Impact of Buddhism On Indian Culture: It is a commonly accepted fact that Buddhism is a derivative of ancient Hinduism and one of the most important religions in the world. In the 6th century BC, Gautama Buddha founded Buddhism. Originally named Siddhartha, his royal living didn’t make him content, and he was tormented by observing sickness, suffering from the old, and death around him. He became a wanderer searching for solutions to mankind’s miseries and finally abandoned everything to mediate under a pipal tree and attained ‘Supreme Knowledge‘ on the 49th day of his continuous meditation. After that, he was known as Buddha, and his teachings were described in the ‘Four Noble Truths’ and ‘Eightfold Path‘. Buddhism impacted not only the social, political, religious, and cultural life of India but also of the other countries.
Impact of Buddhism On Indian Society:
The impact of Buddhism on Indian culture and society is undeniably great as it promoted egalitarianism and non-violence along with free will. Even though it has vanished from India, it has impacted the mindset of people as well as intellectual, artistic, literary, and architectural fields.
A. Impact of Buddhism on Caste and Social Structure:
- It focused greatly on truthfulness, charity, purity, self-sacrifice, control over desires, love, equality, and non-violence.
- Buddhism teachings raised a voice against the infamous caste system, challenging the superiority of Brahmins, social oppression, oppression of women, and inequality.
- It gave women an opportunity to access education and religion.
- The practice of the caste system was strongly opposed by him, which motivated future leaders like Mahatma Gandhi and Ambedkar to do the same.
- The principle of ‘Ahimsa’ encouraged kindness and compassion in people.
B. Impact of Buddhism on Religion:
- Buddhism condemned superstitions and the exercising of rites and rituals followed by Hinduism, especially animal sacrifice to appease gods.
- Buddhism also promoted idol worship which was later adopted by Hinduism too. Mahayana followers worshiped the images of Buddha, which Hindu worshippers later adopted.
C. Impact of Buddhism on Art and Architecture:
- The growth of art is one of the greatest impacts of Buddhism in Indian culture. Buddhism enriched India’s architectural heritage through the Stupas of Sanchi, Amravati, Gaya, etc.
- From the Buddhist caves and pillars of Ashoka, much historical information can be gathered and interpreted. A fine example is the Sarnath pillar on the inverted lotus.
- During the Ashoka period, a Stupa depicting Buddhism was created, which was modified by other Rajput rulers and traders from a later period.
- The drawings and depictions of Buddha, Bodhisattva (Buddhahood), Gandharva, Yaksha, trees, birds, creepers, etc., carved out on rocks influenced the development of art and architecture in India.
- Ajanta, Ellora, Karle, and Bagh caves depicting Buddhist paintings reflect the talent of historic Indian artists, which can be interpreted as the fact that manifestation of art, architecture, painting, etc., were influenced by Buddhism.
- Genres like poetry and drama were encouraged, as evident by the literature in the language of common people.
D. Impact of Buddhism On Education:
- One of the greatest impacts of Buddhism on Indian society was in the field of education. The Buddhists carried their belief in egalitarianism and compassion by universalizing education for women and Shudras.
- Buddhist missionaries travelled across India to spread literature, language, and culture.
- In Buddhism, education was geared toward social welfare, rationality, and action. Taxila, Nalanda, and Vikramshila are all ancient Indian varsities inspired by Buddhism.
- Buddhism has produced ancient scholars of the highest ranks, such as Charka, Nagarjuna, and Vasumitra.
E. Impact of Buddhism on Nationalism:
- Buddhism spread Indian culture across India and supported the concept of national unity and universal brotherhood.
- Mahatma Gandhi adopted the doctrine of ‘Ahimsa’ and used it in the struggle against British rule for freedom.
- The Indian flag carries Ashoka’s wheel, and the national emblem has been adopted from Buddhism.
Conclusion:
Buddhism has undoubtedly made several changes and inspired India’s philosophy, art, architecture, literature, and politics and other countries such as Nepal, China, Japan, Tibet, Sri Lanka, Burma, etc. It gave people a simple way to live life with a rational and moral mindset. It also helped in removing many vices of society due to inequality and violence, bringing Indians together to create a sense of unity and brotherhood.