Sacred Monastic Life in Bengal: Buddhism and Its Influence on Early Medieval Bengal

Author: Chandrani Roy

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Abstract: This study explores the development of Buddhist monasticism in Bengal during the Pāla Dynasty (750–1179 AD) and its profound influence on the cultural, intellectual, and spiritual landscape of early medieval Bengal. The Pāla rulers’ patronage of Buddhism led to the flourishing of major monastic institutions such as Nalanda, Vikramashila, and Odantapuri, which played a pivotal role in spreading Mahāyāna and Tantric Buddhist teachings to neighboring regions like Tibet, China, and Southeast Asia. This study examines the role of Bengali monastic life in shaping local cultural identities, particularly through architectural design, ritual practices, and intellectual exchange. The research draws on a combination of historical records, archaeological findings, and textual analysis to investigate the lasting impact of Bengal’s Buddhist monastic culture on the broader Buddhist world and its contribution to the region’s cultural heritage.

Keywords: Bengal, Mahāyāna, , Nalanda, Vikramashila, Odantapuri, Buddhist Architecture, Cultural Identity,  Buddhist Influence.

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