Hidden Traces of Buddhism in Assam
By Sarat Chandra Goswami
Summary
The paper "Hidden Traces of Buddhism in Assam" explores the historical presence of Buddhism in the region through literary and historical records. It notes that references to Kimaripa (an ancient name for Assam) appear in the Ramayana and Mahabharata, as well as in Puranas, which describe it as an eastern kingdom. Despite this, Buddhist records from the 5th to 7th centuries A.D. do not explicitly mention Kimaripa, leading the author to suggest that the kingdom may have been known by other names to Buddhists, such as Vesali-Long or Vaisali, as per traditions in Burma, Bhutan, and Tibet. The Chinese pilgrim Hieun-Tsiang’s account indicates that while Buddhism was not the dominant faith in Kimaripa, it was tolerated and respected, with some disciples present. The paper also highlights traditions claiming Buddha’s death occurred in Assam, though these are considered uncertain. Historical accounts, such as Ralph Fitch’s observations of animal welfare in the Koch kingdom, are interpreted as possible indicators of Buddhist influence. The author argues against the claim that Buddhism never flourished in Kimaripa, suggesting instead that it likely had some presence, given its prevalence in neighboring regions. The analysis emphasizes the need to reconsider historical narratives and treat traditions with scholarly rigor, acknowledging their potential to contain kernels of truth.
Conclusion
This investigation into Buddhism's hidden traces in Assam reveals the kingdom of Kimaripa's significant presence in ancient Hindu records, from the Mauryan era to the Puranas, yet its notable absence in Buddhist literature until Hieun-Tsiang's accounts. The discrepancy suggests Kimaripa might have been known by alternative names to Buddhists, possibly Vaisali-Long or Vaisali, as indicated by regional traditions and synod references. While Hieun-Tsiang describes limited Buddhist influence, the surrounding regions' Buddhist dominance implies Kimaripa likely experienced some level of tolerance or indirect engagement with Buddhism, even if not as a prevalent faith. This study challenges earlier assumptions, such as Edward Gait's, by highlighting the need to reconsider Kimaripa's religious landscape through a more nuanced lens, emphasizing the interplay of regional politics, religious hostility, and historical documentation gaps. The findings underscore the complexity of ancient Assam's cultural and religious dynamics, urging further exploration into understudied historical connections.