Final answer:
Under the Mauryan Empire, Buddhism flourished particularly after Emperor Ashoka's conversion. The Gupta Dynasty fostered a Hindu cultural resurgence and institutionalized many iconic forms of Hindu deities. Despite the flourishing of Buddhist universities, this period also marked the beginning of Buddhism's decline in India.
Step-by-step explanation:
Under the Mauryan Empire, Buddhism spread significantly, especially after Emperor Ashoka's conversion, and became influential across Asia. Hinduism, while continuing to be the dominant religion, coexisted with Buddhism during this time. The Gupta Dynasty, on the other hand, marked a period of Hindu cultural resurgence with significant developments in religious texts and iconography. Iconic forms of Hindu deities, such as Vishnu and Shiva, were established and institutionalized during the Gupta period. Buddhist universities thrived as centers of learning, drawing students and pilgrims from many regions. Simultaneously, the decline of Buddhism in India began, with a transformation in Hinduism that allowed for greater personal devotion and participation by a broader array of the population.