ShodhPatra: International Journal of Science and Humanities

History of Buddhism in Myanmar: A Study of Ancient Sri Ksetra

This study traces an intriguing history of urbanization focusing on the ancient Sri Ksetra city in Myanmar. The main purpose of this paper is to explore prehistoric and historical heritage in terms of art, Buddhist culture and literature focusing on the Sri Ksetra urban center which could be located in the first millennium CE. By so doing, the main focuses has been devoted to Buddhist cultural remains of Sri Ksetra which reflect core values of Buddhism. 1 The main formulation this paper develops is that Srikśetra 2 site has been an important archaeological source in Myanmar which provides fascinating details on the cultural and spiritual heritage. Sri Kśetra literally derived Sanskrit word that is to be divided into two Sri+ Kśtra it means Royal Place or full of auspicious. 3 The site of Sri Ksetra, provides significant details about various aspects and the evolutionary trajectory of Buddhism in Myanmar. The main premise this paper puts forward is that Sri Ksetra urban center happens to be one of the important centers for Buddhist culture and demonstrates the relationship between political history and the history of Buddhism in Myanmar.