KASHMIR BUDDHISM

NEWS – Recent archaeological excavations at Zehanpora (Baramulla, Kashmir) unearthed Kushan-period stupas, structures and artefacts, reaffirming Kashmir’s historic role in Buddhist learning, transmission and philosophy.

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF BUDDHISM

• Founded by Gautama Buddha (6th century BCE), born at Lumbini
• Core Teachings: Four Noble Truths, Eightfold Path, Middle Way
• Spread due to:
  • State patronage (Mauryas → Ashoka)
  • Monastic institutions
  • Trade routes & cultural networks

BUDDHISM IN KASHMIR: ORIGINS & GROWTH

Mauryan Period Influence

• Associated with Emperor Ashoka
  • Believed to have founded Srinagar
  • Established monasteries & stupas
• Kashmir’s strategic location:
  • At crossroads of Indus–Gandhara corridor
  • Linked to Central Asia, Afghanistan & Silk Route

Kashmir as ‘Sharada Peetha’

• Ancient texts reference Kashmir as land of knowledge
• Major centre for Buddhist scholarship & translation

Kushan Period — Kashmir at Global Centre Stage

• Under Emperor Kanishka, Buddhism received strong patronage
• Fourth Buddhist Council traditionally believed to be held in Kashmir
  • Presided by Vasumitra
  • Participation of Ashvaghosha
  • Helped systematise Buddhist doctrine
• Led to consolidation & spread of Mahayana Buddhism

Kashmir’s Philosophical Contribution

• Linked deeply with Nagarjuna
  • Founder of Madhyamaka (Middle Path) Philosophy
  • Kashmir emerged as hub for his teachings
• From Kashmir, Mahayana spread to:
  • Qandhar
  • Kabul
  • Bactria
  • Later into East & Central Asia

Major Buddhist Sites in Kashmir

• Baramulla (Zehanpora stupas)
• Harwan Monastery
• Martand region references
• Gilgit region manuscripts (cultural extension)

Key Cultural Evidence

• Gilgit Manuscripts
  • Among world’s oldest surviving Buddhist texts
  • Written in Sanskrit & Prakrit
  • Reinforce Kashmir’s role as knowledge custodian

ASHOKA’S ROLE IN SPREAD OF BUDDHISM

• Adopted Dhamma policy post-Kalinga war
• Built stupas & monasteries
• Sent missionaries to:
  • Sri Lanka, South-East Asia, Central Asia
• Moral governance + religious patronage popularised Buddhism