Decline of Buddhism in the Indian subcontinent

Buddhism began in India and was once a major religion there. Over time, especially between the 4th and 14th centuries CE, Buddhism gradually declined in the Indian subcontinent. This happened due to various reasons, both from within the Buddhist community and from outside influences.

 Internal factors that led to decline 
 Divisions within Buddhism: Buddhism split into different groups like Theravāda, Mahāyāna, and Vajrayāna. These divisions caused confusion and weakened the unity of the religion.
 Corruption and decay in monasteries: Some Buddhist monks and monasteries became wealthy and involved in worldly affairs, moving away from the original teachings of Buddhism. This made the religion less appealing to many people.
 Loss of royal support: After the reigns of supportive kings like Ashoka and Harsha, fewer rulers promoted Buddhism. Without royal backing, Buddhism lost resources and influence.

 External factors that contributed 
 Rise of Hinduism: Hinduism became more popular, especially with movements like Bhakti that emphasized personal devotion. This attracted many people who might have otherwise followed Buddhism.
 Muslim invasions: Between the 10th and 12th centuries, Muslim rulers invaded parts of India. They destroyed important Buddhist centers like Nalanda University, leading to a significant decline in Buddhist practices.
 Economic challenges: Buddhist monasteries often relied on donations and land grants. Over time, they lost these sources of income, making it hard to sustain their activities.

 Survival and revival 
Despite the decline, Buddhism didn't disappear entirely. It remained strong in places like Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Bhutan. In the 19th and 20th centuries, there were efforts to revive Buddhism in India, notably by figures like Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, who encouraged many to embrace Buddhism as a way to fight social discrimination.

 References 

Category:India
Category:Buddhism in Asia
Category:Religion