M. A.

Buddhism & Himalayan Studies / Second Year

Syllabus of Paper VI (compulsory) | Full Mark: 100 / Teaching Hours: 150
Title of the Course: MBHS 601 Buddhist Philosophy: Sanskrit and Tibetan Textual Reading
_________________________________________________________________________
Objective and expected scope of the course
The main objective of this course is to provide a detailed knowledge of Buddhist philosophy based on
Sanskrit and Tibetan philosophical texts. Students will have a comprehensive overview of Buddhist
tenets which is studied in philosophical college (shedra) of Himalayan region. Emphasis will be given to
original sources from Tibetan and Sanskrit languages.

Unit 1. Basic Buddhist Philosophy

i)
Four Noble Truths
ii)
Pratityasamutpada
iii)
Three Universal Characteristics (Anitya, Dukha, Anatma)
Unit 2. Four Major Tennets of Buddhism
i)
Vaibhasika : Propounders, major texts (Abhidharmakosha)
ii)
Sautantrika : Main doctrine
iii)
Chittamatra : Alayavijnana propounders (Asanga, Vasubandhu, Sthirmati)
iv)
Madhyamika : Propounders (Nagarjuna, Aryadeva, Candra Kirti) Texts &
Schools.
Unit 3. Selected scriptures from Sanskrit sources
i)
Prajna Hridaya Sutra (Heart sutra)
ii)
Abhidharmakosha of Vasubandhu (5 verses)
iii)
Vijnapti-matrata Siddhi (2 verses from Vimsika and 3 verses from Trimsika)
iv)
Mulamadhyamika Karika (Opening verses, 4 verses)
v)
Explanation of Yedharma shloka
Unit 4. Selected verses from Tibetan sources
i)
The ninth chapter of Bodhicaryavatar (selected 5 verses)
ii)
The sixth chapter of Madhyamakavatar (5 verses)
iii)
Selected passages from Dagpo Thargyen of Gampopa.
Unit 5. Buddhist philosophy developed in Tibet
i)
Shentong view of Dolpopa and its critique
ii)
Relationship between Madhyamika and Dzogchen (Mahasandhi)
ii)
Interconnection among Mahamudra, Mahasandhi and Madhyamika tennets.
Unit 6. Comparision between Theravada and Mahayana Buddhist views.

LABHS Syllabus - 1

Suggested Readings:
Sources in Nepali and Hindi
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bnfO nfdf af}4 l;4fGt;f/ CIHTS ;f/gfy 1997
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yfkf, z+s/M af}4 bz{g kl/ro, hhd]G6 cfO{ n P08 sDkgL, sf7df8f}+ 2070
k/fh'nL, k'0o k|=M O{Gb| wg'ifL /x?, af}4 cwf}{ ;bg, kf]v/f, 2058
g/]Gb|b]j M af}4 wd{ bz{g, df]tLnfnf jgf/;Lbf;, 1995
;f+s[Tofog, /fx'n M af}4 bz{gM Onfxfjfb M lstfj dxn, 2002

Sources in English
Gowans, Christopher : Philosophy of the Buddha Routledge London, 2003
Siderits, Mark : Buddhism as Philosophy, Ashgate Publishing Limited, England 2007
Takakusu, Junjiro The Essentials of Buddhist Philosophy, Delhi : Motilal Banarasidas 1989
Santina, Peter Dela The Tree of Enlightenment, Taiwan Chico Dharma Study Foundation
1997
Schmithausen, Lambert: Alayavijjnana : On the Origin and the Early Development of a
Central Concept of Yogacara Philosophy Tokyo : International Institute for Buddhist
Studies, 1987
Garfeild, Jay : Fundamental Wisdom of the Middle Way : New York Oxford University Press
1995.
Gampopa : The Jewel Ornament of Liberation (tr.) by Khenpo Konchog Gyaltshan Rinpoche,
Snow Lion, New York, USA 1998.
De Jong, J.W (ed.) Nagarjuna's Mulamadhyamika Karika, Madras Adyar Library 1994
Murti, T.R.V. The Central Philosophy of Buddhism Delhi : Harper Collins 1998
Kapstein, M : Reason's Traces : Identity and Interpretation in Indian and Tibetan Buddhist
Thought : Boston Wisdom Publications 2001.
Edelglass, W and Garfeild : J Buddhist Philosophy : Essential Reading New York : Oxford
University Press 2009
Syllabus of Paper-VII (optional) | Full Mark: 100 | Teaching Hours 150
LABHS Syllabus - 2

