts.
The early Pali sources are based on size (Digha-Nikaya,
Majjhima-Nikaya, Khuddaka-Nikaya), nature (philosophical as Majjhima-Nikaya and
daily life as Suttanipata, Jataka, Udana) and counting (Anguttar-Nikaya
and Yamakavagga) make it more complex to establishing a relationship
between trade and Buddhism. But Buddhist texts have their peculiar style and
nature. The
organization of Pali texts is not similar or unique. The Jataka has
547 stories also called Jataka. These Jataka are
classified into forty-two Vagga and these Vagga are
further organized under twenty-two Nipata. Thus the smallest and
most important chapter unit of Jataka is Jataka. Jataka stories
have much evidence of trade. This evidence can be classified into several
groups. Many Jataka stories
are named after traders or trader’s associates. Serivani-Jatakam is
a Jataka story name after a greedy Kacchaputavanijo[27], or a hawker named Seriva[28]. Culasetthi-Jatakam[29] is a story of distressed Kulaputta who became rich
with his efforts.[30] Pannika-Jatakam[31] is a story of a vegetable
and herb seller, who inspects the character of his daughter.[32] Illisa-Jatakam is
the story of Setthi named Illisa, who was a big miser. But his forefathers were
big Dani or generous. Kalakanni-Jatakam[33] is a story based on Anathapindaka’s friend
named Kalakanni. Some people said he is unfortunate, but he was a close friend
of Anathapindika.[34] Nanda-jatakam[35], Katahaka-jataka[36] have stories are named on traders’ dasa.
Who married to distant daughters of another Setthi pretend
as Setthiputta.[37] Nanda-Jatakam[38] is a story of a
reliable Dasa named Nanda who does not tell treasurer place to
his master’s son.[39] Mode of trade, type of traders and names of traders
pieces of evidence in Jataka mode of trade in Jataka are
a shop, hawker, and wholesaler. Satthavaha, Vanija, Jettaka navika are
type of traders. Under this
category, Jataka[38] stories are not named after traders or
their associates. These stories have content of famous traders e.g.
Anathapindika and Visakha. Khadirangara-Jatakam[40]is a story related to Dana given by Anathapindika.[41] Varunidusakala-jatakam[42] is a story of Anathapindika’s friend, who was trader
of liquor.[43] Veri-Jatakam[44] is a reference of
Anathapindika. Who saw thieves but did not stop his bullock cart.[45] Many Jataka has long-distance
trading shreds of evidence. Their evidence is many types as under the guidance
of Satthavaha, without Satthavaha but in a group,
individuals as Anathapindiaka and Gandhara Setthi. Jataka has
long-distance sea trade evidence. Baveru-Jatakam has a
reference to reaching Baveru.[46] According to Supparaka-Jatakam,
traders' boats came from Bharucaccha for searching money.[47] Sonaka-Jatakam referred to the traders
who took their boats to sea in search of money.[48] The Jatakas contain
explicit professes to the trade of India with Babylon. The Babylonian markets
offered fabulous prices for some of the luxury articles exported from India.
The growth of trade and Commerce had two significant consequences. First, it
promoted a broader Outlook. This wider orientation is seen in the attitude of
Buddha. Buddha hopes that his message should spread in all quarters and
corners. This machinery outlook of Buddha would have been possibly influenced
by the Dynamic economy of the day. The ritualistic cult of the Brahmins had
fostered a local and restricted Outlook. It was complicated and required for
its performance trained priesthood. Hence it is spread aid in countries outside
India was difficult. In the early Buddhist works, there is a reference to great
mercantile magnates. These Magnates substantially helped in the strengthening
of the Buddhist movement. The increase in trade and Commerce is an index of the
economic prosperity e of the richer sections, and the merchants who helped
Buddhism must have been indirect sharers in the expanded wealth of the country.
