THE REVIVAL AND CULTURAL CONTINUITY OF BUDDHISM IN CONTEMPORARY WEST BENGAL: HISTORICAL TRAJECTORIES AND SOCIOCULTURAL DYNAMICS

Abstract:
Buddhism, historically rooted in the socio-cultural fabric of Bengal, has undergone significant transformations across different epochs. From its flourishing during the Pala dynasty to its decline under subsequent regimes, Buddhism in Bengal faced challenges of displacement and marginalization, particularly after the partition of 1947. In contemporary West Bengal, Buddhism is experiencing a dynamic resurgence, primarily through four interconnected trends: the propagation of Tibetan Buddhism in North Bengal, the cultural reconstruction efforts by Bengali-speaking Buddhists, the rise in Buddhist literature and socio-political awareness, and the challenges faced by monastic institutions due to a paucity of senior monks. These trends collectively represent the resilience of the Buddhist community, highlighting their commitment to preserving religious heritage amid socio-political shifts. This paper critically examines these facets through historical and contemporary lenses, analyzing the socio-cultural and political forces shaping the contemporary Buddhist identity in West Bengal.

Keywords: Buddhism in West Bengal, Tibetan Buddhism, Bengali-speaking Buddhists, Cultural preservation, Socio-political awareness, Monastic challenges, Religious. Revival.

Introduction:
The historical trajectory of Buddhism in Bengal is marked by periods of great flourishing and profound decline. Initially introduced to the region through the spiritual endeavors of Gautama Buddha, Buddhism in Bengal gained immense prominence during the Pala dynasty, which established Bengal as a center of Buddhist scholarship and monastic culture. However, subsequent political upheavals and the rise of Brahmanical dominance led to the gradual decline of Buddhism in the region. The colonial period witnessed a resurgence driven by revivalist movements and socio-religious organizations, aiming to reclaim the lost Buddhist heritage.
The partition of Bengal in 1947 marked a significant rupture in the continuity of Buddhist traditions, as Bengali-speaking Buddhists from the eastern part of Bengal (now Bangladesh) migrated to West Bengal, facing displacement and cultural fragmentation. Despite these challenges, the resilient Buddhist communities gradually reestablished their cultural and religious institutions, reinforcing their identity in their new socio-political environment.
In contemporary West Bengal, Buddhism manifests through distinct trajectories, reflecting both continuity and change. Tibetan Buddhism has gained a foothold in North Bengal, primarily due to the influx of Tibetan refugees, who have preserved their Mahayana and Vajrayana traditions in the region. Simultaneously, Bengali-speaking Buddhists have actively participated in the cultural reconstruction of their heritage, establishing Viharas and monastic institutions across Kolkata and other districts. The proliferation of Buddhist literature and the increasing socio-political awareness among Scheduled ........