How did Buddhism fare in Tang society, particularly under Huichang persecution?

• A. Buddhism flourished but faced suppression and tax on monasteries during Huichang (845), weakening monastic wealth.
• B. Buddhism was banned entirely during Huichang.
• C. Buddhism declined steadily with no persecution during Huichang.
• D. Buddhism's influence expanded with increased monastic wealth during Huichang.

Answer: (A)

Buddhism in Tang China grew to be a powerful and wealthy institutions, backed by temple endowments and imperial patronage. But in the Huichang era (845), the state moved to curb that power. Emperor Wuzong led a crackdown aimed at reducing Buddhist influence and boosting state revenue, which meant heavy taxation on monastery lands and wealth, closures of temples, and pressure on monks to return to lay life. This policy didn’t wipe Buddhism out, but it weakened its economic base and political clout, marking a clear reversal from prior growth. That combination—historical flourishing under patronage, followed by a targeted suppression that taxed monasteries and reduced wealth during Huichang—best fits how Buddhism fared in Tang society at that time.