MBHS 602 Mahayana and Vajrayana (a Study of Tantrik Buddhism of Nepal)

(Optional to Buddhist Communities, Culture and Environment of the Himalayan Region or

Directed/Specialized or individualized Study)
__________________________________________________________________
Objective and expected scope of the course
This course intends to familiarize our students with the historical linkage of Vajrayana Buddhism
with the ancient Mahayana tradition and acquaint them with the vast scope of Vajrayana Buddhism
from its origin to present practices. The syllabus covers the subject of tantric influence in Buddhist
practices. Tibetan Buddhist monasticism and ritualism and the Newar Buddhist tradition are the
major components of this syllabus. Teaching of this course will be based on reading, discussion and
observation.

Unit I
I.

Foundation of Mahayana Buddhism including the history of Mahasanghika and

the philosophical concepts of Nagarjuna, Vasuvandhu and Asanga; concepts of
Madhyamika and Yogacara, impermanence, emptiness and anatma.

Unit II
II.
III.

IV.

Vajrayana Buddhism: Definition, origin and development, special features,

philosophical connection between Mahayana and Vajrayana.
Study of Tantric tradition with special reference to Anuttarayoga-tantra
including Hevajra-tantra, Samvarodaya-tantra and Vajravarahi-tantra; Yogatantra, Charya-tantra and Kriya-tantra, Tradition and culture of chanting special
verses (stotra), Vajrayani songs and dances such as Charya (Chacha).
Buddhist-Hindu cultural and religious interaction and co-existence (syncretism):
Case of living Kumari and Gubhajus, Yoginis and Hindu Pithas, MahayanaVajrayana and the Natha Yogi traditions, Kapali (Kusule) and Manandhar
communities and Buddhist-Hindu tradition, Matchhyendranath, Connection with
Josmani, concept of Lokesvara and Malla and Shah monarchs of Nepal as
Lokapala etc.

Unit III
I.

II.
III.

IV.

Abhiseka (initiation) and Siddhi (achievements) including introduction,

objectives and kinds (Abhiseka: Gurumandalabhiseka,Bodhicittabhiseka and
Acharyabhiseka; Siddhi: Mahasukaha, Ananda, Paramananda,Viramananda,
Sahajananda; Laukika and Lokottara Siddhis and the process of their attainment).
Special vratas and pujas: Astami-vrata,Tila-vrata, Purnima-vrata etc.;
Saptavidhanottara-puja, Dasakarma, Gumla, Samyaka etc.
Popular divinities of Vajrayana Buddhism: Concepts of Vajradhara or
Vjarasattva (Adi-Buddha), Pancha-Buddha, Bodhisattva, Manjusri, Buddha
Samantabhadra, Yogini, Tara, Mahakala, Avalokitesvara, Chandamaharosana
and trayodasa (13) bhuvanas (dasa-bhumis of 10 Bodhisattvas + 3 bhuvanas of 3
Tathagatas).
Buddhist Mandalas: Objectives, features and importance; prominent mandalas
including Daharmadhatu, Vajradhatu and Durgatiparishodhana.
LABHS Syllabus - 3

Unit IV
I.

II.
III.
IV.

Prominent Vajrayana Siddhas and Vajracharyas and their contributions for the
promotion of Vajrayana Buddhism (84 Mahasiddhas with special focus on Naropa,
Tilopa, Sarahapa, Virupa, Indrabhuti, Laxminkara, prominent Mahayani and
Vajrayani Scholars of Ancient and Medieval Nepal, examples: Silamanju,
Humkaravajra and Shashwatvajra, Vagisvarakirti and brothers of Pharping,
Lilavajra of Kathmandu, 32 Vajracharyas of Kathmandu, Rabindra, Manjuvajara,
Mahakarunika, Rupatejapala and sons of Kath).
Historic Bahas and Bahis of Nepalamandala and their role in the development
of Vajrayana Buddhism in Nepal.
Prominent Vajrayani Buddhist texts written, compiled or preserved in
Nepalamandala.
State of Vajrayana Buddhism today, present practices, monasticism and
ritualism with special reference to Tibetan or Himalayan tradition.

