DOI: 10.30792/2949-5768-2024-9-58-65
KHASHA BUDDHIST HERITAGE: SCOPE AND CHALLENGES
Manik Ratna Shakya – Doctor of Philosophy, Professor, Dean of Lumbini Buddhist University (Lumbini, Nepal).
E-mail: manik.shakya@lbu.edu.np.
The Khasha Kingdom was famous for its ancient Buddhist history and architecture. King Nagaraja, who came from Khari Province, currently located in China, founded the Khasha Kingdom in the 12th century. According to historical and archaeological records existing at this site, the country was renowned for Buddhism and Buddhist heritage. However, at present, only a few Buddhist monuments remain, which are in critical condition; Buddhism has almost disappeared from these places. Some of the remarkable and significant Buddhist heritages of this site are Kānkre Bihar (Buddhist monastery), Pātharnauli (stupa including images of five Buddhas), Pādukāsthāna (footprint of Buddha), etc. The article explores the historical significance of Buddhism and its heritage of the Khasha Kingdom. It highlights the current status of Buddhist heritage, its scope, and challenges. Analytical and descriptive methods were applied, and primary and secondary sources were studied in writing this article.
KHASHA BUDDHIST HERITAGE: SCOPE AND CHALLENGES
Manik Ratna Shakya
Khasha Kingdom was famous for ancient Buddhist history and architecture. King Nagaraja, who came from Khari Province, located in China at present, established the Khasha kingdom around the 12th century. Based on the historical and archeological records existing at the place, this country was renowned for Buddhism and Buddhist heritage; however, at present, there are just a few remaining Buddhist heritages that are in critical condition; Buddhism is almost collapsed from those places. Some of the remarkable and significant Buddhist heritage of that place is Kānkre Bihar (Buddhist Monastery). Pātharnauli (Stupa including images of five Buddhas), Pādukāsthāna (Foot print of Buddha), etc. This paper explores the historical significance of Buddhism and its heritage as Khasha Kingsom. It also highlights the present status of Buddhist heritage and its scope and challenges. Analytical and descriptive methods have been applied, and primary and secondary sources have been consulted to draft this paper.
