<p>After the Pari-nibbhana of The Buddha, there was a decline of Theravada Buddhism ( those who follow the teaching preserved in the Pāli), and a rise of the Mahayana Buddhism. The third council got underway to make the monastic order of those who follow the teaching preserved in the Pāli.  With time Mahayana Buddhism rose up again. It was a death blow to those who wanted to keep the teaching preserved in the Pāli.  Mahayanists translated the Dhamma into Sanskrit and rejected attaining of the Marga- phala of the Theravada School. </p>

<p>At the time only the Brahmins’ Veda was written in Veda and Sanskrit languages. Brahmins never felt that other religions will be a threat to their own since Veda as it was the only religious script written in Sanskrit. However, after the translation of the Mahayana scriptures into Sanskrit by the Mahayanists, the Brahmins started reading these translated texts and to argue pointing out its content. </p>

<p>In trying to defeat these Brahmins, the Mahayanists built large universities like Nalanda with the aim of learning the Veda. The language used in these universities was Sanskrit. They tried to outdo the Brahmins. They tried to argue with the Brahmins. Thus what came to pass was exactly as mentioned in the Alagaddūpama Sutta, which states that “if anyone tries to learn my teachings to argue with others, then he will be destroyed like the man who tried to catch a snake by its tail.”</p>

<p>When the monks won an argument the monks got the king to make the Brahmins their servants in the Nalanda University. The monks were beheaded when Brahmins won their arguments. The Brahmins went for the kill, because of the change that these monks have made to the Brahmin society. A Sothern Indian Brahmin called Sankarāchārya rose up to destroy the power of these monks. The Musālman invaded India at this time. The Brahmins got them to first destroy Buddhism, or at least what was left of it. This was how the Buddhism got wiped out from India. </p>

<p>It was the moguls that did most of the killing of Buddhist Monks, and the process of decline continued until Buddhism got fully wiped out in India by the end of the 12th century, when Somapura Mahavihara (in the present day Bangladesh) was set ablaze. In 1199 CE Odantapuri Mahavihara close to Nalanda was burnt down after killing all the monks. Buddha’s place of Enlightenment, Bodhgaya too was attacked.</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2017-06-03T12:45:58.477Z
2017-06-03T12:45:58.477Z
Saptha Visuddhi
<p>Actually, there's a lot of factors regarding this. 
The Monks started to liberate the buddha's teaching.
The Buddhism started to decline after the 4th buddhist council of India. Unlike King Asoka, King Kanishka of Kushan Empire, not keeping the precepts and still going on wars with other empires. He chose the most Sangha in the community back then the Sarvastivadin-Mahayana.</p>

<p>The last was because of the invasion of Turkic-muslim-Mamluk Dynasty which ended the Most Enormous Buddhist University, Nalanda.</p>

<p>As what Buddha said in DN16 Mahaparinibbana Sutta, there are 7 things x 7, which prevent decline in the community.</p>

<blockquote>
  <p>Now at that time venerable Ānanda was stood behind the Gracious One
  fanning the Gracious One. Then the Gracious One addressed venerable
  Ānanda, saying:</p>
  
  <p>1) “Have you heard, Ānanda: ‘The Vajjians assemble regularly and
  assemble frequently?’” “I have heard this, reverend Sir: ‘The Vajjians
  assemble regularly and assemble frequently.’” “For as long, Ānanda, as
  the Vajjians will assemble regularly and assemble frequently surely
  growth, Ānanda, is to be expected for the Vajjians not decline.</p>
  
  <p>2) Have you heard, Ānanda: ‘The Vajjians assemble unanimously, rise
  unanimously, and carry out their Vajjian duties unanimously?’” “I have
  heard this, reverend Sir, that the Vajjians assemble unanimously, rise
  unanimously, and carry out their Vajjian duties unanimously.” “For as
  long, Ānanda, as the Vajjians will assemble unanimously, rise
  unanimously, and carry out their Vajjian duties unanimously, surely
  growth, Ānanda, is to be expected for the Vajjians not decline.</p>
  
  <p>3) Have you heard, Ānanda: ‘The Vajjians do not establish new laws
  that were not established, or cut off old laws that were established,
  and carry on with such laws as were accepted in the Ancient Vajjian
  Constitution?’” “I have heard this, reverend Sir: ‘The Vajjians do not
  establish new laws that were not established, or cut off old laws that
  were established, and they carry on with such laws as were accepted in
  the Ancient Vajjian Constitution.’” “For as long, Ānanda, as the
  Vajjians do not establish new laws that were not established, or cut
  off old laws that were established, and they carry on with such laws
  as were accepted in the Ancient Vajjian Constitution surely growth,
  Ānanda, is to be expected for the Vajjians not decline.</p>
  
  <p>4) Have you heard, Ānanda: ‘The Vajjians honour the elders of the
  Vajjians, respect, revere, worship and think them worth listening
  to?’” “I have heard this, reverend Sir: ‘The Vajjians honour the
  elders of the Vajjians, respect, revere, worship and think them worth
  listening to.’” “For as long, Ānanda, as the Vajjians will honour the
  elders of the Vajjians, respect, revere, worship and think them worth
  listening to, surely growth, Ānanda, is to be expected for the
  Vajjians not decline.</p>
  
  <p>5) Have you heard, Ānanda: ‘The Vajjians do not coerce and force their
  women and girls to dwell with them against their will?’” “I have heard
  this, reverend Sir: ‘The Vajjians do not coerce and force their women
  and girls to dwell with them against their will.’” “For as long,
  Ānanda, as the Vajjians will not coerce and force their women and
  girls to dwell with them against their will, surely growth, Ānanda, is
  to be expected for the Vajjians not decline.</p>
  
