The Department of Pali at Bhuwaneshwari Dayal (B.D.) College, Patna, offers a unique and profound academic journey into
one of the world's most ancient and spiritually significant languages. The curriculum encompasses the study of Pali
language, literature, and the vast corpus of Buddhist texts, including the Tripitaka, Jataka tales, and philosophical
treatises. Situated in Bihar, the birthplace of Buddhism and a region steeped in the historical legacy of Lord Buddha's
teachings, the department provides an unparalleled environment for scholarly exploration. Through rigorous linguistic
training and textual analysis, students gain deep insights into Theravada Buddhism, ancient Indian history, and early
literary traditions. The department aims to cultivate experts capable of contributing to fields such as Buddhist
studies, comparative religion, archaeology, and Indology, while preserving and promoting this invaluable cultural
heritage.
The Pali Department at B.D. College, Patna, distinguishes itself through its specialized focus on the linguistic and
philosophical richness of Pali literature within its historical heartland. Its strengths lie in integrating traditional
scholarship with modern research methodologies, allowing students to engage critically with primary sources and their
contemporary relevance. The department leverages its location in Bihar—home to sacred sites like Bodh Gaya, Nalanda, and
Rajgir—to provide immersive learning experiences through field visits and interactions with Buddhist scholars and
monastic communities. Students participate in workshops, translation projects, and international conferences, gaining
practical skills in paleography, manuscript studies, and interdisciplinary research. This holistic training opens
diverse career pathways in academia, religious leadership, cultural tourism, translation services, and heritage
management, empowering graduates to become custodians of this ancient wisdom tradition.
The Department of Pali at Bhuwaneshwari Dayal College, Patna, is dedicated to advanced study and research in Pali
language and literature. The program offers a structured curriculum covering Pali grammar, canonical and non-canonical
texts, Buddhist philosophy, and historical contexts. Supported by a specialized faculty and access to critical editions
and digital archives, the department promotes rigorous textual analysis, philological accuracy, and scholarly
interpretation. The program prepares students for academic and professional pursuits in fields such as religious
studies, archaeology, translation, and education. By emphasizing both linguistic mastery and contextual understanding,
the department aims to produce graduates capable of contributing meaningfully to the preservation and dissemination of
Pali and Buddhist heritage in modern contexts.
The Department of Pali at Bhuwaneshwari Dayal (B.D.) College, Mithapur, Patna, Bihar, India, is a postgraduate department under Patliputra University, established in 1970. It offers programs such as BA (Hons.) in Pali and MA in Pali, emphasizing the study of ancient Buddhist texts, grammar, philosophy, and Theravada literature, with a focus on preserving this classical language's cultural and religious significance in Bihar's academic landscape. As a humanities-oriented department, it relies on the college's shared infrastructure rather than specialized labs, prioritizing resources for textual analysis, seminars, and research on Pali scriptures. Below is an overview of the supporting facilities.