Casting the Buddha: A Monumental History of Buddhism

HISTORY LIT FEST BOOK OF THE YEAR 2026 WINNER OF THE KARWAAN BOOK AWARD 2025 'Places Buddhist monuments in a social, geographical and spiritual context' His Holiness the Dalai Lama ‘Fresh, thoughtful’ Susan L. Huntington ‘Wonderfully engaging and accessible’ Upinder Singh ‘Breathes life into Buddhist monuments’ Himanshu Prabha Ray ‘Successfully collates key case studies and theories within the archaeology of Buddhism’ Julia Shaw The story of how Buddhism set down its roots in India is enshrined within ancient stupas, temples, monasteries and caves – the silent sentinels of this enduring faith. Casting the Buddha takes the reader on a journey through the rich history of the enchanting Mahabodhi temple, intricate Sanchi stupas, Ajanta’s vibrant murals, Nalanda’s grand ruins and beyond, exploring how these spaces offered unique environments for art, philosophy, devotion and politics to intermingle. Sinha follows the trail of the Buddha’s footsteps as the latter went from enlightenment and teaching to an idea that inspired the creation of these grand monuments, blurring the lines between the history and myth of his existence. Some of these are now UNESCO World Heritage sites that draw millions of pilgrims from around the world, while also playing a key role in global politics by firmly establishing India as a guardian of Buddhism and a diplomatic ally to its Buddhist neighbours. A window into the life and times of Buddhists then and now, this comprehensive account paints a remarkable picture of how these breathtaking sites – once safe havens for kings, monks, traders and laity alike – have survived centuries of tumultuous history to tell the story of human and stone. Well-researched, insightful and richly illustrated, Casting the Buddha infuses new life into a timeless faith. ABOUT THE SERIES Combining powerful storytelling with deep, recent scholarship, the Magnificent Heritage series uses multidisciplinary approaches to showcase a fresh perspective on heritage sites, locating them in their larger geographical, sociocultural and historical contexts. Read more