Reviving Buddhist Identity: Anāgārika Dharmapāla's 19th-Century Efforts in Colonial India

Summary

The PDF discusses the historical context of British colonialism in India and its impact on Buddhist identity, which had been largely erased or misidentified by Hindu traditions. It highlights Venerable Anāgārika Dharmapāla’s efforts in the 19th century to revive Buddhist awareness in India, particularly at the Mahabodhi site in Gaya. Dharmapāla faced challenges, including social resistance and legal disputes, but his work laid the foundation for the Maha Bodhi Society of India, which continues to promote Buddhist teachings. The text emphasizes the revival of Gautama Buddha’s teachings in India and the establishment of ethical, emotional, and environmental frameworks inspired by Buddhist principles. It also references key historical events, such as the Battle of Plassey (1757) and the Battle of Buxar (1764), which facilitated British rule. The role of European scholars, like those from the Asiatic Society of Bengal, in reintroducing Buddhist history is noted, along with Sir Edwin Arnold’s *The Light of Asia*. The PDF concludes by framing Dharmapāla’s legacy as a model for Bodhisattva-like compassion and ethical living, fostering a resurgence of Buddhist thought in India.