Folk Culture as Depicted in Sramana Literature
Summary
Bhagchandra Jain surveys Jain and Buddhist canonical literature to reveal its rich record of folk culture. The Samanñaphalasutta lists numerous entertainments such as dances, songs, music, plays, story‑telling, wrestling and ball games that prevailed in the Buddha’s time. Jain texts describe communal festivals (mahas) honouring deities like Indra, Skanda, Rudra and the naga, as well as natural objects like trees and mountains. Additional Jain sources refer to festivals celebrating caves, wells and oceans. The article notes the presence of sect‑specific groups associated with folk cults, illustrating how popular religion and formal Sramana traditions coexisted. Buddhist works such as the Niddesa likewise mention communities that worship the elephant, horse or bull. Communal gatherings featured dance, music, feasting, offerings and lamp‑lighting. By cataloguing these examples, the article shows that Sramanic scriptures not only preached ascetic doctrines but also preserved the socio‑psychological environment of ancient India.
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Conclusion
By documenting dances, festivals and communal worship described in Jain and Buddhist texts, the article demonstrates that Sramana literature is a valuable ethnographic source. The overlap between religious practice and popular cults reveals the interpenetration of folk traditions and ascetic movements. Understanding these cultural elements enriches our view of ancient Indian society and its religious pluralism.