Thus it appears that the increase in trade and Commerce had two consequences
for the new movement of Buddhism. It fostered acceptance of a wider missionary
outlook and it prepared the ground for the expansion of wealth which made it
possible at least in some cases that large gifts could be extended to the religious
movements. Jatakas form a vast literature, written
in Pali, and afford an interesting account of the social, political and
economic condition of India about the time of Gautama Buddha. The stories
reveal the economic condition of India in the age of the Jatakas.
Thus we can deduce that the merchants and traders were rich and great merchant
Anathapindika lavished fifty-four cores on the faith of the Buddha. We further
notice in Jatakas that 18 cores of family property of
Anathapindika were washed to sea.[49] A Brahman merchant daily gave in alms six hundred
thousand pieces of money to way-farers and beggars.[50] Thus it seems that inland trade in the age of Jatakas was
in a flourishing condition. Foreign trade
seems to be in flourishing condition during the Buddha period. It is obvious
from the references to the caravan trade in Jatakas and items
of export and import such as spices, slaves, garland, ass, horses, jewellery
ivory work, embroideries, silk, muslin, cutlery, gems of various kinds,[51]perfumes, gold, and silver.[52] The Mahajanaka-Jataka shows that
there was something like, what we term foreign trade between Indian and
outside, but does not mention the name to which country these merchants came
from. We have ample references to maritime activities and sea-faring activities
in Pali literature. It has been mentioned in the Valatassa-Jataka[53] that five hundred ships shattered in the
sea, but the name of the country is not mentioned. It is noted in the Supparaka-Jataka[54] that a body of merchants who started their
journey by ship from sea-port of Bharukaccha lost their way and took four
months to reach their destination. It is very clear from the Jatakas that
trade had existed between India and outside India because Jatakas contain
several stories describing voyages to distant lands and perilous adventures by
the sea. Thus, we can
deduce that trade was the natural corollary of the economic life of people in
early India, in the age of Jatakas. Inland and foreign trade were
vigorous in most of ancient India. Trade had a very deep effect on the life and
culture of early Indian people. During this time trade between India and
foreign nations was successfully carried out both by land and sea. We come to
know from the Pali literature that certain places became prominent and towns
had long existed around centres of trade. We come to know from the Jatakas that early India had trade relations with Ceylon, Burma, Siam and Babylon. Thus from the above analysis, we notice that the volume of foreign trade in early India with foreign nations had greatly influenced the economic and cultural life of the people in the age of Jatakas. The first two vacasika Upasaka Tapussa and Bhallika were traders.[55] Anathapindika the famous Setthi and Visakha were from prosperous trading families. These two were called fathers and mothers of Bhikkhu-Sangh. No other person got such respect in Buddhist history. Money references to money and trading are found in Buddhist literature. Thus it is clear that traders and trade were existing and flourished at that time. |
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Conclusion |
Trade was a big factor to generated surplus capital in the second urbanization of ancient India. Trade is Important from the point of view of the spread of Buddhism. Trade and traders contributed a vital role in Buddhist history from the initial phase. The main quality of this profession is traders earn money in less time, but they have to invest more time and risk in public dealing and travelling. Thus traders have more information and knowledge of society in comparison to other professions. A large number of references to trade in the Jatakas indicate the growth of the economic condition of ancient India and it seems that during the age of Jatakas ancient India must have attained a high state of economics and Trade. These references easily detect the contribution of traders and trade to Buddhism. The religious people came to the Buddha to solve their queries including religious, political, social and economic. The Buddha also solved their problems. The increase of money with the trade influenced the economic foundation of Buddhism. The increasing trade had been generated money from traders and merchants who supported Buddhism by money. |
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50. Ibid, Bhadra-Ghata- Jataka, p. No. 442.
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53. Ibid, p. no. 196.
54. Ibid, Supparaka-Jataka.
55. Vinaya-Pitaka,Tr. By Rahula Sanskrityayanda, p. 77. |