Central Asia had been influenced by Buddhism probably almost since the time of the Buddha.
At the time of the Buddha, Vesali was a very large and rich city.
This process of first settlement on land had completed its final stage prior to the times of the Buddha and Pāṇini.
Allahabad was a well-known centre of education (dating from the time of the Buddha), and into modern times.
At the time of the Buddha, instruction in it was restricted to members of the twice-born castes.
Andhras were practising the dharma from the time of the Buddha (rumour has it that he even once visited).
Buddhists say that in the time of the Buddha, nuns had more problems like their safety.
These two views were professed by teachers of other schools during the time of the Buddha.
In addition, some learned monks also wrote chronicles on the history of Buddhism from the time of the Buddha to their present day.
The Vassa tradition pre-dates the time of the historical Buddha.