  <p>6) Have you heard, Ānanda: ‘The Vajjians honour the Vajjian shrines
  amongst the Vajjians, both within and without the city, respect,
  revere, and worship them, and do not allow the righteous sacrifices
  that were formerly given, formerly made, to be neglected?’” “I have
  heard this, reverend Sir: ‘The Vajjians honour the Vajjian shrines
  amongst the Vajjians, both within and without the city, respect,
  revere, and worship them, and do not allow the righteous sacrifices
  that were formerly given, formerly made, to be neglected.” “For as
  long, Ānanda, as the Vajjians will honour the Vajjian shrines amongst
  the Vajjians, both within and without the city, respect, revere, and
  worship them, and do not allow the righteous sacrifices that were
  formerly given, formerly made, to be neglected surely growth, Ānanda,
  is to be expected for the Vajjians not decline.</p>
  
  <p>7) Have you heard, Ānanda: ‘The Vajjians have made good arrangements
  in regard to the lawful protection, safety, and guarding of the Worthy
  Ones, so that Worthy Ones in the future can enter the realm, and
  having entered the Worthy Ones can live comfortably in the realm?” “I
  have heard this, reverend Sir: ‘The Vajjians have made good
  arrangements in regard to the lawful protection, safety, and guarding
  of the Worthy Ones, and that the Worthy Ones in the future can enter
  the realm, and having entered the Worthy Ones can live comfortably in
  the realm.” “For as long, Ānanda, as the Vajjians will make good
  arrangements in regard to the lawful protection, safety, and guarding
  of the Worthy Ones, and that the Worthy Ones in the future can enter
  the realm, and having entered, the Worthy Ones can live comfortably in
  the realm, surely growth, Ānanda, is to be expected for the Vajjians
  not decline.”</p>
  
  <p>Then the Gracious One addressed the Magadhan chief minister the
  brahmin Vassakāra, saying: “At one time, brahmin, I was living near
  Vesālī near to the Sārandada Shrine and there I taught the Vajjians
  these seven things which prevent decline. For as long, brahmin, as the
  Vajjians maintain these seven things which prevent decline, and the
  Vajjians agree with these seven things which prevent decline, surely
  growth, brahmin, is to be expected for the Vajjians not decline.”</p>
  
  <p>After this was said, the Magadhan chief minister the brahmin Vassakāra
  addressed the Gracious One, saying: “If the Vajjians, dear Gotama,
  were endowed with even one or the other of these seven things which
  prevent decline, surely growth is to be expected not decline, what to
  say about having seven things which prevent decline? The Vajjians
  cannot be overcome, dear Gotama, by the Magadhan King Ajātasattu, the
  son of Lady Wisdom, by war, but only through diplomacy, or through the
  breaking of an alliance. And now, dear Gotama, we shall go, as we have
  many duties, and there is much which ought to be done.”</p>
  
  <p>“Now is the time, brahmin, for whatever you are thinking.” Then the
  Magadhan chief minister the brahmin Vassakāra, after greatly rejoicing
  and gladly receiving this word of the Gracious One, rose from his seat
  and departed.</p>
  
  <p>3: Seven Things which Prevent Decline in the Community (1–7)</p>
  
  <p>Then the Gracious One, not long after the Magadhan chief minister, the
  brahmin Vassakāra, had gone, addressed venerable Ānanda, saying: “Go,
  Ānanda, and whatever monks there are living in dependence on Rājagaha,
  assemble them in the Attendance Hall.”</p>
  
  <p>“Very well, reverend Sir,” said venerable Ānanda, and after replying
  to the Gracious One, and assembling whatever monks there were living
  in dependence on Rājagaha in the Attendance Hall, he approached the
  Gracious One, and after approaching and worshipping the Gracious One,
  he stood on one side.</p>
  
  <p>While standing on one side venerable Ānanda said this to the Gracious
  One: “The Community of monks have assembled, reverend Sir, now is the
  time, Gracious One, for whatever you are thinking.”</p>
  
  <p>Then the Gracious One after rising from his seat approached the
  Attendance Hall, and after approaching he sat down on the prepared
  seat. While sitting the Gracious One addressed the monks, saying:</p>
  
  <p>“I will teach you seven things which prevent decline, listen to it,
  apply your minds well, and I will speak.” “Very well, reverend Sir,”
  those monks replied to the Gracious One, and the Gracious One said
  this:</p>
  
  <p>1) “For as long, monks, as the monks will assemble regularly and
  assemble frequently, surely growth, monks, is to be expected for the
  monks, not decline.</p>
  
  <p>2) For as long, monks, as the monks will assemble unanimously, rise
  unanimously, and carry out their Community duties unanimously, surely
  growth, monks, is to be expected for the monks, not decline.</p>
  
  <p>3) For as long, monks, as the monks do not establish new laws that
  were not established, or cut off old laws that were established, and
  they carry on with such training-rules as have been accepted, surely
  growth, monks, is to be expected for the monks, not decline.</p>
  
  <p>4) For as long, monks, as the monks will honour the elder monks, those
  of long-standing, a long time gone-forth, the Fathers of the
  Community, the Leaders of the Community, respect, revere, worship and
  think them worth listening to, surely growth, monks, is to be expected
  for the monks, not decline.</p>
  
  <p>5) For as long, monks, as the monks will not come under the influence
  of craving which has arisen for continued existence, surely growth,
  monks, is to be expected for the monks, not decline.</p>
  
  <p>6) For as long, monks, as the monks will have desire for forest
  dwellings, surely growth, monks, is to be expected for the monks, not
  decline.</p>
  
