Sixth century BC India was in a state of profound social and philosophical revolution. In the land watered by the Ganges, new monarchical states, such as Kosala and Magadha were expanding. While the cities of 6th century BC swarmed with shifting new populations, the roads were busy with the movement of religious wanderers and teachers. It was into this climate that Sidhartha Gautama, the Buddha-to-be, was born into the Shakya clan, whose capital was Kapilavastu, at the Lumbini Grove in the foothills of the Himalayas.

• Birth (Lumbini) - 624 B.C.E.
• Marriage (Kapilavastu) - 608 B.C.E
• Renunciation (Kapilavastu) - 595 B.C.E
• Enlightenment (Bodh Gaya) - 589 B.C.E
• 1st Year after Enlightenment (Sarnath) - 588 B.C.E.
• Death / Parinirvana at Kushinagar - 544 B.C.E