Buddhist Sites | History Optional for UPSC (Notes) PDF Download

Sanchi

• Location: Raisen district, Madhya Pradesh.
• Historical Significance: Known for its well-preserved stupas and Buddhist art.
• Buddhist Stupa: Originally commissioned by Emperor Ashoka, this stupa is a hemispherical brick structure built over the relics of the Buddha.
• Ashoka's Pillar Edict:. polished sandstone edict erected by Ashoka.
• Sunga Period: The stupa was expanded with stone slabs and enclosed by a stone balustrade with four toranas (gateways).
• Satavahana Period: The gateways and balustrade were improved and coloured. An inscription records the gift by artisans under the Satavahana king Satakarni.
• Stone Carving: Buddha is depicted by attributes such as a horse, footprints, or a canopy under the bodhi tree, rather than as a human figure. The carvings resemble woodwork.
• Gateways: Covered with narrative sculptures depicting scenes from the life of Buddha integrated with everyday events.
• Chetiyagiri Vihara: Built in the 1960s to celebrate 2500 years of Buddha's Parinirvana.
• Strategic Location: The site is located on two important trade routes, enhancing its historical significance.

Bharhut

• Buddhist Stupa: The stupa in Satna district is famous for its historical significance. It was originally built by Emperor Ashoka and later enhanced with richly decorated railings during the Sunga period.
• Representation of Buddha: In this stupa, Buddha is depicted through symbols such as the Bodhi tree and an empty seat, rather than direct images of his figure.
• Jataka Stories and Yaksha Images: The railings of the stupa are adorned with various Jataka stories, which narrate the previous lives of Buddha, along with images of yakshas and yakshinis, who are mythical beings in Buddhist tradition.
• Mauryan Popular Art:. unique feature of this stupa is that it represents Mauryan popular art rather than imperial art. Inscriptions on the stupa mention the names of monks and common people, indicating its popular significance.
• Ancient Trade Route: The stupa was situated along an ancient trade route that connected the western coastal region to Patliputra (modern-day Patna). This route also linked to northern Shravasti through Bharhut, highlighting the stupa’s location along important trade pathways.

Bagh Caves

• Located north-west of Ajanta in Dhar district, Madhya Pradesh.
• These caves were used as Viharas by Buddhists.
• Architecture.
• The layout is similar to that of the Ajanta caves.
• All caves have a quadrangular plan typical of Viharas.
• A chamber at the back of each cave serves as the chaitya, or prayer hall.
• Mural Paintings.
• Found on walls, pillars, and ceilings.
• Depict Buddhist and Jataka stories.
• A copper plate inscription from Maharaja Subandhu was discovered, noting his donation for the vihara's repair.

Ajanta Caves

• These 30 caves are recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• They date back to between the 2nd century BC and the 7th century AD and are known for their Buddhist significance.
• The caves were mentioned by the 7th-century Chinese pilgrim, Huen Tsang.
• The construction of the caves occurred in two phases:
• During the Satavahana period, focusing on Hinayana Buddhism.
• During the Vakataka period, emphasizing Mahayana Buddhism.
• The caves are known for their intricate architecture, featuring both chaityas (prayer halls) and viharas (monasteries).
• Early viharas were simpler and did not have shrines, while later viharas included shrines at the rear with statues of Buddha.
• This evolution in design reflects the shift from Hinayana to Mahayana Buddhism.
• The caves are also famous for their mural paintings depicting Buddhist themes, such as Jataka stories, using a vibrant array of colors.

Ellora Caves

• These rock-cut caves date back to the 6th century AD and onwards.
• The site features a mix of Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain rock-cut temples and Viharas, created during the Kalachuri, Chalukya, and Rashtrakuta periods.

Jain Digambara Cave Temples:

• The Jagannatha Sabha is a notable Jain Digambara cave temple built by the Rashtrakutas.

Viharas and Chaitya Griha:

• There are several Viharas (monasteries) at Ellora, along with one chaitya griha (prayer hall) among the Buddhist caves.

Hindu Architecture:

• Kailasanatha Temple
• This temple was built by Rashtrakuta king Krishna III in the 8th century.
• It is an example of Dravidian architecture and is designed to resemble Mount Kailash.
• The temple is a free-standing, multi-storeyed structure carved out of a single rock.

Dashavatara Cave:

• This cave features a monolithic mandapa (pillared hall) with sculptural panels depicting the ten avatars of Vishnu.

Inscriptions:

• Inscriptions in the Kailash temple and the Jain cave Jagannatha Sabha provide historical insights, including the names of monks and donors.

Cave Paintings and Frescoes:

• Ellora is also known for its cave paintings and frescoes, which depict Brahminical and Jain themes.

