Buddhism in South Asia
About 320 BC the Maurya family took power, influenced by the
statecraft of Alexander
the Great (the Macedonian). Their empire peaked between 273 and 232 BC under Asoka, who made Buddhism the
state religion. The movement of the religion was due to Asoka's
hierarchical diffusion across the Indian subcontinent, and travelers and traders
along the Silk Road. At Asoka's death, Buddhism waned as Hinduism absorbed the
followers. [Buddhism will be discussed further as part of the East Asia chapter.]
