Skip to content Skip to footer

Buddhism in Bharat

The first major initiative of 2024-25 that FIHCR is undertaking, in collaboration with Nalanda University, is a research and documentation project on the history of Buddhism in India. This comprehensive account, grounded in an in-depth study of primary sources in Sanskrit, Pali, Prakrit, Tibetan, and other languages, aims to dispel numerous myths and misunderstandings surrounding this significant subject. With a multidisciplinary approach, the project brings together expertise in history, Buddhist studies, Buddhist philosophy, archaeology, and linguistics. The intended outcomes include a book series on the subject, as well as scholarly articles and journal publications.

FIHCR, represented by Dr. Jappen Oberoi (Head, Research & Projects; Epigraphist & Numismatist) and Sudhamshu Hattangadi (Associate Program Manager: Projects), spent three deeply rewarding and highly productive days (20-22 June, 2025) decoding significant inscriptions and coins as part of FIHCR’s flagship initiative Buddhism in Bharat.

The team contributed to the documentation of rare and exquisite sculptures, coins, and inscriptions housed in the Mathura Museum and the National Museum, New Delhi.

The final day of the research trip was devoted to the decipherment of the Bahapur Ashokan Minor Rock Edict and the Delhi Topra Major Pillar Edict—monumental sources that will provide rich insights for our forthcoming publications on Buddhism.

This important effort will significantly elevate our project on Buddhism in Bharat, enhancing both the scope and depth of the project

Gallery

Untitled design (21)
The Mirzapur stele inscription is a dedicatory inscription which mentions the erection of a water tank during the reign of Svami Mahakshatrapa Sudasa. Date: early 1st century CE. Image Courtesy: Mathura Museum.
Standing Image of Buddha in Abhaya. Gupta Period, circa 434 CE. Provenance: Govind Nagar, Mathura. (Image Courtesy: Mathura Museum).
A Pala period (circa 9th-10th century CE) terracotta votive seal from Nalanda showing stupas. (Image Courtesy: National Museum, New Delhi).
Vairochana Buddha (6th-7th centuries CE), Balawaste. (Image Courtesy: National Museum, New Delhi).
Bahapur Ashokan Minor Rock Edict, Delhi.
Delhi Topra Major Pillar Edict of Emperor Ashoka.
Spread of Buddhism in Asia: A map depicting the spread of Buddhism in Asia. Image Courtesy: National Museum, New Delhi.