CURRENT AFFAIRS
CURRENT AFFAIRS
Description
At the beginning of 2024, around 100 Buddhist monks associated with the All India Buddhist Forum (AIBF) staged demonstrations at the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya, Bihar. Their primary demand was the revocation of the Bodh Gaya Temple Act (BTA) of 1949, which governs the administration of the temple. The monks argue that the Act unfairly limits Buddhist control over the sacred site.
Understanding Bodh Gaya Temple Act, 1949
The BTA was introduced to regulate the administration of the Mahabodhi Temple through an eight-member management committee. The Act mandates equal representation for Hindus and Buddhists in the committee. However, a key point of contention is that the District Magistrate (DM) serves as the ex-officio chairperson. Since DMs have traditionally been from the Hindu community, many Buddhist groups view this as an imbalance in governance.
Historical Background
The Mahabodhi Temple has its origins in the 3rd century BCE when Emperor Ashoka commissioned its construction. It is one of Buddhism’s four holiest sites, alongside Lumbini (Buddha’s birthplace), Sarnath (where he delivered his first sermon), and Kusinagar (where he attained nirvana). The temple remained a major center for Buddhist worship until the Pala dynasty’s rule. However, Buddhism’s influence declined following Bakhtiyar Khilji’s invasions in the 13th century.
By 1590, a Hindu monk established the Bodh Gaya Mutt, resulting in Hindu custodianship of the temple. This led to centuries of Buddhist efforts to regain control of the site.
Key Provisions Of Bodh Gaya Temple Act
The Act established an eight-member management committee with equal representation for Hindus and Buddhists.
The district magistrate (DM) of Gaya serves as the chairperson of the committee, a provision that has faced criticism from Buddhist groups.
Monks and Buddhist organizations have been advocating for full autonomy over the temple’s administration.
Government Responses And Legal Efforts
The BTA was originally enacted to resolve longstanding disputes between Buddhist and Hindu religious groups. In 2013, an amendment allowed the DM to be of any religious background, but Buddhist organizations continue to demand exclusive management rights.
During the early 1990s, the Bihar government introduced the Bodh Gaya Mahavihara Bill, which proposed handing over full control to Buddhists. However, the bill never became law.
Importance Of Mahabodhi Temple
The Mahabodhi Temple is one of the most revered sites in Buddhism as it marks the location where Siddhartha Gautama attained Enlightenment. The temple complex includes the sacred Bodhi Tree, the Vajrasana (Diamond Throne), and a grand statue of Buddha. Due to its spiritual and historical significance, UNESCO designated it as a World Heritage Site in 2002.
Previous Protests And Legal Actions
The 2024 protests are part of a broader movement. In November 2023, Buddhist monks had organized rallies and submitted petitions to the central and Bihar state governments, but their concerns remained unaddressed.
Additionally, in 2012, a writ petition was filed in the Supreme Court challenging the BTA. However, the case remains unresolved. With mounting pressure from Buddhist groups, the issue continues to be a subject of intense debate.
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