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Assembly at Kannauj

Type Event Region India Time 643

In 643 CE, Harsha hosted a grand religious assembly at Kannauj, inviting Buddhist, Brahmanical and Jain representatives to debate, with Tang monk Xua…

Timeline

  1. 643Kannauj · Uttar PradeshHarsha ordered a great assembly ground built at Kannauj and sent invitations across India; eminent monks and scholars of Buddhism, Brahmanism, Jainism and other schools gathered.
  2. 643Assembly ground at Kannauj · Uttar PradeshDuring the assembly representatives of each school debated doctrine; Xuanzang was chosen chief disputant, answering all challenges with Mahayana Buddhist principles and winning wide acclaim.
  3. 643–644Kannauj · Uttar PradeshAfter the assembly concluded successfully, Harsha lavished gifts on Xuanzang and provided an escort; Xuanzang set off for the Tang with many sutras and Buddhist images, bringing Sino-Indian cultural exchange to a climax.

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