This book presents a historical analysis of Buddhism in the states of Punjab, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh, and depicts in a pen-picture how it flourished in the Ancient Punjab, the land of the five rivers, for more than one thousand years, and how it declined thereafter through a gradual process of destruction by the invading hordes. During the Buddhist period, a number of Buddhist kings, saints and scholars, poets and philosophers enriched the culture of Punjab, and even influenced and moulded the destiny of Buddhism in India.
Though Buddhism disappeared later from Punjab and Haryana but it has been a living Religion through the ages in the High Himalayan Valleys of Lahul, Spiti, and Kinnaur in Himachal Pradesh. Hence, chapters VIII and IX give a graphic Picture of the Archaeological finds as well as its revival and Survival in the region. The last chapter highlights the influence which Buddhism has imperceptibly exercised over the Sikh religion and the Sikh tenets. |
