The Factors Affecting the Mutual Exchanges of Religious Ideas along " Silk Road", with Emphasis on the Role of Indian Religions

“Silk Road” is an excellent example of the mutual exchange of religious ideas among the countries that lay along this road or among those travelling along it. The role of Indian religions in the mutual exchange of religious ideas and intercultural communication is, for specified reasons, particularly significant. The exchange of religious ideas along “Silk Road” have had various outcomes and, to date, have played a key role in developing the identity of this road. The outcomes of such interactions can be divided into various kinds: artistic, intellectual, social and political. In fact, an analysis of these impacts indicates the various artistic developments in the sculpture and painting and the eclecticism of art and architecture of the cultures of the countries along “Silk Road”. This paper expounds the changes in the artistic styles, religious ideas and the eclectic taste of some denominations resulting from the exchange of different ideas among those who frequently travel on “Silk Road”. Using an analytical method, the paper seeks to investigate the role of India in the exchange of religious ideas, the impact of the confrontations between religious beliefs, the factors affecting them and the dialogue between the religions along “Silk Road”. The research results indicate the impact of the political attitudes and interests of the powers dominating “Silk Road” and the ideological principles and intellectual foundations of religions on exchanging religious ideas.