During the time of Gautama Buddha, the term Gahapatis referred to:
(a) Wealthy householders, including rich peasants and merchants
(b) Officials appointed by the king to oversee villages
(c) Wandering ascetics who renounced worldly possessions
(d) Temple priests responsible for religious ceremonies

Question

During the time of Gautama Buddha, the term Gahapatis referred to:
(a) Wealthy householders, including rich peasants and merchants
(b) Officials appointed by the king to oversee villages
(c) Wandering ascetics who renounced worldly possessions
(d) Temple priests responsible for religious ceremonies

ONLiNE UPSC · Accepted Answer

In the age of Gautama Buddha, Gahapatis were influential householders who controlled significant land and wealth. They were primarily rich peasants, merchants, and landowners who played a crucial role in the economic life of their communities. Unlike state-appointed officials, they were not government administrators but were instead independent figures of economic power. Their prosperity often came from agriculture and trade, making them an essential part of the emerging urban centers of that period.

Ancient India

Society and Economy during the time of Gautama Buddha

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E Question 1	⏱ 0
During the time of Gautama Buddha, the term Gahapatis referred to: (a) Wealthy householders, including rich peasants and merchants (b) Officials appointed by the king to oversee villages (c) Wandering ascetics who renounced worldly possessions (d) Temple priests responsible for religious ceremonies