Significance of Rich merchant
The term "rich merchant" encompasses various wealthy individuals throughout different narratives, often highlighting their influence, social status, and involvement in significant events. In South Asia, these merchants are depicted as influential traders who interact with royal families, possess vast resources, and face moral dilemmas linked to their wealth. Kavya and Theravada narratives illustrate rich merchants with familial connections and critical roles in the story, emphasizing wealth's impact on personal relationships and societal responsibilities. Overall, the rich merchant represents both prosperity and the complexities of wealth.
Synonyms: Wealthy trader
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Rich merchant'
The "Rich merchant" in Buddhism symbolizes various characters who embody wealth and prosperity, emphasizing the importance of moral conduct, generosity, and the consequences of attachment to materialism within the context of trade and societal roles.
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) A wealthy individual engaged in trade, often possessing considerable resources and investments.[1] (2) The owner of the kitchen where the story takes place, associated with wealth and the provision of fish that the Crow covets.[2] (3) A wealthy individual who is a friend of Anathapindika and lives in a border province.[3] (4) The owner of the kitchen where the pigeon lived; represents wealth and abundance.[4] (5) A character whose house is broken into by the robber, illustrating the themes of wealth and danger.[5]
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) The father of Nun Kundalakesi, who attempts to fulfill his daughter's desires, ultimately leading to significant consequences.[6] (2) An affluent trader who possesses significant wealth and engages in trading activities.[7]
From: Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) Yasa's father, who became worried about his son's departure and later attained sotapanna through the Buddha's teachings.[8]
From: A Discourse on Paticcasamuppada
(1) A person of considerable wealth engaged in trade, who in this narrative is Mendaka.[9]
Hindu concept of 'Rich merchant'
In Hinduism, the "Rich merchant" symbolizes wealth and social status, as exemplified by Arthadatta, a merchant-prince with two children, who significantly impacts the narrative by offering his daughter to the king.
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) Arthadatta, a merchant-prince who has two children, illustrating wealth and status within the story.[10] (2) A character who possesses wealth and plays a crucial role in the story by offering his daughter to the king.[11]
The concept of Rich merchant in local and regional sources
The keyphrase "Rich merchant" represents a multifaceted character in the text, denoting wealth, influence, and complexity in relationships, highlighting themes of infatuation, betrayal, support, and traditional success tied to the goddess Lakshmi.
From: Village Folk-tales of Ceylon (Sri Lanka), vol. 1-3
(1) A wealthy trade individual who interacts with the royal family and is implicated in the reunification of the family members.[12] (2) A wealthy businessman targeted by one of the thieves for theft, who was initially deceived into thinking he had lost his money.[13]
From: Buddhist records of the Western world (Xuanzang)
(1) Wealthy traders who specialize in gold trinkets and often have distinct fashions and adornments.[14]
From: Folklore of the Santal Parganas
(1) A character who was initially sympathetic and provided resource support but later trapped the Rani.[15] (2) A wealthy individual who became infatuated with the Rani and ultimately seized her.[16]
From: Triveni Journal
(1) Refers to the archetype of a financially successful individual, traditionally viewed as benefiting from the blessings of goddess Lakshmi.[17]