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Abstract
India and Mongolia have shared a Cordial relation since Ancient times due to its shared cultural legacy. Buddhism has played a pivot role in defining this ancient cultural connection between these two countries. There are many evidences, oral narratives and folklores that reverberates the advent of reaching of Buddhism in different parts of Asia. However, there is no written archival work that would/might provide us with the historical beginning of Buddhism in Mongolia albeit there is an existence of some research on the origin of Buddhism in Mongolia by eminent scholars like Shagdaryn Bira and L.Khurelbaatar. One can also find some references regarding the origin of Buddhism in the written records of Gandantekcheling Monastery in Mongolia[1]. According to the available records, roots of Buddhism dates back to 4th century with the beginning of cultural exchange between Chinese civilization and Mongolians. Some historians opine that the influence of Buddhism touched the territory of Yenisei region by the end of 7th century.[2] One can find further evidences on Buddhism and its influences in the Buddhist monasteries and Chinese inscription found in the ancient monuments of Yenisei region.[3]This study attempts to do a historical and analytical study on the status of Buddhism in the past and modern day Mongolia. This study would explore the origin, and various facets related to rise and influence of Buddhism in the land of Mongolia.
[1]OidovNyamdavaa (2003), “Mongolia-India Relations”, Bhavana Books & Prints, New Delhi, p.18
[2] ibid
[3] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S187704281401338X
https://medcraveonline.com/AHOAJ/AHOAJ-02-00087.pdf