Hinduism and Buddhism, have common origins in the Ganges culture of northern
India during the so-called "second urbanisation"around 500 BCE. They
have shared parallel beliefs that have existed side by side, but also
pronounced differences.
Buddhism attained prominence in the Indian
subcontinent as it was supported by royal courts, but started to decline after
the Gupta era, and virtually disappeared in the 11th century CE,
except in some pockets of India. It has continued to exist outside of India and
is the major religion in several East Asian countries.