Francis Buchanan- A Socio-Cultural History of Gaya (1811-1812)

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Gaya is a place of travellers and pilgrims since ancient time. As the word "Gaya" comes in our mind it reflects the religious sites and places of pilgrimage associated with it. It has a glorious past of ancient historical and mythological importance. Gaya is 100 Kilometers from Patna, the capital of Bihar. The city has a mix of natural surroundings, old age monuments, green landscapes and narrow streets. Henceforth the European travellers were also attracted towards the beauty of this place. They have been fascinated by the bustle and colours of Gaya.

From 1807 to 1814 under the instructions of the government of Bengal, Francis Buchanan was appointed to survey the areas within the jurisdiction of the British East India Company. In which he was asked to present his findings on the topography, geography, economy and agriculture of that area.

During his journey through Bengal he reached Gaya in 1811 and reported his findings in a separate journal called journal of the district of Patna and Gaya. He gave quite interesting information about the place in his original work during his journey of Patna and Gaya. An attempt has been made to study the socio-cultural history of Gaya during 1811-1812 under the research titled Francis Buchanan: A Socio- Cultural History of Gaya (1811-1812).

Francis Buchanan's work has been referred by many Indian and European scholars but no one has attempted to focus on the Socio- cultural History of Gaya. For the purpose of research various libraries and museum such as the Asiatic Society of West Bengal, Kolkata, National Archives of India, New Delhi, Khudabaksh Oriental library, Patna, Bihar State Archives, Patna, Archeological Survey of India Museum, Bodh Gaya and Public Oriental Library, Bodh Gaya, Indian School of Mines, Dhanbad have been visited. I got some files and papers from National Archive of India, New Delhi related to Buchanan, some are visible and some are not, which I have incorporated in Annexure 1.

Gaya, one of the largest cities of Bihar has a glorious and rich history that not only dates back centuries but also holds great political and religious significance. This is the land where Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment and founded the religion Buddhism.Gaya is known for its picturesque landscapes and beautiful temples, the city is also found mentioned in the Hindu epics Ramayana and Mahabharta. Once a part of Magadh region, this ancient city of India has been ruled by many dynasties over a span of centuries and boast of the culture that is not only confined to intellectuals but also encompasses the common people with their financial pursuits, religious ideas, moral principles and political set up.

In this study an attempt has been made to discover Gaya as a socio-cultural hub and try to explore the aspects that made this city the land of great literature, art and architecture and a prosperous economy that attracted rulers and pilgrims as well.

From Abulfazl to E.M. Forster everyone mentioned Gayaintheir writings. It was also an apple of eye for the East India Company. So they sent their surveyor to Gaya and nearby places from time to time. Rennell (1742-1830), Cunningham (1814-1893), Walter Hamilton (1856- 1879), and Kittoe (an archaeological surveyor) were sent by British East India Company to know more about the place. A famous reformer Chaitanya also visited the place in 1508 A.D as a Hindu pilgrim to offer pindas. In spite of the political changes from ancient to medieval period Buchanan found a continuity and progress in socio-cultural scenario of Gaya.

One of the earliest scholar and pilgrims to visit Gaya include Chinese Buddhists monk Fa- Hien (337-422) and Chinese scholar Hiuen -Tsang(630-645) a Chinese scholar I-Tsing(635-713) also visited the place and sought to explore the Buddhists routes of this sacred city. The English East India Company has sent Buchanan for exploration with a vision i.e. to fulfil the economic interest of British expansion.