Anagarika Dharmapāla: A Modern Political Activist and Defender of the Dharma

Anagarika Dharmapāla's establishment of the Maha-Bodhi Society in 1891 to secure control of the Mahabodhi Temple, a site of profound Buddhist significance, marked a pivotal shift in his advocacy. His initial stance as an advocate for spiritual pluralism and occult science evolved into a more confrontational anti-Hindu position, influenced significantly by Edwin Arnold's 'The Light of Asia.' This work inspired Dharmapāla to champion the restoration of Bodhgaya to Buddhist hands, reflecting a broader trend in his political activism. The study traces this transformation through Dharmapāla's writings and interactions with key figures, highlighting the intersection of religious identity, colonial politics, and cultural revivalism during the late 19th century.

Joshi, N. (2019). Anagarika Dharmapāla: A Modern Political Activist and Defender of the Dharma. The Mahābodhi Temple at Bodhgayā, 93–112. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780367822804-5