Beginning from the mid-7th century, Turks following another religion invaded Northwestern India from Central Asia. By the 2nd half of the 10th century they gradually advanced to the Panjab area, and began aggression to the central areas. Wherever they went, indigenous religions of India were devastated. By the 11th century, during the Pala Dynasty and the following Sena Dynasty, the invaders’ forces gradually reached all parts of Eastern India. The Buddhist high priests dispersed and tool refuge in Tibet of China via places like Nepal and Kasmira. Finally, the royal family of the Sena Dynasty also changed their creed and important education institutions like Vikramasilavihara were demolished one after another, with very few monks remaining. Buddhism disappeared from Indian soil soon thereafter. This took place at about the end of the 12th century. (From Essentials of Buddhism: Questions and Answers)