Maskari as an Epithet of Gosala
By B. M. Barua
Summary
Gosala, a central figure in Ajivika history, is associated with the epithet "Maskari" in Sanskrit Buddhist texts, alongside "Makkhali" in Pali and "Mamkhaliputta" in ardha-Magadhi Jaina literature. The origin of "Makkhali" is debated: Buddhaghosa attributes it to a fanciful etymology involving Gosala stumbling on muddy ground while carrying an oil pot, despite his master’s warning "Tata, ma khali" ("My dear, be careful"). However, Jaina scholars, particularly commentators of the *Bhagavati-Sutra*, argue "Mamkhaliputta" phonetically retains the ardha-Magadhi "Mamkhali," possibly linked to Gosala’s father’s profession or identity rather than his name. They suggest "Mamkhali" might derive from "Mamkha" (a mud-stirrer) or reflect phonetic similarities between Prakrit and Sanskrit. The compound "Mamkhaliputta" is interpreted in three ways: referencing Gosala’s father’s status, his own profession, or his male identity. In Pali texts, he is consistently called "Makkhali Gosala," while ardha-Magadhi and Sanskrit works use "Mamkhaliputta" or "Maskari." The *Divyavadana* and *Mahavastu* also mention "Maskari Gosala" or "Maskari Gosala-putra," with no semantic difference between the terms. Despite speculative theories, the epithet likely emphasizes Gosala’s identity as a male Ajivika leader rather than his lineage or occupation. The persistence of "
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Conclusion
This analysis of "Maskari" as an epithet of Gosala clarifies the complex etymological and textual debates surrounding his identity, emphasizing the absence of conclusive evidence linking the term to his father's profession or name. The study highlights the phonetic retention of "Mamkhali" across linguistic traditions, suggesting either semantic continuity or linguistic constraints rather than deliberate naming conventions. The varying references to Gosala—Makkhali in Pali, Mamkhaliputta in ardha-Magadhi, and Maskari in Sanskrit texts—reveal the fluidity of epithets in early Buddhist literature without resolving the ambiguity. The findings underscore the need for cautious interpretation of compound names in ancient sources, acknowledging the interplay of oral transmission, scribal practices, and sectarian commentaries in shaping historical records. This research contributes to a nuanced understanding of identity formation in early Indian religious movements, where epithets often served as markers of lineage, status, or doctrinal affiliation rather than fixed descriptors.