CBSE Class 12 History HOTs Thinkers Beliefs and Buildings

Question. Sanchi Stupa is situated
(a) Near to Bhopal
(b) Near to Indore
(c) Near to Delhi
(d) Near to Agra

Answer : A

Question. New tradition of Buddhism was called as
(a) Shwetambar
(b) Digambar
(c) Hinayana
(d) Mahayana

Answer : D

Question. Choose the correct option:
(a) Sanchi Stupa situated near to Bhopal.
(b) Sanchi Stupa was preserved by the Beghums of Bhopal
(c) Sanchi Stupa belongs to Buddhism.
(d) All of these.

Answer : D

Question. 24 great teachers of Jainism are known as ________
(a) Tirthankars
(b) Jataks
(c) Jinas
(d) Vardhmanas

Answer : A

Question. ________ is the birth place of Gautama Buddha.
(a) Kalinga
(b) Sarnatha
(c) Lumbini
(d) Kushinagara

Answer : C

Question. Which of the following pairs is not correctly matched?
(a) Bhopal- shahjehan begum
(b) Tirthankars- teachers of Buddhism
(c) Stupa- Sanchi near Bhopal
(d) Hagiography - saints

Answer : B

Question. According to which Buddhist text Asoka distributed portions of the Buddha’s relics to every important town and ordered the construction of stupas over them?
(a) Ashokavadana
(b) Mahaparinibbana Sutta
(c) Sutta Pitaka
(d) Vessantara Jataka

Answer : A

Question. Consider the following statements:
1. Jainism was started by Rishabhdev.
2. Lord Mahavira was 24th Tirthankar of Jainism.
3. Teachings of Jainism are given in Angar.
4. Jainism started Sangha to spread its massage.
Which of the given statements is/are correct?
(a) 1, 2, 3, 4
(b) 1, 2, 3
(c) 2, 3, 4
(d) 1, 3, 4

Answer : B

Question. The most splendid stupa was at _________
(a) Amravati
(b) Sanchi
(c) Bhoomra
(d) Shahjidheri

Answer : A

Question. What was the name of the gana to which Buddha belonged to?
(a) Licchavi
(b) Sakya
(c) Koliyas
(d) Kamboj

Answer : B

Question. Which of these was not the Begum of Bhopal?
(a) Shahjehan Begum
(b) Sultanjehan Begum
(c) Noorjehan Begum
(d) (a) and (b) both

Answer : C

Question. At which place Lord Buddha attained true enlightenment?
(a) Lumbini
(b) Kushinagara
(c) Sarnath
(d) Bodhgaya

Answer : D

Question. How many school of thoughts were established in the Indian sub-continent during mid-first millennium BCE?
(a) 72
(b) 64
(c) 60
(d) 68

Answer : B

Question. What is the meaning of ‘Three baskets’?
(a) Tirthankara
(b) Triratna
(c) Tipitaka
(d) Trishula

Answer : C

Question. The Sangha was an association of whom?
(a) Bhikkus
(b) merchants
(c) traders
(d) dancers

Answer : A

Question. Which kingdom donated for Bharhut stupas?
(a) The Maurya
(b) The Satavahan
(c) The Sung
(d) The Kanv

Answer : B

Question. Which of the following is the most important idea in Jainism?
(a) Observing celibacy
(b) Entire world is animated
(c) Belief in non-violence
(d) Asceticism and penance are required to free oneself from the cycle of Karma.

Answer : B

Question. Which of the following statements is incorrect regarding the lively discussions and debates in the Buddhist texts?
(a) Debates took place in the kutagarashala.
(b) Many of the teachers questioned the authority of the Vedas.
(c) In these debates the kings tried to convince one another as well as laypersons about the validity of their philosophy or the way they understood the world.
(d) If a philosopher succeeded in convincing one of his rivals, the followers of the latter also became his disciples.

Answer : C

Question. In which language Buddhist Literature was written?
(a) Pali Language
(b) Sanskrit Language
(c) Prakrit Language
(d) Magadhi Language

Answer : A

Question. How many avatars were recognised within the Vaishnavism tradition?
(a) 12
(b) 10
(c) 14
(d) 11

Answer : B

Question. Consider the following statements in respect of the structure of the stupa. Which one is not correct?
(a) The stupa originated as a simple semi-circular mound of earth, later called anda.
(b) Above the anda was the harmika, a balcony like structure that represented the abode of the gods.
(c) Arising from the harmika was a mast called the yashti, often surmounted by a chhatri or umbrella.
(d) Around the mound was a railing, connecting the sacred space from the secular world.

