ARH 382 - ID List 4

ARH 382
ART OF THE SILK ROAD
WINTER 2004

ID Lists

ID List 4

Geography:
Bamiyan A valley in present-day north-central Afghanistan which was one of the most important Buddhist pilgrimage centers of the Gandharan Buddhist world. Two enormous statues of Buddha were carved into the cliffs surrounding the valley. They were destroyed in March, 2001.

Gandhara An ancient region known for its mixture of cultures and peoples located in present-day northern Pakistan (Peshawar, Swat and Kabul rivers). The territory was controlled by various groups throughout its long history, but under the Mauryan dynasty (of Asoka and Kanishka) Buddhism migrated from this region to Central Asia.

Hadda A site in northern Afghanistan (near Jalalabad) with the remainders of many Buddhist monasteries (1st c. BCE - 8th c. CE). Its sculptural style fuses Indian and Iranian elements.

Taxila A key city of Gandhara (near Rawalapindi, Pakistan) where copious architectural and sculptural remains of Buddhist communities attest to a once flourishing center of religion (5th c. BCE - 7th c. CE). (Lit. "city of cut stone")

Buddhism:
Jatakas
Vessantara Jataka - perhaps the most significant of Buddha's earlier reincarnations (figured as the Prince Vessantra) because it proceeded his manifestation as the historical Buddha. The story revolves upon the theme of generosity. (For plot, please see lecture notes of 20 January)

Mahajanaka Jataka - another one of the later incarnations of Buddha (this time as a young prince) during which asceticism and withdrawal from the world promote the successive karmic lives. (For plot, please see lecture notes of 20 January)

Faxian (Fa Hsien) - (active 399 - 413 CE) Buddhist monk and Chinese pilgrim who traveled to India across Central Asia and returned to China after a harrowing journey by sea. His Record of Buddhist Kingdoms (Foguoji) is a valuable primary source for the study of Central Asia. His name means literally "Splendor of the Dharma."

Xuanzang (Hsuan-tsang) - (602 - 664 CE) Buddhist monk, Chinese pilgrim and famous translator of Buddhist sutras who traveled to India across Central Asia and returned to China via the sea route (629 - 644 CE). His Records of the Western Regions of the Great Tang Dynasty (Dafang Xiyu Ji) is a valuable primary source for the study of Central Asia.

Bamiyan	A valley in present-day north-central Afghanistan which was one of the most important Buddhist pilgrimage centers of the Gandharan Buddhist world. Two enormous statues of Buddha were carved into the cliffs surrounding the valley. They were destroyed in March, 2001.
Gandhara	An ancient region known for its mixture of cultures and peoples located in present-day northern Pakistan (Peshawar, Swat and Kabul rivers). The territory was controlled by various groups throughout its long history, but under the Mauryan dynasty (of Asoka and Kanishka) Buddhism migrated from this region to Central Asia.
Hadda	A site in northern Afghanistan (near Jalalabad) with the remainders of many Buddhist monasteries (1st c. BCE - 8th c. CE). Its sculptural style fuses Indian and Iranian elements.
Taxila	A key city of Gandhara (near Rawalapindi, Pakistan) where copious architectural and sculptural remains of Buddhist communities attest to a once flourishing center of religion (5th c. BCE - 7th c. CE). (Lit. "city of cut stone")

Jatakas	Vessantara Jataka - perhaps the most significant of Buddha's earlier reincarnations (figured as the Prince Vessantra) because it proceeded his manifestation as the historical Buddha. The story revolves upon the theme of generosity. (For plot, please see lecture notes of 20 January) Mahajanaka Jataka - another one of the later incarnations of Buddha (this time as a young prince) during which asceticism and withdrawal from the world promote the successive karmic lives. (For plot, please see lecture notes of 20 January)
Faxian (Fa Hsien) - (active 399 - 413 CE)	Buddhist monk and Chinese pilgrim who traveled to India across Central Asia and returned to China after a harrowing journey by sea. His Record of Buddhist Kingdoms (Foguoji) is a valuable primary source for the study of Central Asia. His name means literally "Splendor of the Dharma."
Xuanzang (Hsuan-tsang) - (602 - 664 CE)	Buddhist monk, Chinese pilgrim and famous translator of Buddhist sutras who traveled to India across Central Asia and returned to China via the sea route (629 - 644 CE). His Records of the Western Regions of the Great Tang Dynasty (Dafang Xiyu Ji) is a valuable primary source for the study of Central Asia.