Marathi Buddhists
Marathi Buddhists are people from the Indian state Maharashtra who follow the Buddhist religion. These people have a unique history that goes back thousands of years.
In ancient times, Maharashtra was ruled by powerful empires like the Satavahanas and the Mauryas, who were known for their patronage of Buddhism. Many Buddhist temples and monasteries were built in Maharashtra during this time.
However, around 1200 years ago, the majority of the people in Maharashtra converted to Hinduism. This was due to many factors, including the decline of Buddhism worldwide and the rise of new Hindu religious movements.
For centuries, the Buddhist religion was almost forgotten in Maharashtra. But in the 20th century, a great revival happened. A social reformer named Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, who was himself a Dalit (a caste considered lower than others), saw Buddhism as a way to liberate his people from the oppression of the caste system.
In 1956, Dr. Ambedkar converted to Buddhism along with around 500,000 followers, known as neo-Buddhists. This was a historic event that made a huge impact not only in Maharashtra, but also in other parts of India.
Today, Marathi Buddhists are a community of around 7 million people who follow the teachings of the Buddha. They have their own unique customs, traditions, and festivals. They are also actively involved in promoting social justice and equality for all people, regardless of caste or religion.
In ancient times, Maharashtra was ruled by powerful empires like the Satavahanas and the Mauryas, who were known for their patronage of Buddhism. Many Buddhist temples and monasteries were built in Maharashtra during this time.
However, around 1200 years ago, the majority of the people in Maharashtra converted to Hinduism. This was due to many factors, including the decline of Buddhism worldwide and the rise of new Hindu religious movements.
For centuries, the Buddhist religion was almost forgotten in Maharashtra. But in the 20th century, a great revival happened. A social reformer named Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, who was himself a Dalit (a caste considered lower than others), saw Buddhism as a way to liberate his people from the oppression of the caste system.
In 1956, Dr. Ambedkar converted to Buddhism along with around 500,000 followers, known as neo-Buddhists. This was a historic event that made a huge impact not only in Maharashtra, but also in other parts of India.
Today, Marathi Buddhists are a community of around 7 million people who follow the teachings of the Buddha. They have their own unique customs, traditions, and festivals. They are also actively involved in promoting social justice and equality for all people, regardless of caste or religion.