  <p>7) For as long, monks, as the monks individually will attend to the
  ways of mindfulness, so that their fellow celibates, who are
  well-behaved, in the future can come, and having come to their fellow
  celibates, who are well-behaved, can live comfortably, surely growth,
  monks, is to be expected for the monks, not decline.</p>
  
  <p>For as long, monks, as the monks will maintain these seven things
  which prevent decline, and the monks will agree with these seven
  things which prevent decline, surely growth, monks, is to be expected
  for the monks, not decline.</p>
  
  <p>4: Seven Further Things which Prevent Decline in the Community (8–14)</p>
  
  <p>I will teach you a further seven things which prevent decline, listen
  to it, apply your minds well, and I will speak.”</p>
  
  <p>“Very well, reverend Sir,” those monks replied to the Gracious One,
  and the Gracious One said this:</p>
  
  <p>1) “For as long, monks, as the monks are not devoted to the pleasure
  in work, the delight in work, and are not attached to work, surely
  growth, monks, is to be expected for the monks, not decline.</p>
  
  <p>2) For as long, monks, as the monks are not devoted to the pleasure in
  speech, the delight in speech, and are not attached to speech, surely
  growth, monks, is to be expected for the monks, not decline.</p>
  
  <p>3) For as long, monks, as the monks are not devoted to the pleasure in
  sleep, the delight in sleep, and are not attached to sleep, surely
  growth, monks, is to be expected for the monks, not decline.</p>
  
  <p>4) For as long, monks, as the monks are not devoted to the pleasure of
  company, the delight in company, and are not attached to company,
  surely growth, monks, is to be expected for the monks, not decline.</p>
  
  <p>5) For as long, monks, as the monks do not have evil wishes, do not go
  under the influence of evil wishes, surely growth, monks, is to be
  expected for the monks, not decline.</p>
  
  <p>6) For as long, monks, as the monks do not have wicked friends, do not
  have wicked companions, do not have wicked comrades, surely growth,
  monks, is to be expected for the monks, not decline.</p>
  
  <p>7) For as long, monks, as the monks do not achieve only mundane or
  incomplete attainment, surely growth, monks, is to be expected for the
  monks, not decline.</p>
  
  <p>For as long, monks, as the monks will maintain these seven things
  which prevent decline, and the monks will agree with these seven
  things which prevent decline, surely growth, monks, is to be expected
  for the monks, not decline.</p>
  
  <p>5: Seven Further Things which Prevent Decline in the Community (15–21)</p>
  
  <p>I will teach you a further seven things which prevent decline, listen
  to it, apply your minds well, and I will speak.”</p>
  
  <p>“Very well, reverend Sir,” those monks replied to the Gracious One,
  and the Gracious One said this:</p>
  
  <p>1) “For as long, monks, as the monks will have faith, surely growth,
  monks, is to be expected for the monks, not decline.</p>
  
  <p>2) For as long, monks, as the monks will have a conscientious mind,
  surely growth, monks, is to be expected for the monks, not decline.</p>
  
  <p>3) For as long, monks, as the monks will have a sense of shame, surely
  growth, monks, is to be expected for the monks, not decline.</p>
  
  <p>4) For as long, monks, as the monks will be learned, surely growth,
  monks, is to be expected for the monks, not decline.</p>
  
  <p>5) For as long, monks, as the monks will be strenuous, surely growth,
  monks, is to be expected for the monks, not decline.</p>
  
  <p>6) For as long, monks, as the monks will attend to mindfulness, surely
  growth, monks, is to be expected for the monks, not decline.</p>
  
  <p>7) For as long, monks, as the monks will possess wisdom, surely
  growth, monks, is to be expected for the monks, not decline.</p>
  
  <p>For as long, monks, as the monks will maintain these seven things
  which prevent decline, and the monks will agree with these seven
  things which prevent decline, surely growth, monks, is to be expected
  for the monks, not decline.</p>
  
  <p>6: Seven Further Things which Prevent Decline in the Community (22–28)</p>
  
  <p>I will teach you a further seven things which prevent decline, listen
  to it, apply your minds well, and I will speak.”</p>
  
  <p>“Very well, reverend Sir,” those monks replied to the Gracious One,
  and the Gracious One said this:</p>
  
  <p>1) “For as long, monks, as the monks will develop the factor of
  Perfect Awakening that is Mindfulness, surely growth, monks, is to be
  expected for the monks, not decline.</p>
  
  <p>2) For as long, monks, as the monks will develop the factor of Perfect
  Awakening that is Investigation of the nature of things, surely
  growth, monks, is to be expected for the monks, not decline.</p>
  
  <p>3) For as long, monks, as the monks will develop the factor of Perfect
  Awakening that is Energy, surely growth, monks, is to be expected for
  the monks, not decline.</p>
  
  <p>4) For as long, monks, as the monks will develop the factor of Perfect
  Awakening that is Rapture, surely growth, monks, is to be expected for
  the monks, not decline.</p>
  
  <p>5) For as long, monks, as the monks will develop the factor of Perfect
  Awakening that is Calm, surely growth, monks, is to be expected for
  the monks, not decline.</p>
  
  <p>6) For as long, monks, as the monks will develop the factor of Perfect
  Awakening that is Concentration, surely growth, monks, is to be
  expected for the monks, not decline.</p>
  
  <p>7) For as long, monks, as the monks will develop the factor of Perfect
  Awakening that is Equanimity, surely growth, monks, is to be expected
  for the monks, not decline.</p>
  
  <p>For as long, monks, as the monks will maintain these seven things
  which prevent decline, and the monks will agree with these seven
  things which prevent decline, surely growth, monks, is to be expected
  for the monks, not decline.</p>
  
