Buddhism in South India (Bibliotheca Indo-Buddhica Series No 112)

Book Title: Buddhism in South India

• Author: D.C. Ahir

• Language: English

• Pages: 200 (with 4 B/W Illustrations)

• Cover: Hardcover

• Dimensions: 23 cm x 15 cm

• Weight: 406 gm

• Edition: 1992

• ISBN: 9788170303329

Book Description

From the Jacket:
This pioneering study offers a comprehensive survey of Buddhism in South India, encompassing the regions of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Pondicherry, and Tamil Nadu. Unlike many other studies that focus on only part of South India, this work examines the spread and influence of Buddhism across the entire region.

Beginning with a brief overview of Buddha's life and teachings, the book explores the question of whether Buddha himself ever visited or sanctified the lands of South India. It also discusses Asoka's role in establishing Buddhism as a prominent religion in the region. The subsequent chapters delve into the rise and impact of Buddhism in each of the individual South Indian states, breaking each chapter into five key themes: Royal Patronage, Saints and Scholars, Sites and Shrines, Buddhist Legacy, and Revival Movement.

Key Themes:

1. Buddhism's Historical Roots in South India:
   The book provides a comprehensive history of Buddhism's introduction and establishment in South India, touching upon its early adoption and the influence of King Ashoka in spreading Buddhist teachings throughout the region. This includes royal patronage and support that allowed Buddhism to flourish in the region.

2. Royal Patronage and Buddhist Shrines:
   The significant role played by royal patronage in promoting Buddhism is explored, with a detailed discussion of major Buddhist shrines in the region. Notable sites include Amaravati, Nagarjunakonda, Bhattiprolu, Ghantasala, and Jaggyyapetta in Andhra Pradesh; Vanavasi in Karnataka; Vanji in Kerala; and Kanchi and Nagapattinam in Tamil Nadu. These sites are explored in depth, with a focus on their historical significance and the contributions of these shrines to Buddhist culture.

3. Famous Buddhist Saints and Scholars:
   South India has been home to many eminent Buddhist saints and scholars. This includes figures like Nagarjuna, the founder of the Madhyamika philosophy; Dinnaga, a great logician; Dharmakirti, an influential philosopher; Bodhidharma, the founder of the Dhyana school, which later became Zen Buddhism in China and Japan; and several Pali scholars like Buddhaghosa, Buddhadatta, and Dhammapala. These thinkers and their contributions are discussed in detail, showing the intellectual depth of South Indian Buddhism.

4. Buddhism's Cultural and Social Influence:
   The book illustrates how Buddhism contributed to the cultural and social transformation of South India. The Buddhist monasteries (Viharas) became centers of learning, promoting education, equality, and compassion. Buddhism played a role in loosening social barriers and contributed to a more egalitarian society.

5. Brahmanical Resistance and the Decline of Buddhism:
   Buddhism in South India was at one point so influential that it prompted a counter-response from Brahmanical forces. The Hindu Brahmins, alarmed by the growing influence of Buddhism, sought to revive Hinduism by adapting their practices and beliefs to match popular sentiments. Over time, Hindu temples appropriated many Buddhist shrines, incorporating Buddhist traditions into their rituals. The book details how places like Tirupati and Sabarimala were once Buddhist sites before being converted into prominent Hindu temples.

6. Buddhism's Legacy in Modern South India:
   Despite the decline of Buddhism in South India, the legacy of Buddhism continues to shape the region's culture. The book details the revival movement, which began in the early 20th century, especially the efforts led by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar in 1956, which led to the mass conversion of many Dalits to Buddhism. This movement has reinvigorated Buddhist communities, particularly in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, showing a resurgence of Buddhist thought and practice.

Notable Chapters:

1. Buddhism in Andhra Pradesh:
   A detailed discussion of the development of Buddhism in Andhra, including the major Buddhist centers of Amaravati and Nagarjunakonda. The role of royal patronage and Buddhist art in these areas is explored.

2. Buddhism in Tamil Nadu:
   The emergence of Buddhism in Tamil Nadu, especially in regions like Kanchi and Nagapattinam, and its integration into local culture and religious practices.

3. Buddhism in Kerala and Karnataka:
   Focus on the spread of Buddhism in the southernmost regions, highlighting the establishment of important Buddhist sites and the influence of Buddhist teachings on local communities.

4. Buddhism and the Revival Movement:
   A look at how Dr. Ambedkar revived Buddhism in South India in the mid-20th century, and the ways in which Buddhist practices are being re-adopted by the local population today.

Introduction Overview:

The introduction sets the stage for the study, providing a historical context for South India as a region where Buddhism flourished in ancient times. It discusses the significant role of Asoka, the Mauryan emperor, in spreading Buddhism across the subcontinent. Following this, the introduction highlights the primary focus of the book, which is to provide an all-encompassing view of Buddhism’s development in each of South India’s present-day states. It also introduces the thematic framework of the book: Royal Patronage, Saints and Scholars, Sites and Shrines, Legacy, and Revival Movement.

Why Read This Book?

• Comprehensive Study:
  Unlike other works that focus on only one part of South India, this book offers a holistic overview of the spread and development of Buddhism across the entire South Indian region.

• Rich Historical Insight:
  The book offers rich historical insights into the role of royal patronage, the spread of Buddhist teachings, and the intellectual contributions of South Indian Buddhist saints.

• Cultural Impact:
  It emphasizes the lasting cultural impact of Buddhism in the region, showcasing how Buddhist practices, shrines, and ideas have influenced Hinduism and Indian culture as a whole.

• Relevance to Modern India:
  The book offers valuable perspectives on the revival of Buddhism in modern South India, particularly the role of the Ambedkarite movement in reinvigorating Buddhism among Dalit communities.

About the Author:

D.C. Ahir is a renowned scholar in the field of Buddhist studies, with numerous published works focusing on the history and legacy of Buddhism in India. His contributions to the understanding of Buddhism in India, especially in the context of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar's efforts, have made him an influential voice in the field.

Buddhism in South India is an essential read for anyone interested in Indian history, Buddhist studies, and the cultural dynamics of South India, offering a detailed and well-researched account of Buddhism’s role in shaping the region’s religious, cultural, and social landscape.