Buddhist Studies

The main aim of this course is to provide a multi-disciplinary approach by exploring the origins, development and diffusion of Buddhist art and archaeology along the maritime and overland trade routes chronologically and geographically through the combined study of archaeological records (excavations, pottery, glass, seals, coins, etc.) and key religious texts and epigraphy. This course will attempt to show how the spread of Buddhism from South Asia to Southeast Asia is closely connected with the growth of the maritime and overland networks based on trade that facilitated the movement of Buddhist merchants, travelling monks and teachers.