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Academic Year 2005/2006
Relic and Image: The Archaeology and Social History of Indian Buddhism
ARHA 381 FA
This course investigates the social history and material culture of Indian Buddhism, from the 5th century BCE through the period of the Kushan empire. The course begins with the examination of the basic teachings of
Buddhism
as presented in canonical texts and consideration of the organization and functioning of the early Buddhist community, or sangha. The focus then shifts to the popular practice of Buddhism in early India and the varied
forms
of interaction between lay and monastic populations. Although canonical texts will be examined, primary emphasis in this segment of the course is given to the archaeology and material culture of Buddhist sites and their
associated historical inscriptions. Specific topics to be covered include the cult of the Buddha's relics; pilgrimage to the sites of the Eight Great Events in the Buddha's life; the rise and spread of image worship;
and
the Buddhist appropriation and reinterpretation of folk religious practices. Key archaeological sites to be studied include the monastic complex at Sanchi, the pilgrimage center at Bodh Gaya (site of the Buddha's
enlightenment),
the city of Taxila (capital of the Indo-Greek kings and a major educational center), and the rock-cut cave monasteries along the trade routes of western India.
MAJOR READINGS
A.K. Coomarasway, YAKSAS Archaeological Survey of India, selected reports and monographs.
Vidya Dehejia, EARLY BUDDHIST ROCK TEMPLES., --- "The Collective and Popular Basis of Early Buddhist Patronage..." ---
"Aniconism and the Multivalence of
Emblems"
Sukumar Dutt, BUDDHIST MONKS AND MONASTERIES OF INDIA
J.C. Huntington, "Pilgrimage as Image: The Cult of the Ashtamahapratiharya"
Susan Huntington, "Early Buddhist Art and the Theory of
Aniconism"
John Irwin, "Asokan Pillars: A
Reassessment of the Evidence" --- "The Stupa and the Cosmic Axis: The Archaeological Evidence"
Etienne Lamotte, HISTORY OF INDIAN BUDDHISM
Liu Xingru, ANCIENT INDIA AND ANCIENT CHINA: TRADE AND RELIGIOUS EXCHANGES,
A.D. 1-600
Gregory Schopen, "Of
Monks, Nuns, and 'Vulgar' Practices: The Introduction of the Image Cult into Indian Buddhism", "Stupa and Tirtha: Tibetan Mortuary Practices and an Unrecognized Form of Burial Ad Sanctos and Buddhist Sites in India".
EXAMINATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS
Regular attendance and reading of all assigned materials. Active participation in class discussions. Several short essays; class presentation; term paper.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS and/or COMMENTS
Admission to course requires permission of instructor. Preference is given to juniors and seniors who have done some prior coursework in Indian Buddhism, Asian art history, or archaeological studies.
COURSE FORMAT:
Seminar
REGISTRATION INFORMATION
Level:
UGRD
Credit:
1
Gen Ed Area Dept:
NONE
Grading Mode:
Graded
Prerequisites:
NONE
Links to Web Resources For This Course.
Last Updated on MAR-30-2006
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Copyright Wesleyan University, Middletown, Connecticut, 06459