Status Updates From Relics of the Buddha (Buddh...

The spread and proliferation of relics allows a religion to spread and grow beyond the lives of its prophets and saints. I think you can also argue that the beginning of relic and cult aspects of religion marks the point where it becomes a popular rather than an elite religion.

Dances around the implication that jataka tales and relic sites were ecumenical devices for spreading Buddhism (and the state) of the Mauryan Empire. Doesn't outright say it though.