Jalandhar: Author Harmesh Jassal uncovers forgotten Buddhist history

Jalandhar: Did the Buddha ever visit Punjab? What was it like to study in Takshashila (Taxila), one of the earliest centers of learning in the ancient world? What would saints, scholars, and merchants have felt while passing through the ancient trade route – the Silk Route? A recently released book by Jalandhar-based scholar, historian, and author Harmesh Jassal answers these questions and more, tracing Jalandhar’s origins and documenting Punjab’s rich past dynasties and largely forgotten Buddhist history. Jassal’s book, “Punjab Da Bodhi Itihas,” is scheduled to be released on December 28, 2025, and delves deep into the region’s 1,200-year history, beginning with the ancient Trigarta Empire – Jalandhar’s former name – which predates Punjab itself. Discussing the region’s ancient kings, customs, and value systems, the book also provides a detailed history of current archaeological excavations and discoveries related to Buddhism in the state. The 368-page book features numerous illustrations documenting Buddhist statues, coins, stamps, and other artifacts found at archaeological sites across Punjab. Notable Buddhist sites covered include Sanghol; Dholbaha, where Buddhist statues were found; Faridkot, where a wooden Buddha statue was discovered; the Nathan Di Bagicha site in Jalandhar; the Vrinda Devi Temple in Jalandhar; and the Phagwara Naga Temple site, where ancient coins were excavated. The book also discusses stamps from the time of the Greco-Bactrian king Menander I (Milind).

One chapter focuses on Milind, who ruled over the present-day Sialkot area and embraced Buddhism, and his famous conversation on Buddhism with the sage Nagasena. Although this two-volume book is quite extensive, work is still underway. The current volume traces the region’s 1,200-year-old Buddhist history, from the time of the Buddha to King Harshavardhana. The third volume will cover Buddhist history after Harshavardhana. Speaking to The Tribune, Harmesh Jassal said, “This is a huge work. I’m 72 years old. I don’t know if I’ll live to finish it, as there’s still a lot left to do. However, I know I’ll keep working to complete it as long as I can.” Responding to the question of whether Buddha himself visited Punjab, Jassal said, “The book explores possibilities. Buddhist history dates back more than 2,500 years. No historian can claim anything with certainty. But the book explores the routes he may have taken in this region.”