At the core of the social world of Buddhism was the alternative system of salvation provided by the Buddha. Representations of Marriage and Beyond explores this alternative by investigating the relationship between gender and history in Buddhist society, allowing us to trace the roots of subordination and hierarchical difference among men and women, monks, and nuns during this time period. Closely analysing three Buddhist textual traditions—the Jatakas, the Therıgatha and the Theragatha— this book examines representations of marriage and gender relations in a period that witnessed far-reaching changes in economic, political, material, and social life.