The Impact of Mahayana Buddhism on Indian Music (1st AD -3rd AD)

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.