Question

Read the following source carefully and answer the questions that follow:

The Wealthy Shudra This story, based on a Buddhist text in Pali known as the Majjhima Nikaya, is part of a dialogue between a king named Avantiputta and a disciple of the Buddha named Kachohana. While it may not be literally true, it reveals Buddhist attitudes towards varna. Avantiputta asked Kachchana what he thought about Brahmanas who held that they were the best caste and that all other castes were low; that Brahmanas were a fair caste while all other castes were dark; that only Brahmanas were pure, not non-Brahmanas; that Brahmanas were sons of Brahma, born of his mouth, born of Brahma, formed by Brahma, heirs to Brahma. Kachchana replied: “What if a Shudra were wealthy ... would another Shudra ... or a Kshatriya or a Brahmana or a Vaishya ... speak politely to him?” Avantiputta replied that if a Shudra had wealth or corn or gold or silver, he could have as his obedient servant another Shudra to get up earlier than he, to go to rest later, to carry out his orders, to speak politely; or he could even have a Kshatriya or a Brahmana or a Vaishya as his obedient servant. Kachchana asked: “This being so, are not these four varnas exactly the same?” Avantiputta conceded that there was no difference amongst the varnas on this count.

1. Why did the Brahmana consider themselves superior to other caste? 2
2. How could a Shudra improve his status according to Kachchana? 2
3. What does this story reveal about Buddhist attitude towards Varna? 2

Answer 1

1. Brahmana considered himself superior to other caste:
   1. On the basis of their wisdom
   2. On the basis of fair colour.
   3. On the basis of Purity
   4. Considered as sons of Brahma
2. According to Kachchana, a Shudra could improve his status:
   1. On the basis of wealth.
   2. On the basis of economic status and dignity.
3. Buddhist attitude about Varna:
   1. Rejection of Caste based ideas.
   2. Rejected the ideas of superiority on the basis of birth.
   3. Plead for social equality.