Kanheri Caves

• The caves are located near Mumbai and show strong Buddhist influence.
• They date from the first century BCE to the 10th century CE.
• Earlier caves are plain and not decorated.

Features of the Caves:

• Stone Plinth
• Chaityas (prayer halls)
• Stone Pillars
• Stupa:. Buddhist shrine
• Viharas: monastic quarters
• Carved Buddhist Sculptures, including Avalokiteshwara

Inscriptions and Paintings:

• Inscriptions in Brahmi script mention the marriage of Satavahana ruler Vashishtiputra Satakarni with the daughter of RudradamanI.
• Some caves also have Buddhist paintings.

Trade Connections:

• The caves were connected with trade centers, indicating their importance in trade.

Karla Caves (Bhaja Cave and Bedsa Cavee is also nearby)

• 2nd century BC to the 2nd century AD, 
• 5th century AD to the 10th century. 
• They are located along an ancient trade route. 
• Initially associated with the Mahasamghika sect of Buddhism and later with Hinduism. 
• Feature a carved chaitya, which is among the largest rock-cut chaityas in India. 
• Include viharas (monastic quarters) 
• Sculptures depict humans and animals such as lions and elephants. 
• Characterized by arched entrances and vaulted interiors. 
• An Ashokan pillar was found at the site. 

Nagarjunakonda

• Neolithic and Megalithic culture
• The city which once stood in the valley is called Vijayapuri and it was the capital of the southern line of the Ikshvaku Kings (210-260 A.D),under their patronage Buddhism flourished inthis part of the country.
• Buddhist site: centre of is Buddhism Named after Nagarjuna, the founder of the Madhyamika School of Mahayanism and aboundsin Buddhist antiquities.
• Maha Stupa, Chaitya, vihara etc found.
• The inscriptions show royal (by queen of Ikshvaku) and non-royals sponsership of construction of temples and monasteries.
• Inhabited by merchants and artisans organized in guilds.

Amaravati

• Location: On the right bank of the Krishna River in Guntur District, Andhra Pradesh.
• Archaeological Significance: Sites from the Megalithic, Black and Red Ware (BRW), and Northern Black Polished Ware (NBPW) periods have been found.
• Inscriptions: An inscription in Maurya Brahmi was discovered here.
• Historical Importance: Dhanyakataka, the ancient name for Amravati, was the capital of the Satavahanas and is renowned for the Amareswara shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva.
• Buddhist Stupas: The site features Buddhist stupas and Mahachaityas made of marble and limestone, adorned with sculptures that depict the life of Buddha.
• Historical Visits: The Chinese traveler Hiuen Tsang visited Amravati in the 7th century.
• Ancient School of Arts: An art school thrived here for about six centuries, starting from 200-100 BC, initially supported by the Satavahanas and later by the Ikshvaku dynasty.
• Artistic Influence: Some Buddhist sculptures from Amravati show Greco-Roman artistic influence.
• Excavations: Archaeological digs have revealed the ruins of an Ashokan Pillar in Amravati, considered one of the earliest examples of Mauryan art in South India.

Sirpur

• This district is home to a variety of ancient monuments from Hindu, Buddhist (including Vaishnavism and Shaivism), and Jain traditions.
• Mahasamund was once the ancient capital of South Koshal, known as Shreepur.

Hindu Monuments:

• Shiva and Vaishnava Temples
• Lakshmana Temple
• A brick temple, renowned for its preservation.
• Built by Vasata in the 7th century AD and dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
• The temple features a garbagriha (sanctum), antarala (vestibule), and mandapa (hall).
• Other Hindu monuments in the area include the Rama Temple and Gandheshwar Temple.

Buddhist Monuments:

• Includes viharas (monasteries) and statues of the Buddha, Padmapani, and Avalokiteshvara.
• Some artifacts exhibit a blend of Hindu and Buddhist elements.

Jain Monuments:

• Remains of a Jain basadi (temple) and monastery have been discovered.
• A bronze image of Adinatha, the first Tirthankara, has also been found.

Lalitgiri/ Ratnagiri/ Udayagiri

In Cuttack district, Odisha:

• Lalitgiri is a site with ancient Buddhist structures, including stupas and viharas. Along with Ratnagiri and Udayagiri, it was part of Puspagiri University.
• Excavations revealed the remains of a large stupa and relic caskets, some of which show similarities to the Gandhara School of Art.
• The site was continuously occupied from the post-Mauryan period until the 13th century A.D.
• Finds include the Ashokan Brahmi script, pottery fragments, and inscriptions from the Kushana period.

