ARHA381

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ARHA381

Relic and Image: The Social History and Archaeology of Indian Buddhism ARHA381 FA

Crosslistings: EAST381

Not Currently Offered

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 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-22-1999

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