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The search for Gautama Buddha’s birthplace (Lumbini – Nepal Terai) |
| As we enter the 2600th Buddha Jayanthi year, Rohan L. Jayetilleke looks at some ancient Buddhist sites in India |
| With the total decline of Buddhism in India in the 10th century A.C, the invasions of Turkish tribes, Muslims from Afghanistan and the destruction of Buddhist monasteries and stupas, the entire Buddhist spectrum, together with the 84,000 stupas built by King Asoka (3rd century B.C) all over the Mauryan kingdom, his rock and pillar inscriptions too were either destroyed or buried inside the bowels of the earth.However, it is to the great credit of British officials, who came to India as administrators, magistrates and military men, that they pursued the examination and identification of these Buddhist sites, as a pastime. (more…) |
Filed under: Beginners, Buddhism, Encyclopedia, History | Tagged: Archaeology, Asokan Pillar, Buddhism in India, Girnar, Hieun Tsang, James Prinsep, King Asoka, Lumbini, Mauryan kingdom | Leave a Comment »
