Final answer:
The historic event connecting Nepal with Buddhism is the birth of Siddhartha Gautama, the founder of Buddhism, in Lumbini around 563 BCE. This site is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a place of pilgrimage. Additionally, Nepal's history has been influential in the spread of Buddhism during the period of the Mauryan and Kushan Empires.
Step-by-step explanation:
The historic event that connects Nepal with Buddhism is the birth of Siddhartha Gautama, the founder of Buddhism, at Lumbini. Lumbini, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is situated in modern-day Nepal and is a significant pilgrimage site for Buddhists. Prince Siddhartha was born around 563 BCE and went on to establish Buddhism as a path to enlightenment and freedom from suffering.
Nepal's history is deeply intertwined with Buddhism's spread, notably during the rise of the Mauryan Empire which facilitated Buddhism's migration across Asia. King Ashoka, a ruler of the Mauryan dynasty, converted to Buddhism in the 3rd century BCE and played a pivotal role in promoting Buddhism through his vast empire. The Kushan Empire later continued to sponsor Buddhism, furthering its reach across Asia, including to China via the activities of Buddhist monks like Lokaksema in the 2nd century.
While Hinduism remains the main religion in Nepal, the integration of Buddhist practices and coexistence of both religious communities highlight the continued cultural significance of Buddhism in the region. The shared reverence for sites and figures by both Buddhists and Hindus exemplifies the interconnected religious landscape of Nepal.