Suggested Readings
Hodgson, B. H.----, Miscellaneous Essays On
Gellner, D. "Hodgson's Blind Alley" Buddhist Himalaya
----, Ritualized Devotion, Altruism, and Meditation: The Offering of the Guru Mandala in
Newar Buddhism, Indo-Iranian Journal 34
Gellner, David : Monk, Householder and Tantrika Priest. Cambridge University Press,
England 1992.
Bihari, Rasik. 2002. The Chaurasi Baudha Siddha. New Delhi: Radha Publication
Dhungel, R. 2002. "Mahayana Buddhadharma ra Nepal" Samakalin Matribhumi Vol. 1, No. 1
(also reprinted in the annual Journal of the Monastery Development and Management
Committee of Government of Nepal).
Dhungel, Ramesh, 1999. "Nepal-Tibet Cultural Relations and the ZHVA-dMar-pa (Shamarpa)
Lamas of Tibet" Contributions to Nepalese Studies, Vol. 26, No. 2, pp. 183-209.
----, 1989. 'Tibetan Inscription of the Tenth Zhva-dMar-pa Lama and it Translation" Nepal
Economist Vol. 25, 1-11.
Brodrich, Alan Houghton, 1974. The Theory and Practice of Mandalas, London: Rider and Co.
Humphreys, Christmas 1969. Buddhism, reprint, Maryland: Penguin Books.
Ikeda, Daisaku, 1993. Mahayana Buddhism and Twenty-first Century Civilization, Boston:
Harvard University.
Bhattacharya, Binayatosh, 2009. Buddhist Esotericism. Delhi: Motilal Banarasidass.
Bajracharya, Ashakaji, 1978. The Dasakarmavidhi. Kathmandu: mandala Book Point.
LABHS Syllabus - 4

Vajracharya, Herakaji (compiled.) A book of Carya Dance and the Materias used in the
Worship rituals (compiled). Lalitpur: Viswashanti Library.
Shakaya, Gyan bahadur, 2002 (compiled.). Short Description of Gods and Goddesses of
Buddhism and Hinduism in Nepal. Lalitpur: Handicraft Association of Nepal.
Vajracharya, Divyavajra, 1999( tr.). Navasutra Samgraha. Lalitpur: Bodhi Prakashan Kendra.
Richard, John. 1998. "A Rite of Empowerment" in Donald Lopez (ed.) Religions of Tibet in
Practice. Delhi: MunshiramManoharlal.
Gupta, Sashi Bhushan, 1974. An Introduction to Tantric Buddhism. London: Shambhala.
Hardayal, 1975. The Bodhisattva Doctrines in Buddhist Sanskrit Literature. Delhi: Motilal
Banarasidass.
Locke, John K. "Newar Buddhist Initiation Rites" Contributions to Nepalese Studies, Vol.1
----, Bahas and Bahis of Kathmandu Valley
----, Karunamaya. Kathmandu: INAS, TU
----, 1986. "The Vajrayana Buddhismin The Kathmandu Valley" Paper presented at the 15th
World Buddhist Conference held in Kathmandu from Nov. 27 to Dec. 2, 1986, pp. 43-72.
Obeyesekere, Gananath and others, eds. 1972. The Two Wheels of Dharma: Essays On the
Theravada Tradition in India and Ceylon., Chambersburgo, PA: American Academy of
religion.
Hopkins, Jeffrey, 1987 (ed.). The Tantra in Tibet. New York: Snow Lion Publications.
Hopkins, Jeffrey and Ghese Sopa. 1976. The Theory and Practice of Tibetan Buddhism. B. I.
Publication.
Allen, Michael, 1973. "Buddhism without Monks: The Vajrayana Religion of the Newars of
Kathmandu Valley"
Joseph, Marietta B. "The Viharas of the Kathmandu Valle: Religions and Buddhist Culture"
Oriental Art, Vol. XVII2, 1-23.
Gurung, Jagaman, VE 2051. "mahayani evam bajrayani bauddha darshan-ek vivecana" Paper
presented at the conference organized by Pokhara Arghaum Sadan (in Nepali).
Vajracarya, Manavajra, VE 2023. "Shaiva ra Bauddha tantrikharuko Dharmik Sanghamsthal"
Yugaprerana, Kathmandu: HMG of Nepal Department of Communication.
Bajracharya, Ranjana, .., The Astami-brata

LABHS Syllabus - 5

Syllabus of Paper VII (optional)

