Buddhism binds the two most populated regions of the world- South Asia and China. In developing a holistic understanding of the historical linkages between these two regions, scientific studies of the Buddhist texts, its monumental and material remains, and numerous archaeological sites have played a very important role. The results of recent excavations at many such sites have altered our understanding of monasteries as mere residences for monks, and have simultaneously revealed the existence of many important Buddhist centres which were an integral part of the cultural and religious fabric of the society. these excavations have also brought forth the need for studying these sites in a wider religious landscape and network.