Settlement in Early Historic Ganga Plain
by Chirantani Das | 143,447 words
This page relates “Buddhist link of Sarnath� as it appears in the case study regarding the settlements in the Early Historic Ganga Plain made by Chirantani Das. The study examines this process in relation to Rajagriha and Varanasi (important nodal centres of the respective Mahajanapadas named Magadha and Kashi).
Part 3 - The Buddhist link of ³§Äå°ù²ÔÄå³Ù³ó
It has already been noted that ³§Äå°ù²ÔÄå³Ù³ó did not have much to commend in its early period. It had no distinct identity or history of its own. It was only for being the outskirts of ³ÕÄå°ùÄåṇa²õÄ« and the facilities available it was chosen a hermitage spot. In other words ³§Äå°ù²ÔÄå³Ù³ó in every way depended on ³ÕÄå°ùÄåṇa²õÄ« had no independent existence of its own. It was because of the Buddha’s association and as the first place to receive his gospel ³§Äå°ù²ÔÄå³Ù³ó finds mention in the Buddhist texts. So the Buddhist link gave a more meaningful, richer and fuller dimension to the place. According to the Buddhist ´³Äå³Ù²¹°ì²¹²õ even before the birth of the real Buddha, ³§Äå°ù²ÔÄå³Ù³ó already had a Bodhisattva.
The ´³Äå³Ù²¹°ì²¹ tale tried toportray ³§Äå°ù²ÔÄå³Ù³ó to have a destined role to play in the development of Buddhism. Indeed it was after the arrival of the Buddha and his preaching, ³§Äå°ù²ÔÄå³Ù³ó started acquiring an importance and a history. Shedding the ignominy of dependence on ³ÕÄå°ùÄåṇa²õÄ«, ³§Äå°ù²ÔÄå³Ù³ó emerged as a separate place with strong Buddhist influences though still maintained close links with ³ÕÄå°ùÄåṇa²õÄ«. This event made the kingly class or other rich patrons to erect monuments, to lay the foundation of the monastic complex and to give the place a comprehensive Buddhist character.