Question

buddhism was india’s dominant religion in 100 bce, and then it
○ expanded to become the dominant religion in all of asia.
○ declined in india but remained strong in other areas of asia.
○ spread to asia but did not take hold throughout the continent.
○ became obsolete when hinduism spread into asia.

Explanation:

To solve this, we analyze the historical trajectory of Buddhism:

1. Buddhism originated in India. Over time, while it declined in India (due to factors like the revival of Hinduism, etc.), it spread and remained strong in other Asian regions (like East Asia, Southeast Asia).
2. Option A is incorrect as Buddhism was never the dominant religion across all of Asia.
3. Option C is incorrect because Buddhism did take hold in many parts of Asia (e.g., China, Japan, Thailand).
4. Option D is incorrect as Buddhism did not become obsolete; it continued to thrive in other regions, and Hinduism's spread in Asia was not the cause of Buddhism's "obsolescence."
5. Option B accurately reflects Buddhism's history: decline in India but strong presence in other Asian areas.

Answer:

B. declined in India but remained strong in other areas of Asia.