Title of the Course: MBHS 603 Buddhist Communities of the Himalayan Region (Nepal,
India and Bhutan) (optional to MBHS 602 Mahayana and Vajrayana : A Study of Tantric
Buddhism or Directed/Specialized or individualized Study)
Full Mark: 100
Teaching Hours: 150
___________________________________________________________________
Objective and expected scope of the syllabus
This syllabus intends to give exposure on various ethnic communities of the Himalayan
region of Nepal, India and Bhutan. The course covers the subjects concerning areas and
pattern of settlement, society, environment and culture, rites and rituals, history and
economy, Tibetan refugee communities in and around Kathmandu Valley, impacts of
refugee activities to the Himalayan Buddhist or Shamanistic Communities of Nepal. This
course requires several field excursions.
Section I: Nepal Himalaya
Unit 1
Upper Tamor Valley: Holung-Yul nga ba, Dhokpe (Topke) and other
communities.
Unit 2
Upper Arun Valley: Sing-sa ba or Lhomi, historical and cultural interactions
between Tibetan origin communities and the Kirata (Lhorong, Yangphu,
Yakkha and Limbus).
Unit 3
Khumbu Valley and the places of Sherpa Daiaspora: Sherpas of Khumbu and
Makalu regions, Khenpalung and cultural and historical interactions between
Sherpas and Khambu Rais.
Unit 4
Langtang, Rasuwa and Rolwaling Valleys and Palchok region: Yolmo, Mumi
(Tamang), Tibetan origin peoples of Nubri, Tsum and Rui, Tibetan origin
peoples of Bigu, Lamabagar and Labchi areas.
Unit 5
Upper Marshyangdi Valley: Tibetan origin peoples of Nar, Nyishang and Phu
regions, Tamu and other Gurung communities.
Unit 6
LABHS Syllabus - 6

Upper Kali-Gandaki region: Lo-pa, Serib-pas and Tha-ba (Thakalis) of LoMustang.

Unit 7
Cis-Himalayan part of Ngari: Historical background of Shamanistic and
Buddhist Yatse and Kha-tse community, peoples of Upper Dolpo, Mukhum,
Limi and Tinker Valley including Nying-ba and Byasis; Mangwara (Magars),Yatshe/ Kha-tshes and Buddhists and Bons of Western Tibet and the Himalayan
region.
Section II: Eastern and Western Himalayan regions of India
Unit 8
Eastern Himalya: Bhotiya origin peoples of Arunachal, Demo-zong (Sikkim)
Unit 9
Early settlers including Mon-pas and Shar-chhop pas and Drug-pas of Mon
Yul (Bhutan).
Unit 10
North Western Himalaya: Tibetan origin peoples of Laddakh, Janskar,
Himanchal (sPiti, Lahul, Kullu Mannali and Kinnor), Kashmir, Uttaranchal
(Uttar-Kashi and other Northern Tibetan boarder areas of Kumaun and
Garhwal.

Suggested Readings
Karma Phunchhog 2012, Bhutan
Khiomun, L. 2012, Socio-cultural and Spiritual Traditions of Northeast Bharat, Guwahati:
Heritage Foundation
Hodgson, BH
Haimendurf,
Dhungel,

LABHS Syllabus - 7

M. A. Buddhism & Himalayan Studies - Second Year - Full Mark: 100

Teaching Hours: 150 - Syllabus of Paper IX (optional)
Title of the Course: MBHS 604 Buddhist Heritage of Himalayan region and
the Nepal-mandala (optional to MBHS 605Directed / Specialized or individualized study)
___________________________________________________________________
Objective and expected scope of the course
This course focuses on the cultural heritage of Northern Nepal and the Kathmandu Valley.
Similarly, it also deals with Western and Eastern Himalayan regions of India and Northern
Bhutan. Students of this course will get comprehensive knowledge of art, architecture, Buddhist
and pre-Buddhist pilgrimage centers of the Himalayan region. This course requires several field
excursions.
Unit 1 Art and Architecture of the Himalayan region (general historical
background and selected important monuments and objects only)
1.
2.
3.

