Buddha Gaya Through the Ages (Bibliotheca Indo-Buddhica, No.134)

Book Title: Buddha Gaya Through the Ages

• Author: D.C. Ahir

• Language: English

• Pages: 204 (10 B/W Illustrations)

• Cover: Hardcover

• Dimensions: 21.5 cm x 14 cm

• Weight: 370 gm

• Edition: 1994

• ISBN: 8170304091

Book Description

About the Book:

• Buddha Gaya, the sacred site of Gautama Buddha's Enlightenment, is one of the most revered Buddhist shrines. This study chronicles the history of Buddha Gaya from 528 BC to 1993 AD, covering the origin, development, decline, desecration, restoration, and revival of the Maha Bodhi Temple.

• The Maha Bodhi Temple is one of the most significant monuments in Buddhism, having suffered from historical decline, political turmoil, and religious disputes. This comprehensive study provides valuable insights into the Buddhist agitation and the temple’s current state after the 1949 Act and the building of modern Buddhist temples.

Key Highlights:

• Archaeological and Literary Evidence: The book delves into the historical, archaeological, and inscriptional records of Buddha Gaya, examining the works of pioneers like R.L. Mitra, A. Cunningham, and B.M. Barua.

• Buddhist Revival Movement: Detailed coverage of the Buddhist revival movement initiated by Anagarika Dharmapala in 1891, exploring his efforts to regain control of the Maha Bodhi Temple.

• Recent Developments: The last chapter provides an overview of new Buddhist temples built in recent years by Buddhist countries such as Myanmar, Thailand, Japan, China, and Tibet, contributing to Buddha Gaya’s status as a global Buddhist hub.

About the Author:

• D.C. Ahir (born 1928 in Punjab) is a renowned Buddhist scholar with a significant contribution to Indian history. He has authored over twenty works on Buddhism and has presented papers in national and international Buddhist seminars.

• Recent works include Buddhist Shrines in India (1986), Maharashtra: The Land of Buddhism (1988), The Legacy of Dr. Ambedkar (1990), and Buddhism in Modern India (1991).

Preface:

• The study is based on archaeological evidence and personal observations of Buddha Gaya from 1971 to 1993. The author recalls his first visit to Buddha Gaya in 1971 and the changes he witnessed in the temple and surrounding areas.

• Detailed accounts of the destruction and neglect of the temple during Muslim invasions, the Hindu occupation in the 16th century, and the restoration efforts by British and Burmese authorities in the 19th century are discussed thoroughly.

Introduction:

• Buddha Gaya has been a pilgrimage site since the time of Emperor Asoka in 260 BC. The Maha Bodhi Temple, built in the second century AD, reached its zenith during the visit of the Chinese pilgrim Hiuen Tsang in the 7th century.

• After centuries of neglect, the British government took charge of the restoration in the 19th century, bringing the Maha Bodhi Temple back to its near-original condition.

• The Mahant occupation of the temple in 1590 AD led to a decline in the temple's status as a Buddhist shrine. It wasn't until Anagarika Dharmapala's efforts in the late 19th century that Buddhists regained control of the site.

Noteworthy Contributions:

• The book also highlights the importance of Buddhist governance in preserving sacred sites like Buddha Gaya, especially in light of the Bodh Gaya Temple Management Act (1949), which has given significant influence to Hindus in the temple management.

• Despite these challenges, the temple has regained its status as a vibrant international center of Buddhist culture and worship.