Buddhism was founded in India by Siddhartha Gautama, also known as Buddha. The religion aims to end human suffering through teachings like the Four Noble Truths about dukkha (suffering) and the Eightfold Path to reach nirvana. Buddhists believe in reincarnation and rebirth until one escapes the cycle of samsara. Key beliefs include non-self, dependent origination, and anatta (no soul or eternal self). Buddhism is one of the major world religions with over 350 million followers worldwide.