  <p>7: Seven Further Things which Prevent Decline in the Community (29–35)</p>
  
  <p>I will teach you a further seven things which prevent decline, listen
  to it, apply your minds well, and I will speak.”</p>
  
  <p>“Very well, reverend Sir,” those monks replied to the Gracious One,
  and the Gracious One said this:</p>
  
  <p>1) “For as long, monks, as the monks will develop the perception of
  impermanence, surely growth, monks, is to be expected for the monks,
  not decline.</p>
  
  <p>2) For as long, monks, as the monks will develop the perception of
  non-self, surely growth, monks, is to be expected for the monks, not
  decline.</p>
  
  <p>3) For as long, monks, as the monks will develop the perception of the
  unattractive, surely growth, monks, is to be expected for the monks,
  not decline.</p>
  
  <p>4) For as long, monks, as the monks will develop the perception of
  danger, surely growth, monks, is to be expected for the monks, not
  decline.</p>
  
  <p>5) For as long, monks, as the monks will develop the perception of
  giving up, surely growth, monks, is to be expected for the monks, not
  decline.</p>
  
  <p>6) For as long, monks, as the monks will develop the perception of
  dispassion, surely growth, monks, is to be expected for the monks, not
  decline.</p>
  
  <p>7) For as long, monks, as the monks will develop the perception of
  cessation, surely growth, monks, is to be expected for the monks, not
  decline.</p>
  
  <p>For as long, monks, as the monks will maintain these seven things
  which prevent decline, and the monks will agree with these seven
  things which prevent decline, surely growth, monks, is to be expected
  for the monks, not decline.</p>
  
  <p>8: Six Things which Prevent Decline in the Community (36–41)</p>
  
  <p>I will teach you a further six things which prevent decline, listen to
  it, apply your minds well, and I will speak.”</p>
  
  <p>“Very well, reverend Sir,” those monks replied to the Gracious One,
  and the Gracious One said this:</p>
  
  <p>1) “For as long, monks, as the monks with friendly actions by way of
  the body will serve their fellow celibates, both in public and in
  private, surely growth, monks, is to be expected for the monks, not
  decline.</p>
  
  <p>2) For as long, monks, as the monks with friendly actions by way of
  speech will serve their fellow celibates, both in public and in
  private, surely growth, monks, is to be expected for the monks, not
  decline.</p>
  
  <p>3) For as long, monks, as the monks with friendly actions by way of
  the mind will serve their fellow celibates, both in public and in
  private, surely growth, monks, is to be expected for the monks, not
  decline.</p>
  
  <p>4) For as long, monks, as the monks in regard to those righteous
  gains, received in accordance with the Teaching—whatever amount has
  been received in the bowl—will divide and share such gains with those
  who are virtuous, fellow celibates, and share them in common, surely
  growth, monks, is to be expected for the monks, not decline.</p>
  
  <p>5) For as long, monks, as the monks are endowed with those virtues
  which are unbroken, faultless, unspotted, unblemished, productive of
  freedom, praised by the wise, not clung to, leading to concentration,
  and will live endowed with virtue amongst their fellow celibates who
  themselves possess such virtue, both in public and in private, surely
  growth, monks, is to be expected for the monks, not decline.</p>
  
  <p>6) For as long, monks, as the monks are endowed with that which is
  Ariyan View, which leads out, which leads to the complete destruction
  of suffering for one who acts thus, and will live endowed with Right
  View amongst those who themselves possess such Right View, both in
  public and in private, surely growth, monks, is to be expected for the
  monks, not decline.</p>
  
  <p>For as long, monks, as the monks will maintain these six things which
  prevent decline, and the monks will agree with these six things which
  prevent decline, surely growth, monks, is to be expected for the
  monks, not decline.”</p>
  
  <p>There also the Gracious One, while living near Rājagaha on the
  Vultures’ Peak Mountain, spoke frequently to the monks about the
  Teaching, saying:</p>
  
  <p>“Such is virtue, such is concentration, such is wisdom, when virtue is
  well-developed it yields great fruit and brings great advantages in
  regard to concentration, when concentration is well-developed it
  yields great fruit and brings great advantages in regard to wisdom,
  when wisdom is well-developed the mind is completely liberated from
  the pollutants, that is to say: the pollutant of sensuality, the
  pollutant of craving for continued existence, the pollutant of
  ignorance.”</p>
</blockquote>

<p>The declination of buddhism was because of breaking these.</p>

<p>Hopefully this helps. If you want to know more about this, you can try to read this book called "The concise history of buddhism".</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2017-06-01T09:05:42.543Z
2017-06-01T09:05:42.543Z
LomX
<p>Buddhism was originated from India.It spread all accross the world, many countries are called as Buddhist countries. </p>

<p>Lord Buddha was the most scientific, serene, logical and kind person of the world, anyone becoming his enemy seems to be impossible. There was a time when almost whole of the India was Buddhist. Then, what caused the decline of Buddhism in India?</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2017-06-01T09:19:45.620Z
I wrote (with references) about a subject related to that, in my answer to this topic on Skeptics.SE -- [Were Buddhists murdered en masse during the first Muslim conquest of India?](https://skeptics.stackexchange.com/a/37575/2703)
ChrisW
CC BY-SA 3.0
2017-06-01T09:22:18.343Z
This is nearly an exact duplicate of the topic [Why is Buddhism followed mainly outside of India when it originated there?](https://buddhism.stackexchange.com/q/3338/254) (so I think this topic ought to be closed as a duplicate).
ChrisW
CC BY-SA 3.0
2017-06-01T09:25:31.623Z
I think the other topic talks about following Buddhism outsite India. I am not sure whether it clearly highlights the **reason of its fall In India.**
Rajiv
CC BY-SA 3.0
2017-06-02T06:58:33.243Z
May this will help you. [Decline of Buddhism in India](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Decline_of_Buddhism_in_India).
Swapnil
CC BY-SA 3.0
2017-06-19T05:48:58.783Z
Here is a book exactly answer your question  [DECLINE AND FALL OF BUDDHISM 
(A tragedy in Ancient India)  
By  
Dr. K. Jamanadas](https://drambedkarbooks.files.wordpress.com/2016/03/decline-and-fall-of-buddhism-by-dr-k-jamnadas.pdf)
Swapnil
<history><early-buddhism>
What was the reason behind the fall of Buddhism in India?
# What was the reason behind the fall of Buddhism in India?

