Earlier I asked a similar question but I’m changing my topic a little so can someone please help with this?

I mostly need my answers to be corrected and maybe added on to. Thanks!!
1. Did the Mauryas and the Guptas use religion to claim authority?
Yes, the people were placed into groups of importance and authority. There were four main groups. From highest to lowest, these were priests and teachers, rulers and warriors, merchants and artisans, then at the bottom there were the unskilled workers.
2. Was religion a guide to how they lived?
Yes. When practicing Hinduism, you could not work, marry, or eat someone of another social level. They had strict rules about their everyday lives.

Whew, I was about to ask about that.

your answers are correct

Also I just realized I said “eat someone”, I obviously meant “eat with someone” lmao

Thank you so much :)

1. Did the Mauryas and the Guptas use religion to claim authority?

Yes, both the Mauryas and the Guptas used religion as a means to claim and legitimize their authority. Specifically, they drew upon Hinduism, which played a central role in ancient Indian society. Religion provided a foundation for the hierarchical social structure that existed during these periods. The caste system organized society into different social groups, with each group having a specific role and position in society. The Mauryas and the Guptas utilized religious scripts and teachings to reinforce and maintain this social order. The highest group consisted of priests and teachers, who were believed to possess spiritual knowledge and authority. The second group included rulers and warriors, who were responsible for protecting and governing the society. The third group comprised merchants and artisans, involved in trade and craftsmanship. At the bottom were the unskilled workers, who performed manual labor. By aligning themselves with the religiously ordained social hierarchy, the Mauryas and the Guptas claimed and justified their authority over these different groups.

2. Was religion a guide to how they lived?
Yes, religion, particularly Hinduism, served as a guide for how people lived during the Mauryan and Gupta periods. Hinduism enshrined various moral and ethical codes, as well as specific rituals and duties, that dictated people's everyday lives. These religious practices encompassed aspects such as work, marriage, dietary restrictions, and social interactions.

For example, Hinduism prescribed that individuals should adhere to their assigned caste and perform their specific duties diligently. It discouraged inter-caste interactions, including intermarriage, as it was believed that each social group had its own unique roles and responsibilities. Consequently, one's occupation was often determined by birth, and people were expected to adhere strictly to their designated social role.

Apart from this, the concepts of dharma and karma influenced how people lived their lives. Dharma referred to one's moral and ethical duties, while karma emphasized the impact of one's actions and behavior on their future lives. These principles guided people to act in accordance with their prescribed social roles, adhere to moral codes, and accumulate positive karma for better future rebirths.

In summary, religion, especially Hinduism, played a significant role in shaping the lives of people during the Mauryan and Gupta periods. It influenced their social interactions, occupations, and adherence to moral principles, providing a framework for how they lived their everyday lives.