The integration of Buddha as an avatar of Vishnu into the Hindu pantheon, particularly within the Vaishnava tradition, contributed to the assimilation of Buddhist tenets into Hinduism. This syncretism, coupled with patronage shifts away from Buddhism towards other sects like Shaivism and Vaishnavism, led to a decline in Buddhism's distinct identity and support base. While some Gupta rulers were patrons of Buddhism, later rulers in various regional kingdoms offered more support to Brahmanical traditions, impacting Buddhism's institutional strength.