Abstract

• Sri Ksetra is one of the ancient cities of Pyu in Myanmar. It is situated at the present village of Hmawza, about 5 miles southeast of modern Pyay, Bago division between lat 18º 50' N and long 05º 20' E. It was built in 101 Buddhist Era (443 BC) and the people of Sri Ksetra became Buddhists before the Christian Era. It had favorable geographical condition for internal trade as well as trade with other foreign countries. By trade relation with India, Sri Ksetra received Theravāda Buddhism from Southern India at least as early as the 5th or 6th century AD. Besides, Mahāyāna Buddhism was introduced to Sri Ksetra from Northeastern or Eastern India after 6th century AD and between 6th and 9th century AD, Theravāda Buddhism and Mahāyāna Buddhism flourished side by side in Sri Ksetra.