Why did Buddhism decline in its birthplace of India?

Buddhism's decline in India stemmed from several factors. A significant reason was its absorption into a revitalized Hindu tradition, partly due to Buddhism's inherent tolerance. Additionally, Buddhism became largely a monastic movement, losing touch with its lay supporters. Wealthy monasteries employed laborers, and when Muslim invaders sacked these monasteries in the 12th and 13th centuries, the lay community showed little interest in their resurgence. The rise of devotional Hinduism, with its emphasis on bhakti, also contributed to Buddhism's waning influence.12