Indian Architecture (Buddhist and Hindu Periods) c15.30

c15.30

In spite of its stability of formation and strength of construction, the southern India stupa was not destined to a long life The fragility of its artistic accessories and the value of the material of which it was composed soon made it the prey of the despoiler. Moreover, Buddhism in these parts began to decline as early as the fourth century A D., after which date all such monuments fell into a state of neglect. The end followed rapidly, as is shown by the account of Hiuen Tsiang who passed through here in the year 636, for he remarks that "monasteries had been numerous, but were mostly deserted and ruined."