History
Buddhist Heritage
(500 BCE – 1000 CE) Ancient centers of Buddhist learning and culture
Location
Origin: India (Buddha)
Spread: South, Central & East Asia
Sites: Taxila, Nalanda, Bamiyan, Gandhara, Ajanta
(500 – 300 BCE)
Teachings of Buddha: Four Noble Truths, Eightfold Path.
Monastic communities (Sanghas) established.
Use of oral tradition for preserving teachings.
(3rd Century BCE)
Emperor Ashoka adopted Buddhism after Kalinga War.
Built stupas and pillars (Sanchi, Bodh Gaya).
Sent missionaries to Sri Lanka & Central Asia.
(1st – 4th CE)
Flourishing of Greco-Buddhist art in Gandhara.
First anthropomorphic images of Buddha.
Monasteries became centers of learning and culture.
(4th – 6th CE)
Peak of Buddhist architecture and sculpture.
Ajanta caves: Paintings and carvings.
Nalanda University founded as global Buddhist learning hub.