(Asked by: username_0 on 2017-06-01)

Buddhism was originated from India.It spread all accross the world, many countries are called as Buddhist countries.

Lord Buddha was the most scientific, serene, logical and kind person of the world, anyone becoming his enemy seems to be impossible. There was a time when almost whole of the India was Buddhist. Then, what caused the decline of Buddhism in India?

**Tags:** history, early-buddhism

> **Comments:**
> **username_1**: I wrote (with references) about a subject related to that, in my answer to this topic on Skeptics.SE -- [Were Buddhists murdered en masse during the first Muslim conquest of India?](https://skeptics.stackexchange.com/a/37575/2703)  
> **username_1**: This is nearly an exact duplicate of the topic [Why is Buddhism followed mainly outside of India when it originated there?](https://buddhism.stackexchange.com/q/3338/254) (so I think this topic ought to be closed as a duplicate).  
> **username_0**: I think the other topic talks about following Buddhism outsite India. I am not sure whether it clearly highlights the **reason of its fall In India.**  
> **username_2**: May this will help you. [Decline of Buddhism in India](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Decline_of_Buddhism_in_India).  
> **username_2**: Here is a book exactly answer your question  [DECLINE AND FALL OF BUDDHISM  (A tragedy in Ancient India)   By   Dr. K. Jamanadas](https://drambedkarbooks.files.wordpress.com/2016/03/decline-and-fall-of-buddhism-by-dr-k-jamnadas.pdf)  

---

## 2 answers

### Answer by username_3 on 2017-06-03. Score: 3

After the Pari-nibbhana of The Buddha, there was a decline of Theravada Buddhism ( those who follow the teaching preserved in the Pāli), and a rise of the Mahayana Buddhism. The third council got underway to make the monastic order of those who follow the teaching preserved in the Pāli. With time Mahayana Buddhism rose up again. It was a death blow to those who wanted to keep the teaching preserved in the Pāli. Mahayanists translated the Dhamma into Sanskrit and rejected attaining of the Marga- phala of the Theravada School.

At the time only the Brahmins’ Veda was written in Veda and Sanskrit languages. Brahmins never felt that other religions will be a threat to their own since Veda as it was the only religious script written in Sanskrit. However, after the translation of the Mahayana scriptures into Sanskrit by the Mahayanists, the Brahmins started reading these translated texts and to argue pointing out its content.

In trying to defeat these Brahmins, the Mahayanists built large universities like Nalanda with the aim of learning the Veda. The language used in these universities was Sanskrit. They tried to outdo the Brahmins. They tried to argue with the Brahmins. Thus what came to pass was exactly as mentioned in the Alagaddūpama Sutta, which states that “if anyone tries to learn my teachings to argue with others, then he will be destroyed like the man who tried to catch a snake by its tail.”

When the monks won an argument the monks got the king to make the Brahmins their servants in the Nalanda University. The monks were beheaded when Brahmins won their arguments. The Brahmins went for the kill, because of the change that these monks have made to the Brahmin society. A Sothern Indian Brahmin called Sankarāchārya rose up to destroy the power of these monks. The Musālman invaded India at this time. The Brahmins got them to first destroy Buddhism, or at least what was left of it. This was how the Buddhism got wiped out from India.

It was the moguls that did most of the killing of Buddhist Monks, and the process of decline continued until Buddhism got fully wiped out in India by the end of the 12th century, when Somapura Mahavihara (in the present day Bangladesh) was set ablaze. In 1199 CE Odantapuri Mahavihara close to Nalanda was burnt down after killing all the monks. Buddha’s place of Enlightenment, Bodhgaya too was attacked.


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### Answer by username_4 on 2017-06-01. Score: 0

Actually, there's a lot of factors regarding this.
The Monks started to liberate the buddha's teaching.
The Buddhism started to decline after the 4th buddhist council of India. Unlike King Asoka, King Kanishka of Kushan Empire, not keeping the precepts and still going on wars with other empires. He chose the most Sangha in the community back then the Sarvastivadin-Mahayana.

The last was because of the invasion of Turkic-muslim-Mamluk Dynasty which ended the Most Enormous Buddhist University, Nalanda.

As what Buddha said in DN16 Mahaparinibbana Sutta, there are 7 things x 7, which prevent decline in the community.