Gonpas - Lhakhang, Dukhang, Chogkhang, Tsuglag Khang, Ritho

Stupas - Chortens, Kangni, Chha-chha and religious seals
Caves - meditation and secular including cave forts or Zong phugs of security
purpose (general background and selected caves only)
4.
Palaces - Khar, phodang,
5.
Forts-Zongs, zong-mkhars
5.
Mani walls (mathang), mani khorlos
6.
Paintings, thangkas, debris (wall painting), miniature painting.
7.
Sculptures, statues and other images (metallic, stone, clay, terracotta, wood,
ivory
bones other)
9.
Religious and other musical instruments
8.
Tradition of producing and keeping sacred and secular manuscripts with selected
important examples)
(places to be covered are from Ladhakh to Arunachal including Northern Nepal
and Bhutan)
Unit 2 Pilgrimage Centers
1.
Kailash area (Tsho Mapham, Gang Tise, Pretapuri)
2.
Four major Buddhist pilgrimage centers of Mustang
3.
Beyuls of Himalayan region.
4.
Gosaikund (Shilu Tirtha/Tsokar) Kalinchok, Shailung
5.
Maratika/Hala-se
6.
Namo-Buddha (Tagmo Lujin)
8.
Kathmandu Valley - Phagpa Shingkun, Jyarung Khasor and other major centers
visited by Tibetans.
Unit 3 Kathmandu Valley: Art and Architecture
1.
Viharas - Hiranyavarna (Kwa baha), Rudravarna (Oku baha), Bhagwan Bahal
(Tha bahi), Manjushri Nakabahi (Viswokarma Vihar).
2.
Caityas - Swoyambhu, Baudha, earliest Lichhavi Caityas including Chabahil
Dhwakabaha, The Four Ashokan Caityas, Mahaboudha (Patan),
3.
Buddhist Yogini Temples - Sankhu, Pharping, Vajravarahi, Bijeswori, Hariti etc.
LABHS Syllabus - 8

4.
5.

Study of selected important Buddhist sculptures and images from ancient to

medieval period.
Historical Buddhist paintings of the Nepala-Mandala (fresco, paubha, bookcovers and other selected miniature paintings.

Unit 4 Bon and Himalyan Buddhist tangible heritage, monastic order or hierarchy and
festivals
Monastic hierarchy
Monastic religious festivals and activities throughout the year
Retreat or Chham tradition (dhyana)
Major secular festivals of the Himalayan region
(Major festivals to be covered-Tiji (Tenpa chihi rim-do), Yartong
Mani rim-do, Dumje, Nara, Tongje, Kangso, Paden, Torchya, Mitha (taro-bow
and arrow play), Saka dawa, Losar, Lhabab-duchen, Chokhor-uchen, Yarne,
Dablo, 12 year festival of the Thakalis, Jaiman ..)
Suggested Readings
Dhungel, Ramesh, ... "Mustang jillako lomanthangma manaine Yartong Parva," Nepal Past
and Present (in Nepali).
----, VE 2069. (Lo) Mustang rajyako samajik-arthika Itihas. Kathmandu: Lumbini Academic
Foundation (in Nepali).
Sharma, P. R. and Jagman Gurung, VE 2056. bLo (Mustang)ko samskritik Sampada,
Kathmandu, CNAS,TU (in Nepali)
Sharma, Janakalal, .Kautukamaya Dolpo, Lalitpur: Sajha Prakashan (in Nepali)
Tiwari, Ramesh Chandra, (ed.), 2010. Himalayi Bauddha Sanskriti Kosha. Choglamsar:
Central Buddhist Education Institute
Locke, John, 1985. Buddhist Monasteries of Nepal, Kathmandu, Sahayogi Press.
N.R. Banerjee: Nepalese Architecture, Delhi: Agam Kala Praskashan, 1980
Jest, Corneille: Monuments of Northern Nepal, UNESCO 1981
Dowman, Keith : Power Places of Kathmandu, 2006 Vajra Publication
Lo Bue, Erberto: Wonders of Lo, The Artistic Heritage of Mustang 2010, Marg Foundation
Mumbai
Huber, Toni: Sacred Spaces of Powerful Places in Tibetan Culture, 1999 LTWA Dharmasala.
Kunwar, Ramesh Raj : Himalayan Heritage, A Study of society, culture and religion of Nepal
2000, Kathmandu
Ortner, Sherry B: High Religion, A Cultural and Political History of Sherpa Buddhism
Snellgrove,1989. David. Himalayan Pilgrimage Shambhala, Boston
-----,1957. Buddhist Himalaya London.
LABHS Syllabus - 9

Bhattacharya, B. Indian Buddhist Iconography. Calcutta Firma K.L. Mukhopadhya 1968.

