Abstract:
The basis of this project is to identify how Mahayana Buddhism has been impacted in a positive
way to develop Indian music. Many researchers have generally examined the combination of
Hinduism and Indian music from Vedic to Modern Period. However, they do not pursue
fundamental ideologies about Buddhist evidences on the Indian music of the ancient period.
Apparently, Buddhist literature- JATAKA stories in particular, Buddhist sculptures and
inscriptions provide evidence supporting the impact of Buddhism on Indian music. This
particular concept is contradictory to the Theravada Buddhist concept since it did not encourage
the adherents to engage in music i.e. ‘geeta- vaadita’ which were considered derogatory and
were forbidden by the precepts. It is the Mahayana Buddhism that changed the prevailing
attitude and as a result the ceremonies with singing and playing instruments connected with
Buddhism became popular. Therefore, the present study focuses on identifying the various
aspects and factors of Mahayana Buddhism that stimulated the Indian music during the ancient
period (1st AD-3rd AD). The study involves a survey of literature and examination of
archaeological evidence.
