question_answer

Why were the Europeans during the nineteenth century interested in the Stupas? Give two reasons.

Answer:

The European Interest in Stupa:

There are several reasons. The main reason was the gold artifacts found near the stupas.

The second reason was to trace the history of Buddhist India.

According to the letter written by Cunningham, about his interest in stupas:

(1) One reason was numismatics as he fould several gold coins and artifacts while excavating stupas.

(2) Second reason was he wanted to trace the history of Buddhism, compare it with Brahminism and wanted to make the task of the missionaries easier.