Role Of Buddhism In The Revival Of 2nd Phase Of Urbanisation And Trade In Ancient India

Abstract

Buddhism played a significant role in the re-emergence of urbanization and trade in ancient India. Following the decline of the Indus Valley Civilization (1st phase of urbanisation) and ruralization, the emergence of Buddhism in the 6th century BCE contributed significantly to economic resurgence (Revival of progressive trade) and urban renewal (2nd Phase of urbanisation). The monastic order established by the Buddha’s sangha revived old trade routes and also established new ones, supporting the flow of goods, people, capital, and ideas between surplus and deficit regions. Buddhist monasteries (viharas) became economic hubs, supporting traders/merchants and pilgrims. D.D. Kosambi highlighted how viharas, besides being spiritual upliftment centers, also acted as a major consumers of goods and even provided capital to traders/merchants. Numerous Archaeological evidence, such as Roman amphorae at Devnimori and distillation apparatus at Pushkalavati, indicates vihara's role in trade. Buddhism’s liberal and democratic social framework, as noted by H.P. Ray made it more guilds-friendly than Brahmanism. Balkrishna Govind Gokhale argues that early Buddhism thrived due to urbanization and commerce, particularly in cities like Savatthi, Rajagaha, and Kosambi. These urban centers, with merchant/traders shrenis-guilds and punch marked and metallic coin-based transaction system, provided a base for Buddhist growth.

However, once land-based and monarchy-dominated feudalism was introduced it resulted in the decline of urbanism and commerce which doomed the fate of Buddhism. The Buddha’s frequent preaching in cities (Savatthi (Shravasti, Uttar Pradesh) was the most cited city (593 times), a major trade hub supported by Anathapindika. Rajagaha (Rajgir, Bihar), capital of Magadha, was mentioned 140 times and patronized by King Bimbisara. Kapilavatthu (Kapilvastu, Nepal/Uttar Pradesh), Buddha’s birthplace, had limited trade significance. Vesali (Vaishali, Bihar) was a major trade and political center. Kosambi (Kosam, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh) connected Kosala and Magadha, mentioned 15 times. Ujjeni (Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh), a vital trade route, was home to key disciples. Campa (Champa, Bhagalpur, Bihar), a commercial city, traded with the Malayan Peninsula) rather than villages reflects the religion’s deep connection with commercial life. Buddhism’s role in trade extended beyond India through the Silk Road and maritime routes, linking it with China (Dunhuang), Southeast Asia (Angkor, Borobudur), Sri Lanka (Anuradhapura), Central Asia (Bamiyan, Samarkand), Persia, and East Asia (Nara, Gyeongju).

Keywords:- Buddhism and Economic Revival, Urbanization in Ancient India, Buddhist Trade Routes, Monastic Economy and Commerce, Buddhist Merchant Guilds , Silk Road and Buddhism