SOAS Research Online

Abstract

Buddhism as introduced from Ramannadesa to Pagan after Aniruddha's conquest of lower Burma, in A.D.1057 has been believed to be a pure Theravada form. Using largely epigraphic sources, this thesis proves this theory false. It also produces some evidences as to the presence of bhikkhuni - female ascetics - in the Order right up to the end of the Pagan dynasty whereas the tradition in Barma says that no woman was allowed in the Order since A.D.456. It also tries to solve the problem of the Ari whom the chronicles allege to practise jus primae noctis. Dr. C. Daroiselle connects them with Tantric Buddhism. The Ari sect or Arannavasi came into existence only in the second quarter of the thirteenth century and it was never officially suppressed. In fact it gained popular support right till the end of the Pagan dynasty. The orthodox group so tight assistance from Ceylon to arrest the sweeping success of Mahakassapa and his Arannavasi monks. This thesis also gives the architectural style of the period as described in the inscriptions. Slaves figured as an important social group in those days and therefore a chapter is entirely devoted to them. On the political aspect of the period, an almost completely new picture of the Pagan monarchy is given here. The names of the kings are in Old Burmese forms but identified. The administrative system of the period, is described as fully as possible. These form chapters one, two and three.