Tracing the origin of Theravada Buddhism to Hindu Brahmanism and spread of the Buddhist scholars to South-east Asia and the Far East, the book deals with the principles of this primeval form of Buddhism. It describes the history of Buddhism, especially Theravada Buddhism: the four Buddhist councils, appearance of the new form of Buddhism, emergence of various Buddhist sects, and the transition of Theravada Buddhism into a new type where local cults, mantras, mudras and mandalas influenced and transformed early Buddhism into a magic cult. Citing Buddhist texts and scholarly writings, it also discusses decline of Buddhism in India and its present state in India and other countries. It refers to numerous places associated with Buddhism and the role of kings, monks and travellers in promoting it.