Reconstructing the Buddhist’s Monastic Society in Hazara from the 3rd Century BC to 5th Century CE: An Archaeological and Historical Approach

Abstract

The great difficulty in reconstructing the origin and development of Buddhism in the Hazara region is due to the absence of Buddhist literature and limited archaeological explorations. Many scholars believe that Ashoka was responsible for the spread of Buddhist activities both in and outside the Indian subcontinent. There is no doubt that Buddhism was not spread to the north-western part of the sub-continent including the Hazara, during the lifetime of Buddha. The Hazara also did not escape the notice of the Mauryan emperor Aśoka (3rd century BCE) who not only installed his proclamations, the Mansehra Rock Edicts but also built 200ft high stupa at Machikot Abbottabad that is still intact. The present research aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of the Buddhist monastic society that emerged in the Hazara, the northernmost region of Pakistan from the 3^rd century BC to the 5^th century CE based on archaeological and textual evidence. Archaeological evidence such as inscriptions, stupas, and monastic remains from this period provided insights into the early establishment of Buddhist monastic society.