Volume II Special Issue IV April 2022

Name of Author : Raise Ahmad Mir

Title of the paper : Kanishka and the Spread of Buddhism in Kashmir

Abstract: Kashmir is known for its beauty since ancient times, it attracted number of dynasties from different corners of the world such as the Mauryans, Indo- Greeks, Shakas, Parthians and the Kushanas. With the coming of these dynasties, number of the new religious faiths came into existence such as Hinduism, Shivaism, Jainism, Zoroastrianism and Buddhism. Among these new faiths Buddhism received a great impetus and enjoyed the royal state patronage not only from the Buddhist rulers like Ashoka and Kanishka of the Mauryan and Kushana dynasties, but also from many Hindu and Muslim rulers who ruled over Kashmir Valley. The paper highlights the spread of Buddhism in Kashmir by Kanishka. . According to the Buddhist tradition, Kanishka held the fourth great council in Kashmir at a place called Kundalvana,which is identified as the modern village of Harwan in the Srinagar city. On account of hosting the Buddhist council, Kashmir received a great importance among the Buddhist circles and attracted the attention of eminent Buddhist scholars and saints from the different corners of the world. Some of whom made Kashmir as their permanent abode.

Keywords : Kanishka, Kashmir, Buddhism, Kushanas, Buddhist Council

DOI :

Page Number : 204-207