How Buddhism Was Erased from India: The Truth Behind Its Decline

Buddhism

Buddhism was systematically erased from India through violent persecution, the destruction of monasteries, and its absorption into Brahminical traditions. Rulers like the Shungas suppressed Buddhist influence, while later invasions wiped out key centers like Nalanda. Over time, Hinduism rebranded Buddhist teachings, leaving its legacy buried in history.

The Golden Era of Buddhism Rule in India

A long time ago, around 800-900 CE, India was a prosperous Buddhist kingdom. At that time, Buddhist rulers governed the country. The capital of this kingdom was Pataliputra. The foundation of this Buddhist state is credited to the great emperor Ashoka, who spread Buddhism across the world. After him, his descendants continued to promote the religion.

In Ashoka’s lineage, there were a total of ten kings, and the last ruler was Brihadratha. During Brihadratha’s reign, there was no caste-based discrimination in society. The country followed a system of equality, brotherhood, and justice, which made it famous across the world.

Equality and Justice in the Buddhist Era

During Brihadratha’s reign, Indian society was free from caste-based discrimination. The nation was known for equality, brotherhood, and justice, making it famous worldwide. The social structure and city planning were highly developed. Superstition and blind faith had disappeared. At that time, India was considered a world leader. Westerners came to India to learn from its governance system and implemented these ideas in their own countries. This was truly the golden age of India.

India as a World Leader During Buddhist Rule

During the rule of Buddhist kings, India had a well-organized social structure and advanced city planning. Superstitions and blind faith had almost disappeared. At that time, the world recognized India as a global leader. People from the West came to India to learn from its system and implemented these ideas in their own countries.

Truly, this era can be called the “Golden Age” of India, making it worthy of the title “Sone Ki Chidiya” .

The Decline of Brahminical Supremacy

With the end of religious hypocrisy and rituals, the Brahminical system started to weaken. Earlier, Brahmins enjoyed free food, wealth, and power in the name of religion. They wanted to maintain their superiority over society.

However, people began leaving Brahminism and turning towards Buddhism, which was based on humanity and equality. Brahmins had ruled through oppression and discrimination, but as people became aware, they started questioning their authority.

Scientific Thinking and Awareness

Buddhism encouraged reasoning and scientific thinking among people. The indigenous people of India (SC, ST, OBC, and tribal communities) became aware that Brahmins were foreigners. As a result, people started questioning Brahmin supremacy and moving away from their religious influence. The Buddhist administration ensured justice and equality for all. Under Buddhist rule, society was based on equality and justice, ensuring fairness for all. This worried the Brahmins, as they feared losing their false superiority and outdated rules.

The Conspiracy to End Buddhist Rule

To save their Brahminical religion, the Brahmins conspired against the Buddhist king Brihadratha. Brahmins from all over the country gathered and planned to assassinate the king.

They entrusted this task to Pushyamitra Shunga, the commander of Brihadratha’s army. He strategically placed his loyal soldiers in the palace to ensure an easy execution of the plan.

In an open court, Pushyamitra killed Brihadratha, seized Pataliputra, and declared himself king. The Brahminical conspiracy succeeded, and their rule was re-established over the country.

The Persecution of Buddhists

After taking power, the Brahmins started oppressing the followers of Buddhism. Millions of Buddhist monks were forced to convert, and those who refused were killed.

Many Buddhist monks were forced to flee the country, while those who stayed in India were pushed into the caste system.

The indigenous people of India were divided into castes, and Buddhist scriptures were destroyed to ensure that no one could rise against Brahminical rule again.

how buddhism erased from india
The Creation of the Ramayana Myth

After completely suppressing Buddhism, Pushyamitra Shunga ordered his poet Valmiki to write a story that would immortalize his name.

Valmiki gave him the name Ram and wrote the Ramayana.

Historical evidence suggests that the festival of Diwali was first celebrated to mark the assassination of King Brihadratha, and Rama was actually a symbolic representation of Pushyamitra.

Supreme Court’s View on the Ramayana

It is important to note that the Supreme Court of India, in the case of “Sachi Ramayana vs. Ramayana,” stated that the Ramayana is a fictional story. However, Brahmins continue to promote it as historical truth.

Demonization of Indigenous People

Brahminical texts deliberately portrayed the term “Asura” negatively. Brahminical forces labeled the indigenous people of India as demons to oppress the SC, ST, OBC, and tribal communities. Many fabricated stories were created, such as:

  • The lighting of lamps to celebrate Rama’s return after defeating Ravana.
  • The Pandavas returning to Hastinapur and people celebrating with lamps.
  • Goddess Lakshmi emerging from the churning of the ocean and marrying Vishnu, leading to celebrations.
  • Goddess Kali emerging from Goddess Durga’s forehead and killing Asuras, leading to celebrations.
Western Scholars on Brahminical Myths

American anthropologist McKim Marriott has stated that Brahminical traditions have wrongly depicted Asuras in a negative light.

The Truth About Buddha and Diwali

Some believe that seven years after attaining enlightenment, Gautama Buddha visited Kapilavastu on Kartik Amavasya (Diwali). However, Buddhist texts (Tripitaka) clearly state that Siddhartha attained enlightenment on Vaishakh Purnima. He gave his first sermon on Ashadha Purnima in Sarnath and spent his first monsoon retreat there. Until Kartik Purnima, he remained in Sarnath, spreading the message of humanity. After that, he went to Magadha for further teachings, not to Kapilavastu. Therefore, the claim that Buddha visited Kapilavastu on Kartik Amavasya is incorrect.

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