Research

Buddhism in Bharat

FIHCR, in collaboration with Nalanda University, is undertaking a major research and documentation project on the history of Buddhism in India. This comprehensive study, grounded in an in-depth examination of primary sources in Sanskrit, Pali, Prakrit, Tibetan, and other languages, seeks to address and dispel numerous myths and misunderstandings surrounding this significant subject. Adopting a multidisciplinary approach, the project brings together expertise in history, Buddhist studies, philosophy, archaeology, and linguistics. 

The project is being carried out with the guidance and participation of distinguished scholars, including Prof. Pooja Dabral, Dr H. R. Meera, Prof. K. S. Kannan, Dr Pranshu Samdarshi, Dr Tosabanta Padhan, Dr Kaushalendra Singh, Dr Vandana Sharma, Dr Shreekant Jadhav, and Prof Umakanta Mishra whose expertise enriches the project’s academic depth and interdisciplinary scope. Scheduled for completion in July 2026, the project will culminate in a series of scholarly articles, journal publications, and books, which will be released subsequently.

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

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.
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