Scholars trace the origins of some of Buddhism's most influential philosophers to South India, where thinkers like Nagarjuna and Dignaga developed foundational theories that shaped Buddhist thought across Asia.

South India emerged as a significant intellectual hub for Buddhist philosophy, producing scholars whose contributions reshaped Buddhist thought across the Asian continent. According to academic analysis, prominent figures including Nagarjuna (1st-2nd Century) and Dignaga (5th-6th Century) originated from this region, with their ideas influencing Buddhist communities from Central Asia to Southeast Asia.

Nagarjuna, frequently referred to as the Second Buddha, is renowned for developing the Theory of Emptiness (Sunyata-vada), which posited that objects lack intrinsic essence due to dependent origination. Scholarly sources identify him with the Vidarbha region and Andhra Pradesh, where he may have composed his major work "Mulamadhyamaka-karika." His philosophical framework inspired subsequent interpretations, though some scholars note his original intentions may have been misinterpreted by later followers. Similarly, Dignaga, born near Kanchipuram around 480-540 CE, is credited with founding Indian logic and advancing Buddhist epistemology through his theory of cognition and the method known as "apoha" (exclusion).

Other significant philosophers from South India included Aryadeva (3rd Century), Buddhapalita (5th-6th Century), Bhaviveka (6th Century), Chandrakirti (7th Century), and Dharmakirti (6th Century). These thinkers engaged in vigorous scholarly debate at major monastic universities like Nalanda, particularly regarding interpretations of Nagarjuna's emptiness doctrine. Their methods and philosophies, especially regarding logic and epistemology, gained considerable esteem in Tibet and influenced Buddhist scholarship across the broader Buddhist world.

Buddhism and South India shared parallel development timelines with Sri Lanka, with historical records indicating that missionary efforts from Emperor Asoka reached both regions simultaneously. However, by the 14th Century, Buddhism's influence in South India had substantially declined due to internal divisions and external pressures, though not before its philosophers had secured lasting positions in Buddhist intellectual history.