Why was 'The Light of Asia' so popular in the West?

It presented the Buddha's life in a highly accessible, poetic, and respectful way that resonated with Victorian audiences interested in Eastern philosophy.

Buddhist Literature & Global Impact

UPSC Archival Analysis

Q: Sir Edwin Arnold's book 'The Light of the Asia' is based on-

Sir Edwin Arnold's 'The Light of Asia' is primarily based on the Lalitavistara, an ancient Mahayana Buddhist text.

Exam Year

2014

Evidence Source

Link

ID: HIS_ANC_2014_49 Ref: Sir Edwin Arnold, The Light of Asia