Buddhism in Bengal: Rise, Flourishing, Transformation, and Decline

Bengal occupies a unique position in the history of Indian Buddhism. Although Buddhism originated in the middle Gangetic valley, Bengal emerged as one of its most significant centers of growth, intellectual activity, and cultural transformation. From the Mauryan period onward, Buddhism gradually spread throughout the region and received substantial patronage from various dynasties, particularly the Palas (eighth–twelfth centuries CE). During this period, Bengal became a major center of Mahayana and Vajrayana Buddhism, producing distinguished scholars, monastic institutions, and literary works that influenced the Buddhist world from Tibet to Southeast Asia. The establishment of great monasteries such as Somapura Mahavihara and Jagaddala Mahavihara transformed Bengal into a leading center of Buddhist learning. However, the decline of Buddhism resulted from a combination of political, social, religious, and economic factors, including the withdrawal of royal patronage, the resurgence of Brahmanical traditions, and the Turkish invasions of eastern India. This paper examines the historical development of Buddhism in Bengal from its early beginnings to its eventual decline while assessing its enduring cultural and intellectual legacy.