Pal, P. The Arts of Nepal Vol. I and II Koln. E.J. Brill 1974-79
-----, Nepal, Where
Dhungel, Ramesh, The 'Lost' Heritage Hindu and Buddhist Art of Nepal, CNAS, Kathmandu
2010
-----, 2002. The Kingdom of Lo (Mustang): A Historical Study. Kathmandu: Tashigephel
Foundation
Balikci, Anna, Lamas, Shamans and Ancestors Village Religion in Sikkim. Brill, The
Netherlands 2008
Buhnemann, G. Buddhist Iconography and Ritual in Paintings and Line Drawings from
Nepal LIRI, Lumbini 2008
Aris Michael, Bhutan, History of a Himalayan Kingdom. Vikas Publishing House, Ghaziabad
(India) 1980.
Gellner, David : Monk, Householder and Tantrika Priest. Cambridge University Press,
England 1992.
Gutschow, Neil, The Nepalese Caitya LIRI, Lumbini 1997
Macdonald, A. W. and Vergati Stahl. Newar Art. Warminster : Aris & Philips 1979
Slusser, Mary. Nepal Mandala: A Cultural Study of Kathmandu Valley, Princeton 1982
Bartholomew, T. Ced., The Dragon's Gift: The Sacred Arts of Bhutan, Serindia, US 2008

LABHS Syllabus - 10

M. A. Buddhism and Himalayan Studies- Second Year

Syllabus of Paper- IX (optional) - Full Marks: 100 - Teaching Hours: 150
Title of the Course: MBHS 606 Buddhist Archaeological Study of Nepal Tarai (optional
to MBHS 607 Kargyupa School of Himalayan Buddhism or MBHS 605 Directed/
Individualized or Supervised Studies)
___________________________________________________________________________
Objective and expected outcome
At the completion of this course, students will be able to learn about early history of
Kapilvastu, the sixteen Janapadas, history of Kapilvastu, historical places in the region, and
so on. Similarly, they will also know about Shakya and other dynasties. At the same time,
students will also know about Buddhist archaeology of Nepal Tarai and adjoining areas in
India. This course requires field study and some lectures to be taken at archaeological site.
Unit 1. The State of Kapilavastu
1. Gneral Outline of the Sixteen Janapadas and socio economic and
political contexts on the eve of the advent of Buddhism
2. Origin and early trace of Kapilvastu
3. The Shakya Dynasty of Kapilvastu
4. Preliminary days of Prince Siddhartha and his early life
5. Lumbini, Devdaha, Ramagrama and other Buddhist
historical/Archaeological places in the Nepal Tarai
6. Extension of the Kingdom of Kapilavastu and Buddhist historical
places in the adjoining Indian border areas
Unit 2

Early History of Kapilvastu

1. Political history and socio-political situation as depicted in
Buddhist literature
2. Prince Siddhartha and important events of his Life - birth,
renunciation, enlightenment, dharmacakra and mahaparinirvana
(study in the context of cultural geography and history of these
areas)

Unit 3 Shakyas, Koliyas and Neighbouring Dynasties

1. The Shakyas of Kapilvastu
2. The Koliyas Devdaha and Ramagrama
3. Virudhaka's attack and and the demise of Shakya dynasty of
Kapilavastu
Unit 4 The Controversy over exact location of the capital city of Kapilvastu
1. Indian version
2. Nepalese version
3. Historical and Archaeological evidences
Unit 5 Buddhist Archaeology
LABHS Syllabus - 11

1. General Historical Outline

a. Introduction to Buddhist Archaeology
a. Buddhist Archaeology in Central Asia and China
b. Buddhist Archaeology of India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Sri
Lanka, and South East Asia
2. Buddhist Archaeology of Nepal
I.
II.
III.

Archaeological Geography of Nepal Tarai

Asokan pillars and inscriptions
Archaeological sites
(a) Nepal Tarai: Kapilvastu/Tilaurakot, Lumbini,
Kudan, Sagarhawa, Niglihawa, Gotihawa, Saina
Maina, Ramagrama Devadaha
(b) Adjoining Indian Territory: Piparhawa Ganwaria
Kushi Nagar Saranath

IV.

The Buddhist Circuit

Unit 6 Archaeological explorations and excavations done in Nepal Tarai

including two sites in Uttar Pradesh
1. Early explorations by British Indian archaeologists and
historians; Identification of Lumbini and excavation done by
Fuhrer with the facilitation of General Khadga Shumsher
2. Early excavations in Nepal Tarai by Indian Archaeologists
3. Excavations by Japanese Archaeologists
4. Excavations by Nepalese Archaeologists
5. Recent Excavations (2013)
6. Excavations in Piparhawa and Ganawaria.
7. Outcome of various excavations

Suggested Readings
1.

