Bodh Gaya Protests

Nearly 100 Buddhist monks initiated protests led by the All India Buddhist Forum (AIBF) at Bodh Gaya. Their primary demand is the repeal of the Bodh Gaya Temple Act (BTA) of 1949. This act has been a source of contention for decades. The protests have garnered support from various Buddhist organisations and have included formal appeals to the Bihar government.

Historical Significance of Bodh Gaya

Bodh Gaya is a critical site in Buddhism, known as the location of Gautama Buddha’s enlightenment. It is one of four sacred Buddhist sites, alongside Lumbini, Sarnath, and Kusinagar. Historically, it has been a pilgrimage destination since the time of Emperor Ashoka in the third century. The site has attracted numerous scholars and pilgrims, including the Chinese traveller Hiuen Tsang in the 7th century.

The Bodh Gaya Temple Act of 1949

The BTA established a management committee for the temple, comprising equal numbers of Buddhists and Hindus. However, the local district magistrate serves as the ex-officio chairperson, which has led to a Hindu majority. This arrangement has sparked resentment among Buddhist communities, who seek greater autonomy over temple management.

Previous Protests and Legal Actions

Protests by Buddhist monks are not new. In November 2023, a rally was held in Gaya, followed by a larger demonstration in Patna. Additionally, a writ petition was filed in 2012 with the Supreme Court to challenge the BTA. However, this petition remains unheard.

Government Interventions and Revisions

The Bihar government passed the BTA to settle disputes between Buddhist and Hindu factions regarding temple control. Initially, the act stipulated that the district magistrate must be from the Hindu community. This was amended in 2013 to allow for a chairperson of any faith. Past attempts to replace the BTA with the Bodh Gaya Mahvihara Bill have also faltered, leaving the current management structure in place.

Impact of Historical Changes

The control of Bodh Gaya has shifted over the centuries, especially following the invasion of Bakhtiyar Khilji in the 13th century, which marked the decline of Buddhism in the region. The establishment of a Hindu mutt in 1590 further altered the temple’s management. Despite these changes, Bodh Gaya remains a focal point of Buddhist identity and heritage.

Current Situation and Future Prospects

The ongoing protests reflect deep-rooted issues regarding religious representation and management of sacred sites. The AIBF’s actions indicate push for recognition and autonomy within the broader context of Indian secularism and religious plurality.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Critically discuss the implications of the Bodh Gaya Temple Act on Buddhist community autonomy.
2. Examine the historical significance of Bodh Gaya in the context of Buddhism’s spread in Asia.
3. Analyse the role of government intervention in religious site management in India.
4. Estimate the impact of historical events on the current religious dynamics in Bodh Gaya.

Answer Hints:

1. Critically discuss the implications of the Bodh Gaya Temple Act on Buddhist community autonomy.

1. The BTA established a management committee with equal representation, but the ex-officio chairperson being a district magistrate often leads to Hindu dominance.
2. This structure has caused resentment among Buddhists, who feel their autonomy over the temple is compromised.
3. Protests highlight the demand for self-governance and the right to manage their sacred site without external influence.
4. Legal actions, including a writ petition, reflect ongoing struggles for autonomy and recognition of Buddhist rights.
5. Amendments to the Act have not sufficiently addressed the concerns of the Buddhist community.

2. Examine the historical significance of Bodh Gaya in the context of Buddhism’s spread in Asia.

1. Bodh Gaya is the site of Gautama Buddha’s enlightenment, making it a very important pilgrimage destination for Buddhists.
2. Emperor Ashoka’s patronage in the third century helped establish Bodh Gaya as a major center of Buddhist worship.
3. Hiuen Tsang’s 7th-century visit puts stress on its importance in ancient Buddhist scholarship and pilgrimage.
4. The site has served as a symbol of Buddhist identity and heritage throughout history, influencing the spread of Buddhism across Asia.
5. Despite historical challenges, Bodh Gaya remains a beacon for Buddhist teachings and cultural exchange.

3. Analyse the role of government intervention in religious site management in India.

1. Government intervention aims to resolve disputes between different religious communities for control over sacred sites.
2. The BTA was enacted to mediate conflicts between Buddhists and Hindus regarding the Mahabodhi Temple’s management.
3. State amendments have attempted to create a more inclusive governance structure, but issues persist regarding representation.
4. Past legislative efforts, like the Bodh Gaya Mahvihara Bill, highlight the complexities of religious management in a secular state.
5. Government actions reflect broader themes of religious plurality and secularism in India’s diverse society.

4. Estimate the impact of historical events on the current religious dynamics in Bodh Gaya.

1. The decline of Buddhism post-Bakhtiyar Khilji’s invasion shifted control to Hindu communities, altering the temple’s management.
2. The establishment of a Hindu mutt in 1590 marked change in the religious landscape of Bodh Gaya.
3. Historical events have encourageed a sense of loss among Buddhists, contributing to current demands for autonomy and recognition.
4. Continuing protests reflect the enduring legacy of these historical shifts and their impact on contemporary religious identities.
5. About these dynamics is crucial for addressing the ongoing tensions and encouraging coexistence in the region.