Buddhism in North India and Pakistan

Author: D C Ahir
Publisher: Sri Satguru Publications
Year: 1998
Language: English
Pages: 145
ISBN/UPC (if available): 8170305861

Description

This book presents a historical survey of Buddhism through the ages in the modern states of Punjab, Haryana, Delhi and Himachal Pradesh in India, and West Punjab, Sind and North West Frontier Provinces in Pakistan. In other words, it covers the area from Delhi to Peshawar. Buddhism came to the ancient Punjab - Gandhara region through the Buddha himself, and gained a good hold within 300 years of the Mahaparinirvana of the Buddha. Thereafter, for more than 1000 years, Buddhism was the predominant religion of the people. A galaxy of Buddhist saints, scholars, poets and philosophers not only enriched the culture of the Punjab - Gandhara region but also influenced and moulded the destiny of Buddhism as a whole.

Three of the illustrious Buddhist kings of India : Milinda, Kanishka and Harsha flourished in this region, while a fourth, the first Buddhist Emperor of India, Asoka the Great also started his career in the Punjab. Though Buddhism later disappeared from the plains but it managed to survive in the hilly regions, and even today is a living faith in the valleys of Lahul, Spiti and Kinnaur in Himachal Pradesh.

Contents

PREFACE

1. Buddha’s Visit to Punjab
2. Asoka The Great
3. Milinda and Nagasena
4. Kanishka, a Kushana King
5. Asanga and Vasubandhu
6. Harsha, The Last Buddhist Emperor
7. Forgotton Creed
8. Some Archaeological Remains
9. Revival and Survival
10. The Influence of Buddhism on Sikhism

APPENDIX

BIBLIOGRAPHY

INDEX