Buddhism

Buddhism arose in the eastern Gangetic plain around the fifth century BCE. Teachings associated with the Buddha spread across Asia and developed into Theravada, Mahayana, Vajrayana and other traditions. The Buddha taught within a world of renunciant movements and debate about suffering, action and liberation. Early communities transmitted teachings orally and developed monastic rules. Ashoka’s patronage in the third century BCE helped establish monuments and connections across the subcontinent. Centres such as Nalanda linked Indian scholarship with wider Asian networks. Buddhist presence later changed unevenly across regions, rather than disappearing everywhere at once. Himalayan traditions continued, while twentieth-century movements, including B. R. Ambedkar’s conversion in 1956, reshaped modern Indian Buddhism.

Buddhist thought shaped Indian philosophy, monastic learning, art and architecture. Contemporary India includes Himalayan traditions and Navayana communities inspired by B. R. Ambedkar. Stupas, cave monasteries, sculpture and manuscript traditions show Buddhism’s contribution to Indian art. Himalayan monasteries preserve distinct ritual calendars and teaching lineages; masked cham performances have religious meanings and should not be treated only as entertainment. In Maharashtra and elsewhere, Ambedkarite Buddhist communities connect religious practice with dignity, equality and freedom from caste oppression. Other Indian communities follow Tibetan, Theravada or different Mahayana traditions. Meditation is one aspect of Buddhist life alongside ethics, study, generosity and community.