However, before the Theravada school one of the south Indian schools of Buddhism, came into existence as the religion of the country and spread its influence over the people, there existed different schools of Buddhism. Among them some obscure Buddhist Mahayana cults were practiced, similar to those known in Bengal and the Malay Archipelago. The most powerful on was the order of Ari monks, which was remarkably different from the Theravada school. Ari monks were not celibate: were well skilled in martial arts, were known for indulgence, and corrupted the doctrine. They practiced tantra cults and magic, selling spells and absolution from sins.