Pataliputra: Its Importance in the History of Buddhism
Summary
Chaudhuri’s historical essay assesses the role of Pāṭaliputra (modern Patna) in the rise and spread of Buddhism. He traces the city’s origins as the Mauryan capital and notes that Emperor Aśoka convened the Third Buddhist Council there, sending missionaries to Sri Lanka and beyond. Archaeological remains such as the Kumrahar pavilion and the wooden palisades are described to reconstruct the city’s layout. The author highlights Pāṭaliputra’s cosmopolitan character: merchants, monks and diplomats from across Asia passed through its bustling streets. Monasteries and libraries flourished under Mauryan and later Guptan patronage, attracting scholars like Nāgārjuna and Buddhaghoṣa. The essay also discusses declines: repeated flooding of the Ganges, political instability and shifting trade routes diminished the city’s importance. Nevertheless, Pāṭaliputra’s legacy endures in its contribution to Buddhist art, architecture and council history.
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Conclusion
The article concludes that Pāṭaliputra was a crucial hub for Buddhist institutional and intellectual life. Its administrative resources, patronage and strategic location enabled the faith’s expansion across the subcontinent and beyond. Preserving its archaeological remains is essential for understanding early Buddhist history.