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
leaders who did not want priests challenging their rule	◯	◯
merchants who felt disrespected by members of higher varnas	◯	◯

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Explanation:

1. For "priests who were respected for their religious authority": Buddhism rejected the idea that priests deserved a higher social status. So priests with religious authority would likely oppose Buddhism as it threatened their status, so they are unlikely to support.
2. For "leaders who did not want priests challenging their rule": Buddhism's rejection of priestly hierarchy could reduce priests' power to challenge leaders, so leaders would likely support Buddhism to limit priestly influence.
3. For "merchants who felt disrespected by members of higher varnas": Buddhism challenged the varna (caste) system's hierarchy, so merchants (lower in varna hierarchy) who felt disrespected would likely support Buddhism as it offered more equality.

Answer:

• priests who were respected for their religious authority: Unlikely to support Buddhism
• leaders who did not want priests challenging their rule: Likely to support Buddhism
• merchants who felt disrespected by members of higher varnas: Likely to support Buddhism