Sarnath

• Sarnath is situated near Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, at the confluence of the Ganga and Gomati rivers.
• It is renowned as the place where Buddha delivered his first sermon (Dhammachakkappavattana Sutta) after attaining enlightenment, making it one of the four most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites, alongside Kushinagar, Bodh Gaya, and Lumbini.

Jainism and Historical Accounts:

• Sarnath is also significant in Jainism as the birthplace of the eleventh Tirthankara, with a dedicated temple in his honor.
• The Chinese pilgrim Xuanzang visited Sarnath and noted the presence of monasteries and monks studying the Hinayana tradition, as well as a stupa built by Ashoka.

Artistic and Cultural Heritage:

• Sarnath was a center for the arts, particularly during the Gupta period, known for the Sarnath school of art. The region is rich in Buddhist antiquities and sculptures, including a colossal image of a Bodhisattva, various images of Buddha and Buddhist deities, and depictions of Hindu gods such as Shiva and Brahma.

Dhamek Stupa and Ashoka Pillar:

• The Dhamek Stupa is a prominent feature in Sarnath, characterized by its solid cylinder of bricks and stone, with walls adorned with carved figures of humans and birds, along with inscriptions in Brahmi script.
• An Ashoka pillar with an edict and a lion capital, which has become the Emblem of India, stands near the stupa.

Lion Capital:

• The Lion Capital, carved from a single block of polished sandstone, features a frieze with high-relief sculptures of an elephant, a horse, a bull, and a lion, separated by spoked chariot wheels.
• The wheel on the capital inspired the design used in the flag of India.
• An inscription on the pillar, one of Ashoka's edicts, reads, “No one shall cause division in the order of monks.”

Kushinagar

• Kasia, located in the Deoria district of Uttar Pradesh, was the capital of the Mallas Mahajanapadas in the 6th century B.C.
• The site is identified with ancient Kasia on the smaller Gandak River, east of Gorakhpur.
• Kasia is a significant Buddhist pilgrimage place because it is believed that Buddha passed away here in 483 B.C.
• Emperor Ashoka is said to have visited the site and built a stupa here.
• The Chinese pilgrim Hieun Tsang visited Kasia in the 7th century A.D.
• Archaeological findings in Kasia include artifacts and structures related to all sects of Buddhism.

Kapilvastu

• Located in the Kapilvastu district of Nepal, about 25 km northwest of Lumbini.
• Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Was the capital of the ancient Shakya kingdom.
• Birthplace of Gautam Buddha, whose parents were King Suddhodana and Queen Mayadevi of the Shakya kingdom.
• Visited by famous Chinese pilgrims Faxian and Xuanzang in ancient times.
• Served as an important ancient trade centre.

Sravasti

• Located near the Rapti River in Uttar Pradesh.
• Capital of ancient North Kosala.
• Known as the site of the "Twin Miracles," where Gautama Buddha demonstrated his supernatural powers.
• Buddha spent a significant amount of time here.
• An important trade center in ancient times.
• The Shobhanath Temple, believed to be the birthplace of Jain Tirthankar Sambhavnath, making it an important site for Jainism as well.
• During the visit of the Chinese traveler Hieun Tsang, the city had declined, and only ruins of various buildings were visible.

Vikramashila

Vikramshila University was formed by the Pala ruler Dharmapala in the 8th century AD at Bhagalpur, Bihar.

Location and Historical Significance:

• Situated in present-day Bhagalpur, Bihar, the site was part of the ancient Mahajanapada of Anga.
• Bhagalpur was a major centre for silk production in ancient India, known for its high-quality silk and silk products.

Buddhist Significance:

• Vikramshila became an important Buddhist site during the Early Medieval period, especially under the Pala dynasty.
• The site was known for its Buddhist monasteries and learning centres.

Vikramshila University:

• Founded by Dharmapala, Vikramshila University was established to promote Buddhist learning and scholarship.
• The university became a renowned centre for Buddhist studies, attracting scholars and students from various regions.
• Vikramshila was known for its rigorous academic environment and contributed significantly to the spread of Buddhism and Buddhist philosophy.

Rajgir

• Nalanda, Bihar is known as the first capital of Magadha.
• Archaeological findings include pottery from the Northern Black Polished Ware (NBPW) period, along with black and grey wares.
• The Vishwa Shanti Stupa, a large white Peace Pagoda, is located in Nalanda. Statues of the Buddha are placed on the stupa facing four directions.
• This site is also famous for the legend of Nalagiri, the angry elephant, which was subdued here.

