CRISIS AND CONTINUITY: MAITREYA’S RESURGENCE IN CHINA

Abstract

In India, Buddhism's decline was multifaceted and gradual, rooted in sociopolitical, economic, and religious transformations. Historically, Buddhism thrived under the patronage of powerful rulers; however, by the seventh century, such robust royal sponsorship had waned, leaving Buddhist monasteries and institutions financially vulnerable. Without consistent state patronage, many monastic communities struggled to maintain their infrastructure, conduct their scholarly activities, and provide for their members. The contraction of long-distance trade, which had served as lifelines for Buddhist communities, facilitated the flow of wealth, knowledge, and pilgrims; steadily deteriorated. The decline of urban centers in northern India further exacerbated the situation. Cities that had once been vibrant hubs of commerce and culture, such as Pataliputra and Mathura, experienced economic stagnation, and demographic decline, leading to the erosion of the urban patronage that Buddhist institutions had relied upon. The physical decay of Buddhist sites mirrored this broader decline. Iconic monastic complexes and stupas fell into despair, and pilgrimage routes became increasingly neglected. This degradation had become apparent to foreign pilgrims, including Chinese monks, who documented the dilapidated state of many Buddhist monuments during their travels in India.