> Now at that time venerable Ānanda was stood behind the Gracious One
> fanning the Gracious One. Then the Gracious One addressed venerable
> Ānanda, saying:
>
> 1) “Have you heard, Ānanda: ‘The Vajjians assemble regularly and
> assemble frequently?’” “I have heard this, reverend Sir: ‘The Vajjians
> assemble regularly and assemble frequently.’” “For as long, Ānanda, as
> the Vajjians will assemble regularly and assemble frequently surely
> growth, Ānanda, is to be expected for the Vajjians not decline.
>
> 2) Have you heard, Ānanda: ‘The Vajjians assemble unanimously, rise
> unanimously, and carry out their Vajjian duties unanimously?’” “I have
> heard this, reverend Sir, that the Vajjians assemble unanimously, rise
> unanimously, and carry out their Vajjian duties unanimously.” “For as
> long, Ānanda, as the Vajjians will assemble unanimously, rise
> unanimously, and carry out their Vajjian duties unanimously, surely
> growth, Ānanda, is to be expected for the Vajjians not decline.
>
> 3) Have you heard, Ānanda: ‘The Vajjians do not establish new laws
> that were not established, or cut off old laws that were established,
> and carry on with such laws as were accepted in the Ancient Vajjian
> Constitution?’” “I have heard this, reverend Sir: ‘The Vajjians do not
> establish new laws that were not established, or cut off old laws that
> were established, and they carry on with such laws as were accepted in
> the Ancient Vajjian Constitution.’” “For as long, Ānanda, as the
> Vajjians do not establish new laws that were not established, or cut
> off old laws that were established, and they carry on with such laws
> as were accepted in the Ancient Vajjian Constitution surely growth,
> Ānanda, is to be expected for the Vajjians not decline.
>
> 4) Have you heard, Ānanda: ‘The Vajjians honour the elders of the
> Vajjians, respect, revere, worship and think them worth listening
> to?’” “I have heard this, reverend Sir: ‘The Vajjians honour the
> elders of the Vajjians, respect, revere, worship and think them worth
> listening to.’” “For as long, Ānanda, as the Vajjians will honour the
> elders of the Vajjians, respect, revere, worship and think them worth
> listening to, surely growth, Ānanda, is to be expected for the
> Vajjians not decline.
>
> 5) Have you heard, Ānanda: ‘The Vajjians do not coerce and force their
> women and girls to dwell with them against their will?’” “I have heard
> this, reverend Sir: ‘The Vajjians do not coerce and force their women
> and girls to dwell with them against their will.’” “For as long,
> Ānanda, as the Vajjians will not coerce and force their women and
> girls to dwell with them against their will, surely growth, Ānanda, is
> to be expected for the Vajjians not decline.
>
> 6) Have you heard, Ānanda: ‘The Vajjians honour the Vajjian shrines
> amongst the Vajjians, both within and without the city, respect,
> revere, and worship them, and do not allow the righteous sacrifices
> that were formerly given, formerly made, to be neglected?’” “I have
> heard this, reverend Sir: ‘The Vajjians honour the Vajjian shrines
> amongst the Vajjians, both within and without the city, respect,
> revere, and worship them, and do not allow the righteous sacrifices
> that were formerly given, formerly made, to be neglected.” “For as
> long, Ānanda, as the Vajjians will honour the Vajjian shrines amongst
> the Vajjians, both within and without the city, respect, revere, and
> worship them, and do not allow the righteous sacrifices that were
> formerly given, formerly made, to be neglected surely growth, Ānanda,
> is to be expected for the Vajjians not decline.
>
> 7) Have you heard, Ānanda: ‘The Vajjians have made good arrangements
> in regard to the lawful protection, safety, and guarding of the Worthy
> Ones, so that Worthy Ones in the future can enter the realm, and
> having entered the Worthy Ones can live comfortably in the realm?” “I
> have heard this, reverend Sir: ‘The Vajjians have made good
> arrangements in regard to the lawful protection, safety, and guarding
> of the Worthy Ones, and that the Worthy Ones in the future can enter
> the realm, and having entered the Worthy Ones can live comfortably in
> the realm.” “For as long, Ānanda, as the Vajjians will make good
> arrangements in regard to the lawful protection, safety, and guarding
> of the Worthy Ones, and that the Worthy Ones in the future can enter
> the realm, and having entered, the Worthy Ones can live comfortably in
> the realm, surely growth, Ānanda, is to be expected for the Vajjians
> not decline.”
>
> Then the Gracious One addressed the Magadhan chief minister the
> brahmin Vassakāra, saying: “At one time, brahmin, I was living near
> Vesālī near to the Sārandada Shrine and there I taught the Vajjians
> these seven things which prevent decline. For as long, brahmin, as the
> Vajjians maintain these seven things which prevent decline, and the
> Vajjians agree with these seven things which prevent decline, surely
> growth, brahmin, is to be expected for the Vajjians not decline.”
>
> After this was said, the Magadhan chief minister the brahmin Vassakāra
> addressed the Gracious One, saying: “If the Vajjians, dear Gotama,
> were endowed with even one or the other of these seven things which
> prevent decline, surely growth is to be expected not decline, what to
> say about having seven things which prevent decline? The Vajjians
> cannot be overcome, dear Gotama, by the Magadhan King Ajātasattu, the
> son of Lady Wisdom, by war, but only through diplomacy, or through the
> breaking of an alliance. And now, dear Gotama, we shall go, as we have
> many duties, and there is much which ought to be done.”
>
> “Now is the time, brahmin, for whatever you are thinking.” Then the
> Magadhan chief minister the brahmin Vassakāra, after greatly rejoicing
> and gladly receiving this word of the Gracious One, rose from his seat
> and departed.
>
> 3: Seven Things which Prevent Decline in the Community (1–7)
>
> Then the Gracious One, not long after the Magadhan chief minister, the
> brahmin Vassakāra, had gone, addressed venerable Ānanda, saying: “Go,
> Ānanda, and whatever monks there are living in dependence on Rājagaha,
> assemble them in the Attendance Hall.”
>
> “Very well, reverend Sir,” said venerable Ānanda, and after replying
> to the Gracious One, and assembling whatever monks there were living
