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The Rise of the Zao Dynasty
This chapter explores the establishment of the Zao Dynasty in China by a powerful female figure, whose grand building projects incorporated Taoist and Buddhist elements. It highlights the cultural exchange between Indian and Chinese Buddhism, as Indian monks deliver prophecies and scholarship that legitimize her rule, marking a shift in religious dynamics. Additionally, the chapter underscores the pivotal role of this period in shaping Buddhist practices and art, particularly in light of declining Buddhism in India.