Buddhism · Communities & events
Dharmapala launches the Maha Bodhi Society
1891 CE
Anagarika Dharmapala established the Maha Bodhi Society as part of efforts to restore Buddhist access and stewardship at Bodh Gaya. His activism connected Sri Lanka, India, and international audiences. Religious revival drew on pilgrimage, publishing, public speaking, and the creation of new organizations.
Why it matters
This movement shows Buddhists actively rebuilding transnational networks under colonial conditions, with sacred places serving as focuses of institutional and public action.
About the date
Society founded in 1891; campaigns and institutional work continued afterward.
Colombo
City of the society’s founding, identified by the Dharmapala Trust.
city orientation
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