The era of Buddhism was undoubtedly one of the most glorious periods in Indian history; it was far more advanced and richer than any other culture across the world. However, that rich heritage was lost as time passed – only to be discovered much later in time. And now, historian Charles Allen has found new evidence about the authenticity of that man who claims to have inspired the likes of Jesus Christ and many more. And that’s exactly what his latest work ‘Rediscovering the Buddha’ is all about.
“It is so ironical that the most glorious aspect of Indian history got completely wiped out of everyone’s knowledge without anyone even knowing about it. Even later, the remains and the relics were all around and known to the locals but nobody had an idea about what they were,” says Allen as we catch up with him at a special lecture organized by him. What makes it even more interesting is that the past was brought to light by a series of foreigners who came in India during the British Raj.
“The findings revealed some extra ordinary aspects of India, perhaps the most shocking one being the connection between King Ashoka and Lord Buddha. Legend has it that after cremation, Buddha’s ashes were divided into eight equal parts and distributed among his eight disciples who later built stupas in his memory. Be it the decoding of the script or the excavation that led to the discovery of the ashes, the story is breathtaking,” reveals Allen who till date has led three expeditions to far western Tibet to explore the ancient pre-Buddhist kingdom of Zhang-Zhung.
However, it doesn’t stop here; for if he is to be believed what we have touched till date is only the tip of the iceberg and there’s much more in store. “What we know today of the Nalanda University is just 10 percent of what it actually is. Relics say it was a 16 square km university, but beyond that there’s very little that we know. In the next phase of excavations, chances are that they may also find the gates of the legendary university,” ethuses Allen.
And India definitely has a long past that’s still waiting to be unearthed. “In England, we get excited even if we dig and find a wooden block. As opposed to that, here there are 42-foot long pillars and monuments all waiting to be discovered. You guys are so lucky!” he ends.