Buddhism has left an indelible mark on Indian culture in the intellectual, literary, artistic and architectural sphere. Comment.(150 words, 10 marks) (GS-1 Ancient History)

Introduction

• Buddhism as a religion has given to the world not only a profound analysis of, and a practical solution for the problem of human suffering but also a monumental and rich legacy to the world of art and architecture.

Body

Impact of Buddhism on Indian Culture

1. Intellectual

• The Noble Eightfold Path: Buddha taught self-reliance in ending suffering and rebirth by renouncing worldly attachments and eradicating greed, hatred, and delusion through the Noble Eightfold Path and cultivating wisdom.
• Humanization of Brahmanism: Brahmanical religion, full of rites and rituals, was unpopular with common people, leading to the rise of new faiths like Buddhism. These new forms of Hinduism emphasized ahimsa (non-violence) and bhakti (devotion), being less dogmatic.
• Use of Sanskrit made religious teachings difficult to understand, while Buddhism’s use of Pali gained popularity, prompting Brahmans to reform their religion.
• Buddhist Sanghas and Viharas, such as Nalanda, Taxila, and Vikramshila, served as major educational centers, attracting students from distant lands.

2. Literary

• The Tripitakas and Jataka, key Buddhist texts originally in Pali, are highly esteemed and translated into many languages, akin to the Vedas’ status among Brahmanas.
• Notable works include Amarkosh by Amar Singh, Sundaranand and Buddha Charit by Asva Ghosh, and the dramas Rashtrapala and Sariputtra.
• Nagarjuna wrote on Ayurveda, and other important Buddhist texts include Malindpanho, Mahavastu, and Dirghanikaya.

3. Artistic

• The earliest artistic tributes to Buddha Gotama were abstract symbols representing major events in his life, such as his footprint, the Bodhi tree symbolizing his enlightenment, and the lotus flower representing purity and enlightenment.
• Later Art:
  • Earliest image of the Buddha is on a coin from King Kanishka’s reign, showing a robed, standing Buddha with a halo and top-knot, raising a hand in blessing.
  • Buddhist sculpture developed two styles: the Gandhara style, inspired by Greco-Roman art, and the Mathura style, influenced by Indian art.

4. Architecture

• Viharas served as both abodes for monks and houses for Buddha images and art, with Ajanta caves being a prime example.
• Buddhist art celebrated the unity of all life and included stupas as objects of worship, serving as relic chambers for the Buddha’s remains.
• Buddhists pioneered cave temples, decorated with unique carvings, with Kanheri, Karle, and Nasik being notable examples.

Conclusion

• Buddhism’s profound influence on Indian culture is evident through its intellectual contributions, literary works, artistic expressions, and architectural innovations, leaving a lasting legacy that shaped religious, cultural, and educational landscapes.

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