During the rule of Ashoka and thereafter for almost 1000 years Buddhism and its culture flourished over the Indian Sub - Continent. The royal patronage that it received from the Ashokan times continued late into the first half of the first millenia. A number of Buddhist temples and monastries were built during this period. The new philosophy ran parrallel to the bhramanical structure of the society, thus there was hardly any clash between them.

The Indian Rulers and Monarchs have for long being known as great builders. Their majestic Palaces and temples in praise of their Gods has been appreciated by one and all. And as Buddhism gained Royal Patronage, inummerable art depicting the life of Buddha and his teachings sprung up across the length and width of the countryside.

From Gaya in the East where the Lord Buddha reached Enlightenment to Afghanistan in the West numerous shrines were built. This trend followed even upto the South-East Asian colonies of Indian Kingdoms in Java, Sumatra, etc. To the South in Ceylon (Sri Lanka) the preachings of the Great Saint was adopted and Buddhist Art flourished.

Thus we see before the philosophy reached the Central and Eastern Asian countries of China, Mongolia and Japan Buddhism had already found a big base of following.

We have collected some better known sites with its historical perspective for our Site Visitors.