Explanation: The anti-sacrifice attitude of Buddhism and deriding of the superfluous rituals performed by them by Ashoka must have brought loss to the income and livelihood options of Brahmanas who used to live on the varied gifts made to them.

They wanted a ruler who would uphold their existing interests and privileges. It is rather interesting to note that some of the new kingdoms that arose on the ruins of the Maurya Empire were ruled by Brahmanas such as the Shungas and the Kanvas in Central India and the Satavahanas in the Deccan.

Source: Tamil Nadu NCERT