Alexander, John, The Directing of Archaeological Excavations, London: Humanities

Press, 1970.

2.

Ambedkar. B. R., The Buddha and His Dhamma, Nagpur: Buddha Bhoomi
publication, n.d, reprint- Taipei: The Corporate Body of Buddha education
Foundation, 1997.

3.

Atkinson, R. J. C., Field Archaeology , London: Methuen, 1946

4.

Bidari, Basanta, Kapilavastu: The World of Siddhartha, Lumbini: B. Bidari, 2004.

5.

Bidari, Basanta, Lumbini: A Haven of Sacred Refuge, Lumbini: B. Bidari, 2002

6.

Chakrabarti, D. K., Buddhist Sites across South Asia as Influenced by Political and
Economic Forces, World Archaeology, 27, 1995,185-202.

7.

Coningham, R. A. E.. The Archaeology of Buddhism. In: INSOLL, T. (ed.),

Archaeology and World Religion. London: Routledge. 2001
LABHS Syllabus - 12

8.

9.

Cueppers, Christoph, Max Deeg and Hubert Durt (ed.), The Birth of the Buddha.
Proceedings of the International Conference Held in Lumbini, Nepal, October 2004,
Lumbin: Lumbin International Research Institute, 2010.
Deeg, Max, The Places where Siddhrtha Trod: Lumbin and Kapilavastu, Lumbini:
The Lumbin Internation Research Institute, 2004.

10. Deo, Shantaram Bhal Chandra, Archaeological Investigations in the Nepal Terai,

1964. Kathmandu: HMGN, Department of Archaeology. 1968

11. Dutt, Romesh C., Civilization in the Buddhist Age BC 320 AD 500, Reprint, Delhi:

Low Price Publication, 1993.

12. Fogelin, L., Archaeology of Early Buddhism, Oxford, Altamira, 2006.
13. Fuhrer, A., Antiquities of Buddha Shakyamunis Birthplace in the Nepalese Tarai,

Varanasi: Indological Book House, 1997.

14. Giri, Gitu, Art and Architecture: Remains in the Western Terai Region of Nepal, New

Delhi: Adroit Adroit Publishers, 2003 ,

15. Mishra, Tara Nanda. Archaeological Discoveries and Field Activities in Nepal During

Recent Years. Journal of Nepalese Studies 1(1): 1996, pp. 73-86.

16. Mishra, Tara Nanda. The Archaeological Activities in Lumbini During 1984-1985.

Ancient Nepal, Vol. 139, 1996. Pp. 36-48.

17. Mishra, Tara Nath. The Historical Dynasties and Ancient Archaeology Sites in Nepal.

Ancient Nepal 103: 1987, pp. 6-15

18. Mitra, Debala, Excavation of Tilaurakot and Kudan and exploration in the Nepalese

Tarai, Kathmandu: Department of Archaeology, 1972.

19. Mukharji, Purna Chandra and Vincent Arthur Smith. A Report on a Tour of

Explorations of the Antiquities in the Tarai, Nepal, The Region of Kapilvastu During
February and March 1899, Calcutta: Office of the Superintendent of Government
Printing, 1901, Reprint - Varanasi: Indological Book House,
20. Mukharji, Purna Chandra. Antiquities of Kapilvastu: Terai of Nepal. (A Report and a

Tour of Exploration During February and March 1899). Delhi: Indological Book
House. 1969.
21. Pande, Ram Nivas. Archaeological Remains of Lumbini: The Birth Place of Lord

Buddha. Contributions to Nepalese Studies 12(3): 1985, pp. 51-62.

22. Piplayan, Madhukar, Lumbini, New Delhi: Samyak Prakashan, 2007,
23. Rijal, B. K., Archaeological Remains of Kapilvastu, Lumbini, Devdaha, Kathmandu:

Educational Book Enterprise, 1979.

24. Rijal, Babu Krishna and Poorno Chander Mukherji, 100 Years of Archaeological

Research in Lumbini, Kapilvastu & Devadaha. Kathmandu: S.K. International

Publication House, 1996.
25. Rijal, Babu Krishna. Archaeological Activities in Lumbini 1976-1977, Ancient Nepal

30-39: 1977, pp. 28-37.

26. Sircar, D. C. Select Inscription Bearing on Indian History and Civilization, Vol- 1,

Calcutta: University of Calcutta, 1965.

