Khan Academy
Khan Academy: Development of the Buddha Image
There is significant debate concerning the development of the Buddha image--where it first occurred, why, and when. Broadly speaking, the image of the Buddha emerged during the first few centuries C.E. in two major centers of Indian art...
Buddha Dharma Education Association
Buddha Net: Theravada Timeline
A timeline plotting the significant events in Theravda Buddhist history. Timeline starts in 383 B.C.E. and continues to the present.
Seeker
Seeker: Week of 11 25 13: Oldest Buddha Shrine Dates Birth 6th C. b.c.
When was the Buddha, or Enlightened One, born, and when? The recent discovery of the oldest known Buddist shrine tells archaelogists more than we've ever know.
City University of New York
Chinese Cultural Studies: Faxian Fa Hsien: A Record of the Buddhistic Kingdoms
This resource discusses the history of the Buddhist kingdoms, and how their godlike monarch worked. Discusses Buddhist religious rituals and beliefs as well.
Smart History
Smarthistory: The Stupa
Smarthistory resource with photographs and videos of ancient burial mounds in which historian, Dr. Shelby, provides an in-depth discussion. Links to additional resources.
Wikimedia
Wikipedia: Vajrayana
An article on Vajrayana, one of the three Buddhist routes to enlightenment. The article includes the history of Vajrayana and its teachings, as well as information about its development in places beyond India, such as China, Japan, and...
Other
Dzogchen Monastery
A web site of a Nyingma tradition Tibetan monastery. Includes information of the history of the tradition, its teachings, its teachers, and its place in modern Buddhism.
Then Again
Then Again: Web Chron: India and Southern Asia
On his website, a history professor provides a brief timeline of the history of India and Southeast Asia. Key words in each entry are highlighted as links for additional specific information and pictures. Link takes you to the index...
Khan Academy
Khan Academy: Bodhisattva Maitreya
This statue depicts the bodhisattva Maitreya. Bodhisattvas are enlightened beings who postpone their own salvation in order to help all sentient beings. The bodhisattva is an ideal type, not a depiction of an historical person like the...
Khan Academy
Khan Academy: Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara
This is an image of the compassionate and merciful bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara. Bodhisattvas are enlightened beings who are destined to become buddhas but postpone that final state in order to help humanity. The name Avalokiteshvara...
Khan Academy
Khan Academy: Borobudur
The idea of path is an important concept in Buddhism, and is essential in understanding the meaning and purpose of one of the most remarkable and impressive monuments in the world: Borobudur. View pictures and read the history behind...
Khan Academy
Khan Academy: Todai Ji
When completed in the 740s, Todai-ji (or "Great Eastern Temple") was the largest building project ever on Japanese soil. Its creation reflects the complex intermingling of Buddhism and politics in early Japan. View pictures and read...
Buddha Dharma Education Association
Buddha Net: The Chinese Canon
A long essay on the Tripitaka, the Chinese Mahayana scriptures. Discusses the various parts, their history, and their importance.
Other
Travel China Guide: Sui Dynasty
This site provides a brief synopsis of the history of the Sui Dynasty. This examination covers the dynasty from its beginning to end.
University of California
The Bancroft Library: Oroville Chinese Temple
Digitized collection of artifacts from a Chinese temple built in 1863 and serving a populace of 10,000.
Buddha Dharma Education Association
Buddha Net: Thai Buddhist Festivals
A page listing and describing the important dates in the Thai Buddhist tradition. These dates are also important in the Laotian and Cambodian tradition.
Lin and Don Donn
Mr. Donn: Social Studies: Lesson Plans
This is a teacher-created collection of social studies lesson plans on world history. Lessons cover ancient history up to the present day.
Khan Academy
Khan Academy: Images of Enlightenment: Aniconic vs Iconic Depictions of Buddha
Some of the earliest depictions of the Buddha reaching enlightenment appear as sculptural friezes on the exterior of sacred Buddhist monuments known as stupas. View pictures of these friezes and read the history of Prince Siddhartha in...
San Jose State University
San Jose State University: Sacrifices
This virtual exhibition project discusses many aspects of ancient Chinese history, including ancestral worship, weaponry, sacrifice, the Shang Dynasty, gods, the Chou Dynasty, burials, Emperor Shihuangdi, Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism.
University of California
Ucla: Manas: About India
This is a robust site from UCLA with lots of information about Indian cultures, religions, social life and organization, history and politics. Don't expect a zillion pictures, but an in-depth look at the cultures and history.
Other
Templenet: Sarnath
This entry has information on the significance of Sarnath as a Buddhist pilgrimage site, and the temples that have been built there throughout Buddhist history.
Khan Academy
Khan Academy: Seated Amitabha Buddha (Amida Nyorai)
This sculpture shows Amitabha, identified as the Buddha of the Western Paradise. Read a brief history of Amitabha and the techniques used to make this sculpture.
Other
The Nyingma Tradition
A large page detailing all aspects of the Nyingma Buddhist tradition. Covers its history, its teachings and its major teachers.
Lin and Don Donn
Lin and Don Donn: Chinese Festivals & Dragon Lore
Information on China's ancient past and the roots of modern-day Chinese culture. Includes information on Chinese festivals, religions, and philosophy.