The decline of Buddhism in India

 

Buddhism has made many contributions to Indian culture. But along with these contributions, Buddhism has also lost its popularity in India. What were the reasons behind the decline of Buddhism? Let's find out.

 

Causes of the decline of Buddhism in India

 

Over time, Buddhism lost its popularity in India because of the following 6 factors:

 

1. Corruption in Buddhist sangha:

The monks and the followers started enjoying a life of luxury. They became greedy and started asking for gold and silver as gifts. This way of living brought hatred to Buddhism and people were no more inclined towards Buddhism.

 

2. Reform in Hinduism:

As discussed above, Buddhism had a great impact on Hinduism. Hindus started simplifying their rituals and rites. They adopted the principle of non-violence and considered Buddha as a Hindu incarnation. This made Hinduism famous again and Buddhism lost its popularity.

 

3. Language:

The language barrier had proven to be one of the major causes of the decline of Buddhism. Do you know what languages were spoken by the common people at that time?

 

Pali and Prakrit languages were the two languages spoken by the common people of India. The teachings of the Buddha and all the religious texts were in Pali and Prakrit language. But during the reign of King Kanishka, Sanskrit replaced these languages.

 

It was a complex language and was spoken by a few people. When Sanskrit was adopted by Buddhism, not many people were able to understand its religious texts. It was rejected by a majority of people which also led to the decline of Buddhism.

 

4. Split in Buddhism:

The constant division of Buddhism into sects according to the changing beliefs of its followers led Buddhism to lose its originality. Buddhism lost its simplicity and people started to lose their interest in it.

 

5. Lose of royal patronage:

Royal patronage helps any faith to spread magically. Do you know what does patronage means? In this context �patronage� is financial support given by the kings. After Ashoka, Kanishka, and Harshvardhan, no king came forward to sponsor Buddhism. After this, the decline of Buddhism was destined.

 

6. Role of Hindu preachers:

A Hindu preacher, Shankaracharya strengthened Hinduism after being driven away from the religious council. He defeated many Buddhist scholars in religious debates and established the superiority of Hinduism over Buddhism.

 

The Decline of Buddhism - Questions:

 

1. Which of the following language was not spoken by common people?
a. Pali
b. Prakrit
c. Hindi
d. Sanskrit

 

2. During which king�s reign, Sanskrit replaced Pali and Prakrit?
a. King Ashoka
b. King Harshvardhan
c. King Chandragupta Maurya
d. King Kanishka

 

3. Shankaracharya was a ___________.
a. Buddhist monks
b. Jain preacher
c. Islamic preacher
d. Hindu preacher

 

4. Which of the following is not a reason for the decline of Buddhism?
a. Split in Buddhism
b. Reform in Hinduism
c. Lose of royal patronage
d. Education

 

5. The word �patronage� means _____
a. Teachings
b. Precious gifts
c. Army
d. Financial support by a king

 

Read More:

 

Contribution of Buddhism to Indian Culture - Buddhism In India