Buddhism in Maharashtra: A History

The book is organized around the historical evolution of Buddhism in Maharashtra. It opens with a study of Maharashtra’s land, people, and historical background, showing how geography, routes, settlements, and cultural zones shaped the region’s receptivity to religious movements. The second chapter examines the rise of Buddhism and its introduction into Maharashtra, focusing on early historical conditions, trade networks, inscriptions, patronage, and the emergence of monastic centers. The third chapter studies early Buddhist communities, their social composition, donor networks, and institutional patterns. The fourth chapter discusses early Buddhism through its organization and life, including monastic discipline, economic support, religious practice, and the practical functioning of Buddhist establishments. The fifth chapter focuses on Mahayana communities, showing how Buddhist thought, ritual, imagery, and devotional culture changed over time. The sixth chapter investigates the economic and social background of Buddhism, especially the connection between monasteries, merchants, artisans, rulers, guilds, urban centers, and regional exchange. The seventh chapter analyzes the decline of Buddhism in Maharashtra, linking it to changing political authority, shifts in patronage, the rise of competing religious traditions, and the weakening of Buddhist institutions. The epilogue draws together the historical implications of the study, while the appendix, notes, bibliography, and index support the book’s academic framework.