The Return of the Buddha : Ancient Symbols for a New Nation

The Return of the Buddha traces the development of Buddhist archaeology in colonial India, examines its impact on the reconstruction of India’s Buddhist past, and the making of a public and academic discourse around these archaeological discoveries. The book discusses the role of the state and modern Buddhist institutions in the reconstitution of national heritage through promulgation of laws for the protection of Buddhist monuments, acquiring of land around the sites, restoration of edifices, and organization of the display and dissemination of relics. It also highlights the engagement of prominent Indian figures, such as Nehru, Gandhi, Ambedkar, and Tagore, with Buddhist themes in their writings. Stressing upon the lasting legacy of Buddhism in independent India, the author explores the use of Buddhist symbols and imagery in nation-building and the making of the constitution, as also the recent efforts to resurrect Buddhist centers of learning such as Nalanda. With rich archival sources, the book will immensely interest scholars, researchers and students of modern Indian history, culture, archaeology, Buddhist studies, and heritage management. Cover Half Title Title Page Copyright Page Dedication Table of Contents List of Plates and Maps Preface Preamble: The Buddha in Twenty-First-Century India 1. Engaging with Buddhism 2. The Search for the Historical Buddha 3. The Empire in the Footsteps of Ashoka 4. Excluded Buddhism 5. Buddhism in Memory and History 6. Buddhism and the Birth of a Nation 7. In Retrospect Bibliography About the Author Index This book traces the impact of archaeological discoveries in colonial India on the reconstruction of India's Buddhist past and on the making of a public discourse around it. It also discusses the legacy of Buddhism in the post-independence period, particularly the use of Buddhist symbols in nation-building and constitution-making. "Traces the development of Buddhist archæology in colonial India, examines its impact on the reconstruction of Indiaʹs Buddhist past, and the making of a public and academic discourse around these archæological discoveries."--Publishers website