RAS question
Which Mauryan ruler embraced Jainism and migrated to Shravanabelagola?
Correct answer: (C) Chandragupta Maurya.
Chandragupta Maurya was the Mauryan ruler who, according to tradition, accepted Jainism under Bhadrabahu and spent his last days at Shravanabelagola.
Explanation
Chandragupta Maurya's later life is traditionally linked with Jain renunciation rather than merely with political succession. Britannica records that Chandragupta was traditionally influenced by Bhadrabahu I to accept Jainism and later left to spend his last days in Bhadrabahu's service at Shravanabelagola, where he fasted to death. In the standard Jain account, Chandragupta abdicated, became a Jain monk under Bhadrabahu, migrated to Shravanabelagola in Karnataka, and is said to have performed Sallekhana at Chandragiri hill. Karnataka Tourism also identifies Shravanabelagola as a Jain pilgrimage town and notes that Chandragupta Maurya is believed to have meditated there after renouncing his throne.
Why the other options are wrong
- (A) Brihadratha was the last Mauryan ruler and was killed by Pushyamitra Shunga; the Jain renunciation and migration tradition concerns Chandragupta Maurya at Shravanabelagola.
- (B) Ashoka's major religious association is Buddhism, not Jain renunciation under Bhadrabahu at Shravanabelagola.
- (D) Bindusara is associated with the Ajivika sect, while the Shravanabelagola tradition is specifically attached to Chandragupta Maurya and Jainism.
Concept
Ancient India preparation for RAS covers the Mauryan dynasty and the religious affiliations of its rulers. Jain, Buddhist and heterodox traditions often distinguish otherwise closely placed Mauryan kings.