Marathi book on contemporary Buddhist-Muslim relations

Marathi book on contemporary Buddhist-Muslim relations

In 2001, the Taliban demolished the world’s largest stone statues of the standing Buddha at Bamiyan, Afghanistan. This was an abbreviated replay of the destruction of Buddhism in historical times. In his book, Revolution and Counter-revolution in Ancient India, Dr. Ambedkar unambiguously held Muslim invasions responsible for the decline of Buddhism. Unfortunately, the terrible historical facts described by Ambedkar are replaying themselves in those parts of the world where Buddhists and Muslims find themselves in close proximity. Buddhist religion, culture and traditions are fighting a grim battle for survival against Islamic hegemony.

“Bauddha-Muslim sambandh: aajchya sandarbhat”(Buddhist-Muslim relations: The contemporary context) is a Marathi book dealing with the present situation in Ladakh, Chittagong (Bangladesh), Thailand and Myanmar where the Buddhists are under threat from their Muslim neighbours. While the author focuses on the contemporary situation, he also traces the history of Buddhist-Muslim conflict in these areas. Written by Pune-based endocrinologist, social activist and author Dr. Shreerang Godbole, the book is a valuable contribution to a subject that has received scant attention. The 143-page Marathi book is remarkable for its several references, footnotes, tables, maps and illustrations. It also gives a glossary of several Buddhist and Islamic terms. The book is fittingly dedicated to Col. Chhewang Rinchen, Mahavir Chakra, Bar, Sena Medal, the Buddhist war hero from Ladakh who remains the youngest ever recipient of the Maha Vir Chakra and also one of the few soldiers to be thus decorated twice.

Speaking in New Delhi on 23 October 1956, Dr. Ambedkar remarked that he was writing a book on the Islamic destruction of Buddhism in historical times. Unfortunately, he died shortly thereafter. In its own way, the book fulfills an unfinished task of Dr. Ambedkar. It should serve as an eye-opener to Dalit and Buddhist politicians who dream of forging political alliances with Muslims.

Bauddha-Muslim Sambandh: Aajchya sandarbhaat (Marathi for Buddhist-Muslim relations: The contemporary context); Dr. Shreerang Arvind Godbole, Takshashila Prabodhini, Gadchiroli (Maharashtra); p. 143, Rs. 50/-.

For copies contact Bharatiya Vichar Sadhana Pune Prakashan, Bhavisa Bhavan; 1214/1215, Sadashiv Peth;Perugate Bhave School; Pune 411030. Tel no. 020-24487225