Question

when buddhism began, priests were a powerful group in south asian society. but buddhists rejected the idea that priests deserved a higher social status than other people. read about some of the groups in ancient south asian society. then decide whether they would be likely or unlikely to support buddhism. group likely to support buddhism unlikely to support buddhism merchants who felt disrespected by members of higher varnas leaders who did not want priests challenging their rule priests who were respected for their religious authority

Explanation:

1. Merchants disrespected by higher varnas would support Buddhism because Buddhism rejected the rigid varna hierarchy that privileged upper classes, offering them greater social equality.
2. Leaders opposing priestly challenges would support Buddhism because Buddhism undermined the social and religious power of the priestly class, reducing their ability to challenge secular leaders.
3. Priests with established religious authority would oppose Buddhism because Buddhism rejected their privileged social and religious status, threatening their power and position.

Answer:

Group	Likely to support Buddhism	Unlikely to support Buddhism
leaders who did not want priests challenging their rule	✅
priests who were respected for their religious authority		✅