Description
This groundbreaking work challenges conventional understanding of ancient Indian civilization by revealing a distinct cultural region called Greater Magadha. Johannes Bronkhorst, a leading scholar of Indian philosophy and religion, meticulously demonstrates how this region in eastern India—spanning modern Bihar and parts of Uttar Pradesh—developed independently from the dominant Vedic culture. The book offers compelling evidence that Buddhism and Jainism emerged not as reactions against Vedic Brahmanism, but as organic expressions of Greater Magadha’s unique intellectual and spiritual traditions. Essential for serious students of Indian history, this scholarly yet accessible work reshapes our grasp of how India’s most influential religious movements actually arose. Whether you’re researching ancient Indian religions, comparative philosophy, or the historical roots of Buddhism and Jainism, this volume provides unprecedented insights backed by rigorous textual analysis and archaeological evidence.
- Publisher : Motilal Banarsidass Publishers Private Limited; 1st edition (1 January 2013); Motilal Banarsidass Publishers Private Limited
- Language : English
- Hardcover : 433 pages
- ISBN-10 : 8120835344
- ISBN-13 : 978-8120835344
- Item Weight : 511 g
- Country of Origin : India
- Importer : Motilal Banarsidass Publishers Private Limited
- Packer : Motilal Banarsidass Publishers Private Limited
- Generic Name : Book
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the author of Greater Magadha?
Greater Magadha is written by Johannes Bronkhorst, an eminent scholar specializing in Indian philosophy, Buddhism, and Sanskrit studies. He is Professor Emeritus at the University of Lausanne and has authored numerous acclaimed works on ancient Indian intellectual history.
What is Greater Magadha about?
Greater Magadha explores a distinct cultural region in ancient eastern India where Buddhism and Jainism originated. Bronkhorst argues these religions developed from indigenous Greater Magadhan traditions rather than as reactions to Vedic culture, fundamentally reinterpreting early Indian religious history.
Is Greater Magadha suitable for beginners in Indian history?
While accessible to dedicated readers, this is a scholarly work best suited for those with some background in Indian history or religious studies. It’s essential reading for university students, researchers, and serious enthusiasts of ancient Indian civilization and Buddhist-Jain studies.
Where can I buy Greater Magadha book in India?
You can buy Greater Magadha online at The Bookish Owl for ₹795 with fast delivery across India. Published by Motilal Banarsidass, this hardcover edition contains 433 pages of rigorous scholarship on ancient Indian culture.
How does Greater Magadha differ from other books on Buddhism and Jainism?
Unlike conventional accounts that view Buddhism and Jainism as protests against Brahmanical traditions, Bronkhorst presents original evidence that these religions emerged from Greater Magadha’s independent cultural matrix. This paradigm-shifting approach offers fresh perspectives on the origins of India’s major religious movements.
