A few notes on the Turk Shahi elite and Buddhism. East Asian sources and archaeology

Authors

  • Arina Mrachkovskaya HSE University student 2023 Spring – Ca’ Foscari University of Venice

Keywords:

Turk Shahi, Buddhism, Brahmanical cults, Gandhara, Kabul, Swat

Abstract

East Asian Buddhist pilgrims portrayed Turk Shahi as Buddhist rulers – they regularly made offerings, provided Buddhist feasts, built monasteries on their donations. However, archaeological evidence shows a more complex situation. Under Turk Shahi reign Brahmanical cults spread through the region, while esoteric Buddhism steadily gained popularity.

Downloads

Published

2025-03-24

Issue

Vol. 46 No. 2 (2023): Journal of Asian Civilizations

Section

Articles