Inscription on Buddhapada from Andhra Pradesh: Evidence of Vibhajjavāda Sect of Buddhism

Abstract

         The purpose of this article is to use epigraphical theory to examine an inscription on Buddhapāda from Andhra Pradesh, India, dated to the third century AD. The study examines the inscription in five contexts: script, language, shape, location and content.
     The analysis reveals that the inscription was engraved in the Viṣṇukundina dynasty’s Southern Brahmī script in the Prakrit language, which is very similar to Pāli. The inscription is on a stone in the shape of Buddhapāda or Buddha’s footprint, that was discovered at the Mahāvihara or Great temple in Nagarajunakonda. The inscription’s content reflects the existence of the Vibhajjavāda sect of Buddhism, which later evolved into the Theravāda sect. It also illustrates the sect’s relationship with the Mahāvihara School in Sri Lanka. Additionally, the content demonstrates the historical connection with Buddhist missionaries sent by king Ashoka. Through the pair of Buddhapāda and Amaravati motifs discovered in Prachinburi, this discovery demonstrates the presence of Buddhism in Thailand, since according to a 14th century inscription, Amaravati was still a place of pilgrimage for Buddhist monks from Thailand during the Sukhothai period.