Tracing Bengal’s Roots: Archaeological and Textual Evidence Affirm Hinduism’s Ancient Origins Over Buddhism

Recently, when we stated that Sanatan Dharma, or Hinduism, is the true cultural heritage of Bengal, certain so-called intellectuals began promoting the idea that Buddhism is older than Hinduism in Bengal. However, this is not true.

Let’s start with religious texts:

The Ramayana and Mahabharata both mention Vanga and  Pundra, referring to their inhabitants as Kshatriya Shrestha (the noble Kshatriyas).

On the other hand, The first definite reference to Vanga as an important centre of Buddhism occurs in a Nagērjuni-konda inscription which may be dated in the 3rd to 4th century A.D. 

Next, let’s consider archaeological evidence:

According to R.C. Majumder:

- The earliest Buddhist image found in Bengal is a standing Buddha from Bihrail (Rajshahi), now housed in the Rajshahi Museum. It dates to the early 5th century CE.

- The presence of Buddhism in North Bengal in the 2nd century BCE can be inferred from two votive inscriptions at Sanchi, which record gifts from two inhabitants of Punavadhana (often identified with Pundravardhana).[name of the man was Rishinandan]

 However, it’s worth noting, as Majumder states, that donors to a Buddhist stupa were not necessarily Buddhists. For instance, the Paharpur Copper Plate records gifts to a Jain vihara from a Brahmin and his wife.

● Must be noted, however, that Bengal is not included in the various centres of Theravāda Buddhism in India from which, according to Mahāvamsa, the leading Theras went over to Ceylon to attend the ceremony of consecration of the Mahastupa erected by king Duttha-gãmaņi in the frst century B.C

》Here a special note ,around 80s a rumor spread that Mahasthan inscription of 2nd century Bc mentioned about thervadi Buddhism it's debunked by Archeological department of Bangladesh the text mentioned "Samgvangiyas" may be a rural tribe or Area.

       বাংলার ক্ষেত্রে খ্রিস্টপূর্ব তৃতীয় শতকে মহাস্থানগড়ের (এখন বাংলাদেশের বগুড়া) শিলালিপি মিলেছে। তাতে ব্রাহ্মী লিপিতে সংবঙ্গীয় (সম্যক রূপে বঙ্গীয়) শব্দটি তাৎপর্যবাহী বলে ধরছেন গবেষকেরা

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Now, let’s examine archaeological evidence of Sanatan Dharma:

- A Kartikey deity statue over 1900 years old has been found.

- The Tighor Vishnu statue dates back to the 4th century CE.

- Numerous deities, such as Vishnu and Goddess Durga, have been found from the 3rd to 4th centuries BCE in Bengal.

Next, we come to the two oldest archaeological sites in Bengal: Chandraketugarh and Wari-Bateshwar.

According to an archaeological survey by IIT Kharagpur:

- Ancient Chandraketugarh was mainly dominated by Brahmanical (Hindu) practices. Inscriptions on clay seals refer to Dwijas (people of Brahmanical caste).

In Wari-Bateshwar, Bangladeshi archaeologists have noted:

- The religious beliefs of the Wari-Bateshwar people, as suggested by symbols depicted on a quern, indicate the prevalence of Hinduism." The ring stone found there also has religious connotations, pointing to Hindu beliefs. The study found no evidence of Buddhism in Wari-Bateshwar.

Thus, evidence suggests that it’s very difficult to establish Buddhism in Bengal before the 3rd century CE, whereas Hinduism can be traced back more than 2600 years.

Not only this, but even historians like Niharranjan Ray, who believe in the Aryan Invasion theory, have admitted that the pre-Aryan culture of Bengal included the worship of Bhagwan Shiva, the celebration of Holi, Chadak, Nil Shashti, Surya Puja, and various types of Vratas. This also demonstrates that Hinduism is the ethnic and original culture of Bengal.

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