Buddhism is the world's fourth biggest religion with over 520 million adherents, or over 7% of the global community, known as Buddhists. An Indian religion, Buddhism includes a diversity of cultures, faiths and religious modes mostly based on primary education connected to the Buddha and ending defined theories. Buddhism began in Ancient India as a Sramana myth sometime between the 6th and 4th centuries BCE, increasing through much of Asia. Two main existing branches of Buddhism are commonly acknowledged by scholars.
Buddhism entered Han China by means of the Silk Road, starting in the first or second century CE.
The first recorded interpretation endeavors by Buddhist priests in China (all outsiders) were in the second century CE affected by the extension of the Kushan Empire into the Chinese domain of the Tarim Basin under Kanishka.
These contacts brought Gandharan Buddhist culture into regions neighboring China proper.
Tanjore paintings, and their characteristics, have brilliant colour schemes, decorative jewellery with stones and cut glasses and remarkable gold leaf work. The liberal use of gold leaf and precious and semi-precious stones presents a splendid visual treat.
