REVIEW of Dr. Ajay Kumar Ojha's Book : INDIA IN KOREA
"India in Korea: Influence of Buddhism in Korea" is an insightful academic and historical monograph authored by Dr. Ajay Kumar Ojha and published by Anuradha Prakashan, available on Amazon. Spanning roughly 100 pages, the book provides a thorough exploration of the profound cultural, spiritual, and philosophical ties between India and the Republic of Korea (South Korea), anchored primarily by the historical transmission of Buddhism.
The central objective of the book is to decode the concept of "Indianness" (the cultural footprint of India) and map its long-standing impact on the Korean peninsula's religious tradition and heritage.
Core Structural Themes of the Synopsis
1. The Historical Confluence and "Indianness"
Dr. Ojha opens the treatise by posing a rhetorical question: "How can 'India' be in Korea?" He answers this by moving away from geographical borders and focusing instead on ideological and spiritual migration. The text systematically outlines how Indian philosophy crossed vast geographies to integrate organically into the early Korean kingdoms, eventually becoming an inseparable pillar of the nation's spiritual psyche.
2. Architecture and UNESCO World Heritage Sites
A substantial portion of the book serves as a cultural guide, using South Korea's iconic UNESCO World Heritage sites as physical evidence of India's spiritual influence. Dr. Ojha discusses:
- The Seokguram Grotto & Bulguksa Temple: Analyzing the 8th-century masterpieces to show how Indian Buddhist art, iconography, and cave-temple architecture influenced Korean structural design. [1]
- Haeinsa Temple Janggyeong Panjeon: Highlighting the preservation of the Tripitaka Koreana (the most complete collection of Buddhist texts engraved on woodblocks) as a monumental feat connecting Korean preservation to ancient Indian textual traditions.
3. The Genesis of Seon (Zen) Buddhism
The book chronicles the rise of the "Sansa" (mountain monasteries). Dr. Ojha illustrates how ancient Indian meditative practices evolved into Seon Buddhism in Korea. He examines these active mountain monasteries not merely as historic relics, but as living centers that continue to practice centuries-old traditions inherited from India.
4. The Diplomatic and Contemporary Lens
Leveraging his background as a public intellectual and legal expert, Dr. Ojha bridges antiquity with contemporary international relations. The book notes that the ancient spiritual bond provides a crucial foundation for modern diplomatic ties, emphasizing that mutual civilizational respect makes the India-ROK relationship naturally resilient.
Analytical Value
India in Korea is widely recognized by scholars as a highly readable, tightly woven narrative that avoids dry scholastic jargon. It functions simultaneously as an historical chronicle, a study of religious architecture, and a testament to soft-power diplomacy.
Book Launch in Republic of Korea
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Dr. Ajay Kumar Ojha is a multi-faceted Indian author, legal professional, academic sociologist, and veteran media person. He is widely recognized for his deep ethnographic research on tribal communities and his extensive work on international and cultural history.
1. Educational Background & Academic Research
- Academic Credentials: Dr. Ojha holds a highly decorated academic profile, completing his Bachelor's degree from Patna University, followed by an M.A., M.Phil., and Ph.D. from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi. He also earned an LL.B. from Delhi University and a Post Graduate Diploma in Journalism and Mass Communication (PGJMC) from IGNOU.
- Tribal Research: He is celebrated as perhaps the first scholar to submit a definitive doctoral thesis at JNU on "The Tharus of West Champaran". Adopting intense groundwork and the Participant Observation technique, he has spent over five decades tracking the community's socio-political journey from a tribe to an OBC category, and finally to their constitutional recognition as a Scheduled Tribe (ST) in 2003.
2. Professional Career
- Media & Broadcasting Veteran: He served as a senior officer of the Indian Broadcasting Service (IBS) after being recruited through the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). Over his extensive tenure at Doordarshan (India's national public broadcaster), he was a vital part of the planning and launch of major channels including DD India, DD Sports, DD Urdu, and DD Kashir. He holds professional television training from the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune, and Germany's Deutsche Welle.
- Legal Profession: Following his career in broadcasting, he transitioned into the legal arena and currently practices as an Advocate at the Delhi High Court and the Supreme Court of India.
3. Literary Contributions & Authored Books
Dr. Ojha is a prolific writer who has written and edited numerous books covering tribal ethnography, medieval history, geopolitical soft power, and literary essays:
4. Artistic and Cultural Pursuits
Beyond his academic and legal careers, Dr. Ojha is an auditioned artist for Akashvani (All India Radio) where he sings Bhojpuri Lokgeet (folk music). He is also a passionate photographer whose art collections have been featured at major national arenas like the Speaking Art Festival at Rabindra Bhawan and the International Art Exhibition "Nakshatra" in New Delhi
