Chapter 7.2

Buddhism, after the death of the Buddha split into religious segments: Mahayana and Theravada. Mahayana Buddhism following the belief that the Buddha was a god and people could become bodhisattvas to help enlighten other people. Theravada beliefs followed the older strict path of individual practice and the belief that Buddha was just simply an enlightened man. With this new Buddhist growth stupas were built over relics to honor the faith and promote good karma, prayer, and meditation.  Also being reborn was the Hindu faith. The Hindu faith began to recognize the three facets of a single god; Brahma the creator of the world, Vishnu the preserver of the world, and Shiva the destroyer of the world. Culture and knowledge in India began to grow and evolve as well. Literature and drama were building and a famous Indian writer, Kalidasa, was an important figure whose work not only inspired at the time but is still written down today. The Silk Roads helped then to spread this art and culture, Indian goods, and to bring in new ideas and goods to India.