> in dependence on Rājagaha in the Attendance Hall, he approached the
> Gracious One, and after approaching and worshipping the Gracious One,
> he stood on one side.
>
> While standing on one side venerable Ānanda said this to the Gracious
> One: “The Community of monks have assembled, reverend Sir, now is the
> time, Gracious One, for whatever you are thinking.”
>
> Then the Gracious One after rising from his seat approached the
> Attendance Hall, and after approaching he sat down on the prepared
> seat. While sitting the Gracious One addressed the monks, saying:
>
> “I will teach you seven things which prevent decline, listen to it,
> apply your minds well, and I will speak.” “Very well, reverend Sir,”
> those monks replied to the Gracious One, and the Gracious One said
> this:
>
> 1) “For as long, monks, as the monks will assemble regularly and
> assemble frequently, surely growth, monks, is to be expected for the
> monks, not decline.
>
> 2) For as long, monks, as the monks will assemble unanimously, rise
> unanimously, and carry out their Community duties unanimously, surely
> growth, monks, is to be expected for the monks, not decline.
>
> 3) For as long, monks, as the monks do not establish new laws that
> were not established, or cut off old laws that were established, and
> they carry on with such training-rules as have been accepted, surely
> growth, monks, is to be expected for the monks, not decline.
>
> 4) For as long, monks, as the monks will honour the elder monks, those
> of long-standing, a long time gone-forth, the Fathers of the
> Community, the Leaders of the Community, respect, revere, worship and
> think them worth listening to, surely growth, monks, is to be expected
> for the monks, not decline.
>
> 5) For as long, monks, as the monks will not come under the influence
> of craving which has arisen for continued existence, surely growth,
> monks, is to be expected for the monks, not decline.
>
> 6) For as long, monks, as the monks will have desire for forest
> dwellings, surely growth, monks, is to be expected for the monks, not
> decline.
>
> 7) For as long, monks, as the monks individually will attend to the
> ways of mindfulness, so that their fellow celibates, who are
> well-behaved, in the future can come, and having come to their fellow
> celibates, who are well-behaved, can live comfortably, surely growth,
> monks, is to be expected for the monks, not decline.
>
> For as long, monks, as the monks will maintain these seven things
> which prevent decline, and the monks will agree with these seven
> things which prevent decline, surely growth, monks, is to be expected
> for the monks, not decline.
>
> 4: Seven Further Things which Prevent Decline in the Community (8–14)
>
> I will teach you a further seven things which prevent decline, listen
> to it, apply your minds well, and I will speak.”
>
> “Very well, reverend Sir,” those monks replied to the Gracious One,
> and the Gracious One said this:
>
> 1) “For as long, monks, as the monks are not devoted to the pleasure
> in work, the delight in work, and are not attached to work, surely
> growth, monks, is to be expected for the monks, not decline.
>
> 2) For as long, monks, as the monks are not devoted to the pleasure in
> speech, the delight in speech, and are not attached to speech, surely
> growth, monks, is to be expected for the monks, not decline.
>
> 3) For as long, monks, as the monks are not devoted to the pleasure in
> sleep, the delight in sleep, and are not attached to sleep, surely
> growth, monks, is to be expected for the monks, not decline.
>
> 4) For as long, monks, as the monks are not devoted to the pleasure of
> company, the delight in company, and are not attached to company,
> surely growth, monks, is to be expected for the monks, not decline.
>
> 5) For as long, monks, as the monks do not have evil wishes, do not go
> under the influence of evil wishes, surely growth, monks, is to be
> expected for the monks, not decline.
>
> 6) For as long, monks, as the monks do not have wicked friends, do not
> have wicked companions, do not have wicked comrades, surely growth,
> monks, is to be expected for the monks, not decline.
>
> 7) For as long, monks, as the monks do not achieve only mundane or
> incomplete attainment, surely growth, monks, is to be expected for the
> monks, not decline.
>
> For as long, monks, as the monks will maintain these seven things
> which prevent decline, and the monks will agree with these seven
> things which prevent decline, surely growth, monks, is to be expected
> for the monks, not decline.
>
> 5: Seven Further Things which Prevent Decline in the Community (15–21)
>
> I will teach you a further seven things which prevent decline, listen
> to it, apply your minds well, and I will speak.”
>
> “Very well, reverend Sir,” those monks replied to the Gracious One,
> and the Gracious One said this:
>
> 1) “For as long, monks, as the monks will have faith, surely growth,
> monks, is to be expected for the monks, not decline.
>
> 2) For as long, monks, as the monks will have a conscientious mind,
> surely growth, monks, is to be expected for the monks, not decline.
>
> 3) For as long, monks, as the monks will have a sense of shame, surely
> growth, monks, is to be expected for the monks, not decline.
>
> 4) For as long, monks, as the monks will be learned, surely growth,
> monks, is to be expected for the monks, not decline.
>
> 5) For as long, monks, as the monks will be strenuous, surely growth,
> monks, is to be expected for the monks, not decline.
>
> 6) For as long, monks, as the monks will attend to mindfulness, surely
> growth, monks, is to be expected for the monks, not decline.
>
> 7) For as long, monks, as the monks will possess wisdom, surely
> growth, monks, is to be expected for the monks, not decline.
>
> For as long, monks, as the monks will maintain these seven things
> which prevent decline, and the monks will agree with these seven
> things which prevent decline, surely growth, monks, is to be expected
> for the monks, not decline.
>
> 6: Seven Further Things which Prevent Decline in the Community (22–28)
>
> I will teach you a further seven things which prevent decline, listen
> to it, apply your minds well, and I will speak.”
>
> “Very well, reverend Sir,” those monks replied to the Gracious One,
