Did Hindu kings destroy Buddhist structures in ancient India? This is what history suggests

Did Hindu kings destroy Buddhist structures in ancient India? This is what history suggests

Subject: History

Section: Ancient India

Context:

Swami Prasad Maurya, a prominent leader in Uttar Pradesh, called for an archaeological survey of Hindu temples to determine if they were constructed by demolishing previously existing Buddhist structures.

What is the ongoing litigation around the Gyanvapi mosque complex in Varanasi?

• The Gyanvapi mosque, located in the city of Varanasi, has been a subject of dispute between Hindu and Muslim communities for many years.
• The dispute centers around the belief held by some Hindu groups that the mosque was built on the site of a pre-existing Hindu temple, which they claim was demolished to construct the mosque.
• The case has been in the courts for decades, and the Allahabad High Court’s recent decision to allow an archaeological survey is seen as a significant development in resolving the long-standing controversy.

What is the popular narrative about religious tolerance in ancient India?

• Popular narrative: Ancient India is known for religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence.
• Jadunath Sarkar’s work: Highlighted religious intolerance by some Muslim rulers like Aurangzeb, contrasting with ancient Indian Hindus’ tolerance – “History of Aurangzib” (1912-1924).
• Jawaharlal Nehru’s view: Ancient Indian society embraced freedom of thought and tolerance for diverse beliefs – “The Discovery of India” (1946).
• Creation of an idealized image: Historical works shaped the perception of ancient India as a peaceful and tolerant civilization, influencing the national identity.

What do some historians say about contradictions in this idea?

• Historian Upinder Singh, in her exhaustive study “Political Violence in Ancient India,” argues that
  • the idea of a peace-loving and tolerant ancient India was a carefully cultivated self-image to bolster the nonviolent ideology of Gandhian nationalism.
• While there were instances of coexistence and dialogue among different religious groups, there were also conflicts and violent episodes.
• Historical texts and archaeological evidence indicate instances of
  • religious iconoclasm,
  • temple destruction, and
  • conflicts between religious communities in ancient India.
• D N Jha‘s “Against the Grain” (2018) shows temple desecration and religious violence were common in pre-Islamic India, employed by ruling elites irrespective of religious affiliation.

How does religion relate to political authority in ancient India?

• Historian Richard Eaton, in his book “Temple Desecration and Indo-Muslim States,(2000)” noted that religious institutions and political authority were often closely intertwined in ancient India.
  • Rulers sought religious leaders’ support to legitimize their rule and boost authority.
  • Temples served as centers of economic and political power, crucial for rulers to maintain control.

How did Buddhism emerge in ancient India?

• Buddhism emerged in the 5th or 6th century BCE in the Gangetic plains.
• It was founded by Siddhartha Gautama (Gautama Buddha) after attaining enlightenment in Bodh Gaya..
• Buddhism emerged as an alternative to prevailing religious ideas, challenging the ritualistic and hierarchical nature of Brahmanism (early Hinduism).
• Gautama Buddha’s teachings offered a practical path to end suffering and attain liberation (nirvana).
• Buddhism gained popularity due to its inclusive nature, accepting people from all social backgrounds and rejecting caste distinctions.
• Emperor Ashoka’s patronage in the 3rd century BCE played a crucial role in spreading Buddhism further.

What structures did ancient Buddhists build, and what was their significance?

• Stupas: Dome-shaped structures for relics, like the Sanchi Stupa in India.
• Monasteries: Centers for learning and spiritual practice.
• Viharas: Residential quarters within monasteries.
• Chaityas: Prayer halls and pilgrimage sites.
• Rock-Cut Caves: Carved dwellings and sanctuaries.
• Pillars and Inscriptions: by Ashoka, moral teachings.
• Buddha Statues: Symbols of reverence and devotion.
• Libraries: Preserved sacred texts and promoted education.

Significance:

These structures reflect Buddhism’s cultural heritage and dissemination of teachings. They hold spiritual, artistic, and historical importance, attracting pilgrims and tourists alike.

Is there evidence of the desecration of Buddhist sites?

• Historian D N Jha’s “Brahmanical Intolerance in Early India” (2016) cites accounts of Pushyamitra Shunga destroying thousands of Buddhist stupas and monasteries.
• Chinese traveler Xuanzang’s writings (7th century) document violence towards Buddhists during his travels in India.
• Gail Omvedt’s “Buddhism in India: Challenging Brahmanism and Caste” (2003) mentions the story of Shaivite king Shashanka cutting down the Bodhi tree and attempting to destroy other Buddhist images.
• Huan Tsang (Xuanzang) mentions the destruction of a monumental cave-temple in Vidarbha.
• Overall, historical evidence confirms conflicts and hostility between Buddhist and other religious communities in ancient India.