On the basis of the given hints, Buddhism had significant impact in all these fields explained below:
(a) India’ Religion: The practical and simple doctrines left a deep impression on Hinduism. It won the hearts of many, with its simple doctrines, which were easy to understand and follow. The principle of Ahimsa (non-***) got very popular among the Hindus. The Hindus gradually started avoiding costlier religious ceremonies like sacrifices and Yajnas. The Mahavanists started the cult of worshiping Buddha and Bodhisattvas, making idols and erecting temples in their honor. Imitating them, the Hindus too followed the practice of Buddhists, and built beautiful temples to worship their Gods and Goddesses.
(b) Literature: Much of the Buddhist-Literature had been composed in the common-speaking language of the people in that time. Two centuries after the **** of Buddha, his teachings were compiled and known as Tripitaka of the three baskets. The first part is the Sutta Pitaka, it consists of the collection of Buddha’ discourses and teachings. The second part was the Vinaya Pitaka which contains rules and regulations framed for the guidance of those who belong to the monastic order. The third part was the Abhidhamma Pitaka which contains the philosophical explanation of the doctrines of the Buddhist religion. The Jatakas contain tales, dealing with the previous births of the Buddha. These tales were written in Pali script. They greatly enriched Indian literature. They throw light on the social and political conditions of the people in the 3rd and 4th centuries BC. The Mahayana Buddhists produced their religious literature in Sanskrit.
(c) Education: Buddhist monasteries became great centers of learning. A number of learned scholars in these monasteries, taught Buddhist scriptures, logic, philosophy, medicine, astronomy etc. These centers of learning developed into famous universities—Nalanda, Taxila, Vikramasila etc. They fascinated scholars from many countries of the world.
(d) Art and Architecture: Buddhist viharas, temples and monument were known for their beautiful carvings. The gateways and railings of the Sanchi Stupa were covered with sculptured figures. They constructed many cave temples, which were decorated with beautiful frescoes. The Gandhara art was developed under Buddhist patronage. The numerous rock-cut cave temples, stupas and pillars, bear testimony to the Buddhist ingenuity in the field of architecture.