Lumbini

• Location: Rupandehi district, Nepal
• Historical Event: Queen Mayadevi gave birth to Gautama Buddha in 623 BCE.
• Ashoka's Visit: Emperor Ashoka visited Lumbini and erected the Rummindei pillar to commemorate Buddha's birth. The inscription on the pillar ordered a reduction of tax to one-eighth of the produce.
• UNESCO World Heritage Site: Lumbini is recognized as a Buddhist pilgrimage site and has World Heritage status by UNESCO.
• Chinese Pilgrims: Chinese pilgrims Faxian and Xuanzang visited Lumbini in the fifth and seventh centuries, respectively.

Nalanda

• Taranatha, a Tibetan Lama from the 17th century, mentions that Emperor Ashoka of the Mauryan dynasty, around the 3rd century BCE, built a magnificent temple at Nalanda.

Mahavihara (University):

• The university thrived during the Gupta, Harsha, and Pala periods.
• A seal suggests that Sakraditya, also known as Kumargupta from the 5th century, was the founder of Nalanda.
• In the 7th century, Chinese pilgrims like Hieun Tsang and I-tsing studied at Nalanda.
• I-tsing reported that the revenue from 200 villages was allocated for Nalanda's maintenance, an increase from the 100 villages during Hieun Tsang's time.
• The university had a library called Dharmaganja.
• Subjects taught included religious studies (mainly Mahayana Buddhism), grammar, logic, literature, astrology, astronomy, and medicine.
• During the Pala period, there was an influence of Vajrayana Buddhism.
• Nalanda was destroyed by Bakhtiyar Khilji in 1200 CE.

Kesariya

• Ancient Name: The region was known as Kesaputta in ancient times.
• Buddha's Teacher: Alara Kalama, who was the Buddha's teacher, lived in this area.
• Jataka Story: According to a Jataka tale, the Buddha ruled this place in a previous birth.
• Kalama Sutta: The Buddha gave an important discourse called the Kalama Sutta in this location.
• Grand Stupa:. magnificent Stupa was constructed to honor the Buddha's presence in the area, as noted by the Chinese traveler Hieun Tsang.

Bodhgaya

• This is where Buddha achieved enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree.
• It is the most sacred of the four holy sites in Buddhism.
• The Mahabodhi Temple Complex is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• The site was mentioned by the Chinese travellers Faxian and Hiuen Tsang.
• King Meghavarman of Sri Lanka, with the permission of Samudra Gupta, sent a monk to Bodh Gaya to establish a monastery and a piece of the Bodhi tree for the use of Sri Lankan monks.
• Vishnupad Temple is also located in Gaya.

Mahasthanagarh

• Ancient Pundranagar, the capital of the Pundra kingdom.
• Provincial capital under the Mauryans, Guptas, and Palas.
• Artifacts Found:
• Silver and copper coins from various periods.
• Gupta period coins, shards, and terracotta plaques.
• Stone and bronze sculptures of Buddha.
• Lokesvara stone sculpture, a blend of Vishnu and Avalokitsvara.
• Sandstone door frames, pillars, and lintels.

Taxila

• Location: Rawalpindi district, Pakistan.
• Historical Significance: Taxila was an ancient political, commercial, and cultural hub.
• Commercial Centre: It was situated at the crossroads of three major trade routes connecting West Asia, northern India, and Central Asia. Taxila was also known for its artisanal production.
• Centre of Education:Taxila is considered one of the earliest universities, although some argue it didn't function like a modern university because:
  • Teachers lacked official membership in specific colleges.
  • There were no dedicated lecture halls or residential quarters, unlike Nalanda University.
  • Prominent Figures:
  Famous scholars like Charaka, Chanakya, Jivaka, and Panini are associated with Taxila University.
• Political Centre: Taxila was the capital of the Gandhara satrapy under the Achaemenian Empire. Alexander the Great received the submission of Taxila's ruler, Ambhi. Later, Taxila became a provincial capital under the Mauryan Empire. It also served as the capital of the Indo-Parthian Kingdom and was one of the capitals of the Kushana Empire.
• Pilgrimage: The Chinese pilgrims Fa Hian in the 5th century and Hieun Tsang in the 7th century visited Taxila, although by Hieun Tsang's time, it was in ruins.

Bamyan

• Once part of the Kushan Empire, Bamiyan was a significant center for trade and Buddhism, located along the Silk Route.
• Visited by Chinese travelers Faxian and Xuanzang in ancient times, the valley was a bustling hub for travelers.
• The famous Buddha statues, carved from rock, stood 175 feet and 120 feet high, respectively. They were later destroyed by the Taliban but have since been restored.
• Xuanzang also mentioned these statues during his travels.
• In addition to the Buddhas, 7th-century mural paintings discovered in caves, created with oil-based paints, highlight the artistic heritage of the region.
• Today, Bamiyan Valley is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, celebrating its historical and cultural significance.

