A Reflection of Buddhist Heritage, ‘Kesariya & Borobudur’: A Study Based on Archaeological Investigation

Swati Kumari Singh

Bihar is the birthplace of Buddhism and the site where Siddhartha Gautama’s journey toward Nirvana (Enlightenment) began. From his ancestral roots in the Lichchhavi confederacy to his enlightenment in Bodhgaya, the state’s landscape is central to the Buddhist narrative. Beyond Bodhgaya, the Kesariya Stupa in Bihar marks the significant location where the Licchavis of Vaiśālī took leave of the Buddha on his way to Maha Parinirvāṇa. It is here that the Buddha left his alms bowl as a memento, and records suggest the stupa was built to commemorate this event. Remarkable architectural similarities exist between the Kesariya Stupa in Bihar and the Borobudur temple in Central Java, Indonesia. Both are among the world’s largest Buddhist monuments, symbolising the historical spread of Buddhism and the shared cultural heritage connecting India and Southeast Asia. Drawing on preliminary research, this presentation explores the significance of these two sites, with a focus on excavated materials held at various museums or on-site. By analysing visitor demographics and weaving historical facts with the contemporary role of museums, this talk aims to expand the narrative of global heritage and foster intercultural understanding through museum collections and excavated sites, specifically highlighting the Kesariya Stupa and Borobudur Buddhist temple.