[Solved] Varna Dialogue in Majjhima Nikaya | Buddhist Texts

The dialogue on Varna between King Avantiputta and Kachchana, a disciple of Buddha, appears in which one of the following Buddhist texts?

[UPSC CDS 2018 (II)]

Detailed Solution & Historical Context

Concept

Buddhist texts often utilized dialogues between monks and royalty to challenge the divine origin of the Varna (caste) system.

Authentic Source Evidence

In the Majjhima Nikaya, the monk Kachchana argues to King Avantiputta that Varna is merely a social convention and that wealth, rather than birth, often determines social power.

Analytical Breakdown

Majjhima Nikaya (A): The 'Middle-length Discourses' which contain many such social and philosophical debates.

Logic: The dialogue emphasizes that a wealthy Shudra would be served by a poor Brahmin, effectively deconstructing the ritual hierarchy.

Conceptual Deep Dive & Logic

"What was Kachchana's main argument against the Varna system?"

He argued that all four Varnas were equal and that social divisions were human-made constructs rather than divine mandates.

Examiner's Mindset & Pro-Tip

"This dialogue is one of the earliest recorded rationalist critiques of hereditary social stratification in human history."

Topic Clusters (click to see related topic questions)

Varna system 3