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ARHA381
Relic and Image: The Social History and Archaeology of Indian Buddhism
ARHA381 FA
Crosslistings: EAST381
Next Offered in 9899 FA
This course investigates the social history and material
culture of Indian Buddhism, from the fifth 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 also be examined, primary emphasis 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 reinterpertation
of folk religious practices. Key archaeological sites to be
studied include the monastic complex at Scnchi, 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 For 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 students who have done some prior coursework in
Indian Buddhism, Asian art history, or archaeological
studies.
Unless preregistered students attend the first class meeting
or communicate directly with the instructor prior to the
first class, they will be dropped from the class list.
NOTE: Students must still submit a completed Drop/Add form
to the Registrar's Office.
COURSE FORMAT: Discussion Seminar
REGISTRATION INFORMATION
Level: UG Credit: 1.00
Prerequisites:
None
Last Updated on MAR-10-1997
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