> and the Gracious One said this:
>
> 1) “For as long, monks, as the monks will develop the factor of
> Perfect Awakening that is Mindfulness, surely growth, monks, is to be
> expected for the monks, not decline.
>
> 2) For as long, monks, as the monks will develop the factor of Perfect
> Awakening that is Investigation of the nature of things, surely
> growth, monks, is to be expected for the monks, not decline.
>
> 3) For as long, monks, as the monks will develop the factor of Perfect
> Awakening that is Energy, surely growth, monks, is to be expected for
> the monks, not decline.
>
> 4) For as long, monks, as the monks will develop the factor of Perfect
> Awakening that is Rapture, surely growth, monks, is to be expected for
> the monks, not decline.
>
> 5) For as long, monks, as the monks will develop the factor of Perfect
> Awakening that is Calm, surely growth, monks, is to be expected for
> the monks, not decline.
>
> 6) For as long, monks, as the monks will develop the factor of Perfect
> Awakening that is Concentration, surely growth, monks, is to be
> expected for the monks, not decline.
>
> 7) For as long, monks, as the monks will develop the factor of Perfect
> Awakening that is Equanimity, surely growth, monks, is to be expected
> for the monks, not decline.
>
> For as long, monks, as the monks will maintain these seven things
> which prevent decline, and the monks will agree with these seven
> things which prevent decline, surely growth, monks, is to be expected
> for the monks, not decline.
>
> 7: Seven Further Things which Prevent Decline in the Community (29–35)
>
> I will teach you a further seven things which prevent decline, listen
> to it, apply your minds well, and I will speak.”
>
> “Very well, reverend Sir,” those monks replied to the Gracious One,
> and the Gracious One said this:
>
> 1) “For as long, monks, as the monks will develop the perception of
> impermanence, surely growth, monks, is to be expected for the monks,
> not decline.
>
> 2) For as long, monks, as the monks will develop the perception of
> non-self, surely growth, monks, is to be expected for the monks, not
> decline.
>
> 3) For as long, monks, as the monks will develop the perception of the
> unattractive, surely growth, monks, is to be expected for the monks,
> not decline.
>
> 4) For as long, monks, as the monks will develop the perception of
> danger, surely growth, monks, is to be expected for the monks, not
> decline.
>
> 5) For as long, monks, as the monks will develop the perception of
> giving up, surely growth, monks, is to be expected for the monks, not
> decline.
>
> 6) For as long, monks, as the monks will develop the perception of
> dispassion, surely growth, monks, is to be expected for the monks, not
> decline.
>
> 7) For as long, monks, as the monks will develop the perception of
> cessation, surely growth, monks, is to be expected for the monks, not
> decline.
>
> For as long, monks, as the monks will maintain these seven things
> which prevent decline, and the monks will agree with these seven
> things which prevent decline, surely growth, monks, is to be expected
> for the monks, not decline.
>
> 8: Six Things which Prevent Decline in the Community (36–41)
>
> I will teach you a further six things which prevent decline, listen to
> it, apply your minds well, and I will speak.”
>
> “Very well, reverend Sir,” those monks replied to the Gracious One,
> and the Gracious One said this:
>
> 1) “For as long, monks, as the monks with friendly actions by way of
> the body will serve their fellow celibates, both in public and in
> private, surely growth, monks, is to be expected for the monks, not
> decline.
>
> 2) For as long, monks, as the monks with friendly actions by way of
> speech will serve their fellow celibates, both in public and in
> private, surely growth, monks, is to be expected for the monks, not
> decline.
>
> 3) For as long, monks, as the monks with friendly actions by way of
> the mind will serve their fellow celibates, both in public and in
> private, surely growth, monks, is to be expected for the monks, not
> decline.
>
> 4) For as long, monks, as the monks in regard to those righteous
> gains, received in accordance with the Teaching—whatever amount has
> been received in the bowl—will divide and share such gains with those
> who are virtuous, fellow celibates, and share them in common, surely
> growth, monks, is to be expected for the monks, not decline.
>
> 5) For as long, monks, as the monks are endowed with those virtues
> which are unbroken, faultless, unspotted, unblemished, productive of
> freedom, praised by the wise, not clung to, leading to concentration,
> and will live endowed with virtue amongst their fellow celibates who
> themselves possess such virtue, both in public and in private, surely
> growth, monks, is to be expected for the monks, not decline.
>
> 6) For as long, monks, as the monks are endowed with that which is
> Ariyan View, which leads out, which leads to the complete destruction
> of suffering for one who acts thus, and will live endowed with Right
> View amongst those who themselves possess such Right View, both in
> public and in private, surely growth, monks, is to be expected for the
> monks, not decline.
>
> For as long, monks, as the monks will maintain these six things which
> prevent decline, and the monks will agree with these six things which
> prevent decline, surely growth, monks, is to be expected for the
> monks, not decline.”
>
> There also the Gracious One, while living near Rājagaha on the
> Vultures’ Peak Mountain, spoke frequently to the monks about the
> Teaching, saying:
>
> “Such is virtue, such is concentration, such is wisdom, when virtue is
> well-developed it yields great fruit and brings great advantages in
> regard to concentration, when concentration is well-developed it
> yields great fruit and brings great advantages in regard to wisdom,
> when wisdom is well-developed the mind is completely liberated from
> the pollutants, that is to say: the pollutant of sensuality, the
> pollutant of craving for continued existence, the pollutant of
> ignorance.”

The declination of buddhism was because of breaking these.

Hopefully this helps. If you want to know more about this, you can try to read this book called "The concise history of buddhism".


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