In what ways was the Buddhist theory of a social contract different from the Brahmanical view of society derived from the Purusha Sukta?
According to the Purusha Sukta of the Rigveda, the four Varnas emerged because of the sacrifice of Purusha, the primeval man. These Varnas were—Brahmanas, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas and Shudras. These Varnas had different jobs. The Brahmanas enjoyed the supreme position in the society. They used to study Dharmashastras. They also taught others. The Kshatriyas were brave warriors. They ran the administration. The Vaishyas were engaged in trade. The Shudras were destined to serve the above three Varnas. So, there was inequality in the society. In this system, only the birth was the basis of status and prestige in society.
The Buddhist concept was contrary to this Brahmanical notion. They accepted that there was an inequality in the society. But according to them, this inequality was neither natural nor permanent. They also rejected birth as the base of social prestige. They recognized the human agency in creating and institutionalising economic and social relations. And there was other implication that if human beings were responsible for the creation of the system, they could also change it in future
