The correct answer is 1 only. Key Points The Decline of Buddhism in India in the Early Medieval times: Buddhism declined after the end of the Guptan Empire. Let us briefly examine the reasons for the decline: Rise of Brahmins and increase in their influence in the socio-political process. Hindu traditions such as Vaishnavism, Shaivism, etc. became increasingly popular. Buddha was considered the 9th incarnation of Vishnu and thus became a part of Vaishnavism. Hence, Statement 1 is correct. Invaders from the Middle East like the Arabs, Persians, etc. persecuted Buddhists and led to the destruction of Buddhist institutions such as Nalanda. Hence, Statement 2 is Not correct. Religious competition earlier with Hinduism and later with Islam. After the decline of the Gupta Empire regionalization of India occurred which led to the loss of patronage and donations and Buddhist monasteries gradually lost control of land revenue. Hence, Statement 3 is Not correct.​​ The Gupta dynasty did not oppose Buddhism, but Buddhism received less royal patronage under the Guptas as compared to the preceding Mauryan and Kushan Empires.