How did the lack of royal patronage affect Buddhist monasteries?

Monasteries became wealthy land-owning institutions which led to internal corruption and a disconnect from the common people, making them vulnerable to political shifts.

Why did Buddhism Decline in India? Causes & Analysis (2010 PYQ)

ID: HIS_PHI_2010_24 Ref: Chapter 4: Thinkers, Beliefs and Buildings

Why did Buddhism start declining in India in the early medieval times?
1. Buddha was by that time considered as one of the incarnations of Vishnu and thus became a part of Vaishnavism.
2. The invading tribes from Central Asia till the time of the last Gupta king adopted Hinduism and persecuted Buddhists.
3. The Kings of Gupta dynasty were strongly opposed to Buddhism.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Correct Option: A

A major reason for Buddhism's decline in India was its assimilation into Vaishnavism, where Buddha was worshipped as an incarnation of Vishnu. This caused Buddhism to lose its distinct identity.