This book examines the decline and revival of Indian Buddhism in Bihar and Bengal and the patterns of revival in Uttar Pradesh, exploring the socio-economic and cultic processes that led to these changes. It compares the developments in Buddhism with those of other competing religions.

Format: Hardback
Length: 226 pages
Publication date: 10 November 2023
Publisher: Manohar Publishers and Distributors

The book explores two interconnected themes: the socio-economic and cultic processes that led to the decline of Indian Buddhism in its last strongholds of Bihar and Bengal towards the end of the early medieval period, and the patterns of revival of Buddhism in the neighboring province of Uttar Pradesh during the period from c. 2005-2011 CE. These themes have been explored by analyzing the developments in the social histories of other competing religions, including Hinduism, Jainism, and Ajivika-dharma. The book argues that the decline of Indian Buddhism was primarily due to the socio-economic and political changes that occurred in the region, which led to the erosion of the traditional patronage system that had supported the religion. Additionally, the book suggests that the revival of Buddhism in Uttar Pradesh was facilitated by the political and social conditions that existed in the region, which included the rise of a new political elite and the increasing influence of Hinduism. The book also examines the role of religious leaders and institutions in the revival of Buddhism, and the impact of these developments on the broader social and cultural landscape of Uttar Pradesh. Overall, the book provides a comprehensive and insightful analysis of the historical and cultural factors that contributed to the decline and revival of Buddhism in India.

The Decline and Revival of Indian Buddhism in the Last Strongholds of Bihar and Bengal

This book explores two interconnected themes: the socio-economic and cultic processes that resulted in the decline of Indian Buddhism in its last strongholds – Bihar and Bengal – towards the end of the early medieval period, and the patterns of revival of Buddhism in the neighboring province of Uttar Pradesh, c. 2005-2011 CE. These themes have been explored by undertaking an analysis of the developments in the social histories of other competing religions: Hinduism, Jainism and Ajivika-dharma.

Socio-Economic and Cultic Processes

The book argues that the decline of Indian Buddhism was primarily due to the socio-economic and political changes that occurred in the region, which led to the erosion of the traditional patronage system that had supported the religion. Additionally, the book suggests that the revival of Buddhism in Uttar Pradesh was facilitated by the political and social conditions that existed in the region, which included the rise of a new political elite and the increasing influence of Hinduism. The book also examines the role of religious leaders and institutions in the revival of Buddhism, and the impact of these developments on the broader social and cultural landscape of Uttar Pradesh.

Revival of Buddhism in Uttar Pradesh

The revival of Buddhism in Uttar Pradesh was facilitated by the political and social conditions that existed in the region. The rise of a new political elite and the increasing influence of Hinduism led to a greater tolerance for religious diversity and the promotion of religious pluralism. This, in turn, led to the revival of Buddhism in Uttar Pradesh. The book also examines the role of religious leaders and institutions in the revival of Buddhism, and the impact of these developments on the broader social and cultural landscape of Uttar Pradesh.

Conclusion

Overall, the book provides a comprehensive and insightful analysis of the historical and cultural factors that contributed to the decline and revival of Buddhism in India. It highlights the importance of understanding the social and cultural context in which Buddhism flourished and declined, and the role of religious leaders and institutions in the revival of Buddhism. The book also provides valuable insights into the current state of Buddhism in India and the challenges that it faces in the future.

Dimension: 240 x 160 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789394262768