The Bhilsa Topes Buddhist Monuments of Central India

Contents: Introductory note. Preface. List of plates. 1. Introduction. 2. Life of Sakya. 3. Faith of Sakya. 4. First Synod. 5. Chronology. 6. Second Synod. 7. Buddhist Schisms. 8. Progress of Buddhism. 9. Reign of Asoka. 10. Third Synod. 11. Rise and fall of the Indo-Scythians. 12. The Gupta dynasty -- decline and fall of Buddhism. 13. Building and dedication of Topes. 14. Sanchi Topes. 15. Description of the Sanchi Bas-Reliefs. 16. Inscriptions -- No. I Tope -- Sanchi. 17. Opening of this Sanchi Tope No. 1. 18. No. 2 Tope -- Sanchi. 19. Inscriptions -- No. 2 Tope -- Sanchi. 20. Opening of No. 2 Tope -- Sanchi. 21. No. 3 Tope -- Sanchi. 22. Sonari Topes. 23. No. 2 Tope -- Sonari. 24. Topes of Satdhara. 25. Topes at Bhojpue. 26. Andher Topes. 27. Symbols of Buddha, Dharma and Sangha. Appendix. Index.

"There are several Buddhist remains and monuments within about 20 km radius of Vidisha in Madhya Pradesh. Of these, Sanchi is the most famous and best known primarily because of the magnificence of the monuments, notwithstanding the fact that there are several other Buddhist monuments in the area which are no less important. Perhaps it could be due to their rather dilapidated condition and location in remote, out-of-the way spots. These monuments are located at Sonari, Satdhara, Murelkhurd and Bawalia-Hakeemkhedi, all in Raisen district of Madhya Pradesh. Alexander Cunningham has described these monuments in the present volume, The Bhilsa Topes, which was originally published in 1854.

This work is the first serious attempt to trace Buddhist history through its architectural remains. It also provides a historical account of the rise, progress and decline of Buddhism; the life and faith of Sakya; the synods; Buddhist schisms; the reign of Asoka; the symbols of Buddha, Dharma and Sangha and many other important facets of Buddhism.

This reprint of The Bhisla Topes is being presented in a new format while retaining the original text and illustrations. Another additional feature of the present volume are some recent photographs of monuments described by Cunningham. Long out of print, this seminal work remains most useful for researchers." (jacket)