Pithipatis of Bodh Gaya

Pīṭhīpatis of Bodh Gaya
1120 CE–1290 CE
Approximate location of the Pithipatis (), with contemporary polities circa 1175.[1][2]
CapitalBodh Gaya
Common languagesSanskrit
Religion
Buddhism[1]
Historical eraMedieval India
• Established
1120 CE
• Disestablished
1290 CE
Preceded by
Succeeded by
Pala Empire
Delhi Sultanate

The Pīṭhīpatis of Bodh Gaya (also known as the Pithipatis of Magadha[3] or simply the Pithis) were the rulers of the area around Bodh Gaya from roughly the 11th to 13th centuries CE in the Magadha region of what is now Bihar in India. Pithi refers to the diamond throne where the Buddha was said to have gained enlightenment.[2]

The Pithipati chiefs styled themselves with the title of Acarya in addition to Pīṭhīpati.[2] Pithipati Buddhasena also termed himself as magadhādipati (ruler or lord of Magadha).[4]

The Mahabodhi temple prior to its restoration. The Pithipatis maintained authority over the temple for a period
  1. ^ a b Amar, Abhishek S. (2019). "Reassessing the Muslim Attacks and the Decline of Buddhist Monasteries in the Thirteenth Century Magadha". Encountering Buddhism and Islam in Premodern Central and South Asia: 48–75.
  2. ^ a b c Balogh, Daniel (2021). Pithipati Puzzles: Custodians of the Diamond Throne. British Museum Research Publications. pp. 40–58. ISBN 9780861592289.
  3. ^ Misra, BN (1996). "The Pithipatis of Magadha". Culture Through the Ages Prof. B.N. Puri Felicitation Volume: 145–160. ISBN 978-81-7320-019-9.
  4. ^ Sircar, D. C. (1978). "Bodhgayā Inscription of Pithipati Ācārya Buddhasena". Senarat Paranavitana Commemoration Volume: 255–256. doi:10.1163/9789004646476_033. ISBN 978-90-04-64647-6.

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