27. Sircar, D.C. , Inscriptions of Ashoka , New Delhi: Publications Division, 1976.

LABHS Syllabus - 13

28. Srivastava, K. M., Excavation at Piprahwa and Ganwaria, New Delhi:

Archaeological Survey of India, 1996.

29. Tripathy, Ajit Kumar, The Real Birth Place of Buddha Yesterdays Kapilavastu,

Todays Kapileswar, Odisha Historical Research Journal, Vol. XLVII, No. 1, 2004,
pp. 7-15
30. Verardi, Giovanni and Kosh Prasad Acharya, Excavations at Gotihawa and a

Territorial Survey in Kapilavastu District of Nepal, A Preliminary Report, LIRI

Occasional Papers, Vol. 2; Lumbini: LIRI, 2002.

LABHS Syllabus - 14

M. A. Buddhism and Himalayan Studies - Second Year - Full Marks: 100

Teaching Hours: 150 - Syllabus of Paper- IX (optional)
Title of the Course: MBHS 607 Kagyupa School of Himalayan Buddhism (Optional to
MBHS 606 Buddhist Archaeological Study of Nepal Tarai or MBHS 605
Directed/Individualized or Supervised Studies)
___________________________________________________________________________
Objective, scope and expected outcome of the syllabus: The main objective of this course
is to provide a detailed knowledge of Kagyupa School of Himalayan (Tibetan) Buddhissm.
Students will have a comprehensive overview of tenets and tradition studied and practiced in
monasteries and philosophical colleges (shedra) relating to Kagyupa line of Himalayan or
Tibetan Buddhism.
This course intends to familiarize our students with the historical linkage of Kagyupa
School with the ancient Siddha tradition of Mahayana Buddhism of India and acquaint them
with the vast scope of Karmapa History. The syllabus covers the subjects of ancient Yogic
and tantric tradition and their influence in Himalayan Buddhist practices. The Kagyu
monasticism and ritualism would be the major components of this syllabus. Teaching of this
course will be based on reading, discussion and Kagyu and Ka-nying monastic observation.
Unit I: Meaning and History of Foundation
a. Meaning of Kagyupa
b. Etymology of the terms bKa'-brgyud pa and dKar-brgyud pa
c. History of the foundation of Kagyupa School
Unit II: Transmissions linked with Early Indian Masters (Yogis and Siddhas)
a. Nagarjuna, Nagpopa, Lawapa, and Khando Kalpa Zangmo
b. Tilopa, Naropa, Maitripa, Kukkuripa
c. Bagishwarakirti (Pahamthingpa) and other masters from the Nepalamandala
Unit III: Tibetan Founders (Marmidagsum)
a. Marpa Lotsawa
b. Milarepa and
c. Gampopa
Unit IV: Major Branches of Kagyupa
a. The Four Major Sects (Kagyu Cheshi) including Babrom, Pagdru, Tsalpa and
Kamtsang (Karma)
b. The Eight Minor Sects (Kagyu Chungye) including Taglung, Trophu, Drugpa,
Martsang, Yerpa, Yazang, Shugseb and Drigung
c. The Three Surviving Sects of the Kagyu line: Karma, Drugpa and Drigung
d. Kagyu diaspora in the Himalayan region (demographic distribution)
Unit V: Early history of the Karma Kargyu Lineage and the foundation of
reincarnation system in Tibet
a. Etymology of the term Karmapa
b. History of Karmapas up to Sixteenth Gyalba Karmapa
c. The Seventeenth incarnation and controversy relating to the process of finding and
recognition
Unit VI: Regents or subordinating lineages of Karma Abbots
LABHS Syllabus - 15

a. The Four Major Regents-Shamar, Situ, Kongtrul and Gyaltshab

b. Shamarpa abbots and Nepal
c. Other Major disciples of the Karmapas (Pawo)
Unit VII: Unique practices, schools and texts
a.
b.
c.
d.

The Six Yogas of Naropa

Mahamudra
Major Yidams (Kagyu Ngagdzo)
Major and distinct texts of the Kagyu line

Suggested Readings
[Note: Directed Readings or Individualized Studies can be taken as optional to MBHS 604,
MBHS 606 or MBHS 607]
MBHS 605 Directed Readings/Individualized or Specialized Studies (In order to meet the
examination requirement a research paper containing minimum 30 computer printed pages of
length must be submitted by the end of academic year and the paper will be evaluated in
coordination between the college and the examination section of the university.
MBHS 510 Thesis

LABHS Syllabus - 16