Religion has a special place in the culture and tradition of Indian society The history of religion goes back to ancient of times in Indian history. Some of the world's ancient religion like Hinduism. Jainism, and Buddhism originated here and later spread to the other part of the world. A study of Indian heritage remains incomplete without referring to Jainism and Buddhism, as its contribution is inseparable from Indian culture. The complicated nature of Brahmarnista led to the growth of Buddhism and Jainism as a separate religion in 6 century BC. Both the religion propagated kindness, humanity and equality while Brahmanism at the same time indulged itself in sacrificial practices. This is the reason why both these religion was accepted by a lot of followers in India The teaching of equality, brotherhood, non-violence, led both schools to become a prominent religion of ancient India. These further led to the proliferation of both the religion at every corner of India. And in these sequences Chhattisgarh did not remain untouched.
In ancient times these region was known as Kosala, Mahakosal or Dakshin Kosala. Reference of these names has been found in Indian epic of Ramayana and Mahabharata also. From time to time various dynasties ruled this region, leaving behind sign of their rule in the form of material evidence, which is scattered in different part of Chhattisgarh. A close look in the history of Chhattisgarh gives us ample evidence that along with Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism were also prominent religion of the state in the past.
The archaeological remains of Buddhism and Jainism can be found from different part of Chhattisgarh. For instance Malhar, Sirpur, Rajim, Arang, Sitabenga, Bhongapal (Bastar) are some of the sites attached with Buddhism in State. Similarly the archaeological remains of Jainism are found from, Malhar, Arang, Aadhbar (Bilaspur), Pujaripali (Raigarh), Pendra (Bilaspur). Ratanpur, Sirpur, Bastar and Nagpura(Durg). This proves that once upon a time in past both religions had a lot of followers in Chhattisgarh that is why they were able to penetrate deep in the state.
The present work focuses on the origin and development of both Buddhist and Jainism in ancient Chhattisgarh. A brief study of art architectural features of both the religion was done. The first chapter deals with the Geographical and Historical background of Chhattisgarh. The second chapter has brief study of Sources concerned for this work. Chapter three of the thesis deals with the Origin and Development of Jainism and Buddhism in Ancient India. Further the chapter deals with the origin of Jainism as a separate philosophy and role of 24 tirthankars in spreading the main tenant of Jainism. The gradual spread and proliferation of Jainism during 6 century BC under the leadership of Lord Mahavira, who finally shaped Jainism as it is seen today The Chapter further deals with rise of Buddhism as a distinct religion and credit for this development goes to Gautam Buddha also known as Siddhartha. The chapter further concern with shaping of Buddhist philosophy and religion during life time of Buddha and after him. By the 12th century AD Buddhism got practically vanished from India, which has been discussed in this chapter Origin and Development of Buddhism in Chhattisgarh is the focus of next chapter. The earliest known literary evidence is mention in Avadana Shataka. During Maurayan period Buddhism set its foot in Chhattisgarh and Buddhist monks used to live here. The rock cut cave of Sitabengra and Jogimara in Sarguja district resemble with those found from Gaya, Barabar hill and Nargarjuni cave all belong to 2nd 3rd century BC. Around 1" century AD Mahayana Buddhism blossomed into its full glory under the care of Nagarjuna, Aryadeva, Asanga, and Vasubandhu. Under Sarbhapuriya and Panduvansi king's patronage Buddhism flourished in Chhhattisgarh. New centers such as Sirpur, Arang, Malhar, Bhongapal, Rajim developed over the course of time. The chapter also deals with the architectural remains and the sculptural art associated with Buddhism in Chhattisgarh.
Chapter five deals with Origin and Development of Jainism in Chhattisgarh. The earliest Jain image in Chhattisgarh is situated in Ramgarh caves of Sarguja. The arrival of Jainism in Chhattisgarh cab be dated to 2nd century BC. Later Gupta period saw development of Jain art and architecture in Chhattisgarh. Under the patronage of Sarbhapuriya, Panduvanshi, Kalchurius, and Nagvanshi rulers Jainism spread to different parts of Chhattisgarh. Centers like Arang, Sirpur, Nagpura, Malhar, Rajim, Kuruspal etc emerged during this period. In this chapter there is a brief discussion about the Jain architectural and sculpture art developed at various places in ancient Chhattisgarh.
Chapter six provides A Comparative Study of Buddhism and Jainism in Chhattisgarh for the period research is concern about. Ancient trade route contributed immensely for the spread of Buddhism and Jainism in Chhattisgarh. This chapter also deals with the architectural similarity and phase wise growth of Jain and Buddhist art in different centers of Chhattisgarh under different ruling dynasties. Both Buddhism and Jainism left a huge social impact on the life of the people of Chhattisgarh in many ways which can be seen today also. This notion has been discussed in the later part of the chapter.
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