Anuradhapura

• Anuradhapura District, located in the North Central province of Sri Lanka, is a sacred city for Buddhism and was the ancient capital of Sri Lanka.
• The city was founded around a cutting from the 'tree of enlightenment', the Buddha's fig tree, which was brought there in the 3rd century B.C. by Sanghamitta, the founder of an order of Buddhist nuns.
• According to the ancient texts Dipavamsa and Mahavamsa, Emperor Ashoka sent his son Mahinda to Sri Lanka, where he preached Buddhism to King Devanampiya Tissa.
• Over time, the royal family and nobility of Sri Lanka became strong supporters of Buddhism, leading to the popularity of art featuring Avalokitesvara, the Bodhisattva of Mercy and Compassion.
• Ancient monuments such as Buddhist temples and stupas can still be found in the region.

Sigiriya

• According to the ancient Sri Lankan chronicle called the Culavamsa, King Kashyapa moved his capital from Anuradhapura to Sigiriya in the 5th century AD.
• Sigiriya was not just a royal site; it featured palaces and a fortress complex, showcasing its importance during that time.
• However, the capital and the royal palace at Sigiriya were eventually abandoned.
• The site also contains rock shelters and caves that were used by Buddhist monks and ascetics, dating back to as early as the 3rd century BCE.

Sanghol

• A 1st century Buddhist stupa containing the bone relics of a Buddhist teacher, along with a monastery complex, is located in Fatehgarh Sahib District, Punjab.
• To safeguard the relics, a few votive stupas have been placed around the main stupa.
• The Kushan rulers are known to have built stupas for monks.
• Artefacts discovered at the site include Kushan sculptures from the Mathura school, pottery, toys, bangles, beads, seals, and coins made of terracotta, ivory, and metal.
• Some items bear inscriptions in the Brahmi and Kharosthi scripts, while coins feature images of deities such as Shiva, Lakshmi, Nandi, and various kings.
• Notably, "The Head of Buddha" was found in the Sanghol stupa.
• The site is also mentioned in the writings of Hiuen Tsang, a Chinese traveller.

Devni Mori

• The site is located in the Sabarkantha District of Gujarat and dates back to the 3rd century AD.
• It features a Buddhist archaeological site that includes a monastery and a stupa.

Artefacts Found:

• A casket over 1700 years old containing bodily relics of the Buddha.
• A terracotta head of the Buddha.

Historical Significance:

• The site was strategically located on ancient trade routes, which contributed to its historical importance.

Government Plans:

• The Gujarat government plans to install a 108-meter tall statue of the Buddha at Devni Mori.
• This statue will be the second tallest Buddha statue in the world, following the Spring Temple in China, and the tallest statue of a seated Buddha.

Guntupalli Caves

• In West Godavari district, Andhra Pradesh.
• A Group of Buddhist Monuments.
• The rock-cut part of the site has two Buddhist caves,. chaitya hall and a group of stupas.

Pandavleni Caves or Nasik Caves

• Buddhist Cave Site:. collection of 24 caves carved mainly between the 1st century BCE and the 3rd century CE.
• Architectural Features: The site includes Chaityas (prayer halls) and Viharas (monasteries).
• Historical Significance: The caves were carved and donated by various kings, primarily the Satavahanas.
• Artistic Depictions: The caves feature images of Buddha, Bodhisattvas, and sculptures representing the King, farmers, and merchants.
• Cave Connectivity: Some caves are connected by stone-cut ladders to other caves.
• Water Management: The site showcases an excellent ancient water management system, including water tanks.

Kanaganahalli

• Location: On the left bank of the Bhima River in Gulbarga district, Karnataka.
• Period: First century BCE to third century CE.
• Importance: The site is significant for its Buddhist remains, including a massive stupa and numerous brick structures resembling chaityas.
• Relief Structure: A broken relief of a King and Queen was found, with an inscription mentioning 'Ranyo Ashoka' (King Ashoka).
• Coins: Sixty lead coins bearing the names of Satavahana kings and a donative label inscription were also discovered.

Sankissa

• Believed to be the place where Buddha descended to Earth after teaching the Abhidhamma to his mother in Tushita Heaven.
• Gained prominence during the time of Gautama Buddha.
• Emperor Ashoka installed a pillar here, of which the elephant capital still survives.
• Ruins of ancient monasteries and Buddhist monuments can be found at the site.
• Visited by Chinese pilgrims Xuanzang and Faxian.
• Excavations have uncovered antiquities from the PGW and NBPW phases, including punch-marked coins.