Archaeology of Religion in South Asia: Buddhist, Brahmanical and Jaina Religious Centres in Bihar and Bengal, c. AD 600–1200

Description

In the religious landscape of early medieval (c. AD 600-1200) Bihar and Bengal, poly-religiosity was generally the norm than an exception, which entailed the evolution of complex patterns of inter-religious equations. Buddhism, Brahmanism and Jainism not only coexisted but also competed for social patronage, forcing them to enter into complex interactions with social institutions and processes. Through an analysis of the published archaeological data, this work explores some aspects of the social history of Buddhist, Brahmanical and Jaina temples and shrines, and Buddhist stūpas and monasteries in early medieval Bihar and Bengal. This archaeological history of religions questions many ‘established’ textual reconstructions, and enriches our understanding of the complex issue of the decline of Buddhism in this area. Please note: Taylor & Francis does not sell or distribute the Hardback in India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. Cover Half Title Title Page Copyright Page Contents 1. Introduction 2. Geographical Background 3. Distribution Pattern and Spatial Contexts of Support Systems of Buddhist, Brahmanical and Jaina Religious Centres in Early Medieval Bihar 4. Distribution Pattern and Spatial Contexts of Support Systems of Buddhist, Brahmanical and Jaina Religious Centres in Early Medieval Bengal 5. Social Bases of Patronage to Buddhist, Brahmanical and Jaina Religious Centres: A Study of Dedicatory Inscriptions on Sculptures 6. Evolution of the Patronage Base of Buddhist and Brahmanical Religious Centres: A Study of Inscriptions on Copper Plates, Stone, Terracotta Seals and Sealings, and Metal Vases 7. Some Aspects of the Archaeology of Some Excavated Buddhist Sites of Early Medieval Bihar and Bengal 8. Concluison Appendices 1. Catalogue of Reported Sites of Bihar having Structural or Sculptural Indications for the Presence of Religious Centres during the Early Historic and Early Medieval Periods 2. Catalogue of Reported Sites of Bengal (excluding Varendra) having Structural or Sculptural Indications for the Presence of Religious Centers during the Early Historic and Early Medieval Periods 3. Maps and Figures Bibliography Index