Who Owns the Past? The Contestation of Mahabodhi Temple 1

A historical and philosophical analysis reveals the contested custodianship of the Mahabodhi Temple at Bodh Gaya, a site sacred to both Buddhists and Saivas. The study highlights the pivotal roles of Sister Nivedita and Anagarika Dharmapala in shaping the debate over legitimacy during the early 20th century. By examining their philosophical foundations, it identifies a syncretic approach as a potential resolution to the enduring tension between Buddhist monks and Saiva sanyasins. This work sheds light on the cultural and religious dynamics that have influenced the temple's ownership, offering insights into broader heritage management challenges.

Sengupta, G. (2024). Who Owns the Past? The Contestation of Mahabodhi Temple 1. Society and Culture in Bengal, 141–149. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003520726-11