Answer : D

Question. Consider the following statements regarding Sangha.
(i) Mahapajapati Gotami persuaded Buddha to allow women into the sangha.
(ii) Many women who entered the sangha became teachers of Dhamma and went on to become theris.
(iii) Once within the sangha, all were regarded as equal.
Which of the following statements is/are correct?
(a) I and II
(b) II and III
(c) I and III
(d) II only

Answer : B

Question. Consider the following statements regarding the structure of the stupa.
(i) Harmika is a balcony-like structure that represented the abode of gods.
(ii) A mast called the anda arose from the harmika.
(iii) A yashti was often surmounted by a chhatri or umbrella.
(iv) Yashti arose from the harmika.
Which of the following statements is/are correct?
(a) I, II and III
(b) II, III and IV
(c) I and IV
(d) I, III and IV

Answer : D

Question. Who provided money for the preservation of the Sanchi Stupa?
(a) John Marshall
(b) Begums of Bhopal
(c) Alexander Cunningham
(d) None of the above

Answer : B

Question. What was the balcony-like structure in a stupa called?
(a) Anda
(b) Harmika
(c) Yashti
(d) Chhatri

Answer : B

Question. What does the symbol of ‘empty seat’ symbolise?
(a) First Sermon of the Buddha
(b) An event in the life of Buddha
(c) Wisdom of the Buddha
(d) Meditation of the Buddha

Answer : D

Question. Consider the following statements in respect of “Hagiography”. Which one is not correct?
(a) It is a biography of a powerful ruler.
(b) It often praise the saint’s achievements, and may not always be literally accurate.
(c) They are important because they tell us about the beliefs of the followers of that particular tradition.
(d) It was written in biography manner.

Answer : A

Question. Who was the first woman to be ordained as a bhikkhuni?
(a) Mahapajapati Gotami
(b) Mahapajapati Bodhi
(c) Mahapajapati Grishma
(d) None of the above

Answer : A

Question. ”Taj-ul-iqbal tarikh Bhopal” is the autobiography of which of the following ruler ?
(a)Jenub Begum
(b) Jehan Begum
(c) Shahjehan Begum
(d) Maham Begum

Answer : C

Question. Which of the following are not correctly matched in respect of Buddha life?
(a) Where he was born – Lumbini
(b) Where he attained enlightenment – Sursen
(c) Where he gave his first sermon -Sarnath
(d) Where he attained nibbana -Kusinagara

Answer : B

Question. Identify the given picture

(a) A sculpture of Buddha from Mathura
(b) An image of tirthankara
(c) A bodhisatta from Gandhara
(d) A part of sculpture at Mahabalipuram 

Question. Map Identification

Question. (A).identify the place marked as 'A'
(a) Kusinagara
(b) lumbini
(c) bodh Gaya
(d) bharhut

Answer : B

Question. (B) identify the place marked as 'B'
(a) ajanta
(b) sanchi
(c) nasik
(d) sarnath

Answer : B

Question. (C).identify the place marked as 'C'
(a) sarnath
(b) lumbini
(c) kusinagara
(d) shravasti

Answer : A

Question. Which is the method of salvation in Buddhism?
(a) Three Jewels
(b) Eight-fold path
(c) Penance
(d) Ahimsa.

Answer : B

Question. Given below are two statements, one labelled as Assertion (a) and the other labelled as Reason (R):
Assertion (a): The mid-first millennium BCE saw the emergence of new religions in India.
Reason (R): People began speculating on the significance of the sacrificial tradition and authority of the Vedas.
(a) Both (a) and (R) are correct and (R) is the correct Explanation of (a).
(b) Both (a) and (R) are correct and (R) is not the correct Explanation of (a).
(c) (a) is correct but (R) is not correct.
(d) (R) is correct but (a) is not correct.

Answer : A

Question. Statement (a) The Buddha regarded the social world as the creation of humans rather than of divine origin.
Reason(R): Therefore, he advised kings and gahapatis to be humane and ethical.
(a) A is correct, but R is false.
(b) A is false, but R is correct.
(c) A and R, both correct.
(d) None of them are correct

Answer : C

Question. Statement:
Assertion (a) - Jainism did not spread as fast as Buddhism.
Reason (R) - Royal patronage to Jainism was not as extensive as it was in the case of Buddhism .
Choose correct option –
(a) Both (a) an (R) are true and (R) is the correct Explanation to (a)
(b) Both (a) an (R) are true but (R) is not the correct Explanation of (a)
(c) (a) is true but (R) is false
(d) (a) is false but (R) is true

Answer : A

Question. Match the following.
(i) Metta (a) soulless
(ii) Karuna (b) fellow feeling
(iii) Anatta (c) sorrow
(iv) Dukkha (d) compassion
Choose the correct option
(a) i – b, ii – d, iii – a, iv – c
(b) i – c, ii – a, iii – b, iv – d
(c) i – c, ii – b, iii – a, iv – d
(d) i – d, ii – a, iii – b, iv – c

Answer : A

Question. Match the following.
(i) Lumbini (a) Buddha attained Nibbana
(ii) Kusinagara (b) Buddha delivered his first sermon
(iii) Sarnath (c) Buddha was born
(iv) Bodh Gaya (d) Buddha attained enlightenment
Choose the correct option
(a) i – b, ii – c, iii – a, iv – d
(b) i – c, ii – a, iii – b, iv – d
(c) i – c, ii – b, iii – a, iv – d
(d) i – d, ii – a, iii – b, iv – c

Answer : B

Question. Source based question-
A prayer to Agni Here are two verses from the Rigveda invoking Agni, the god of fire, often identified with the sacrificial fire, into which offerings were made so as to reach the other deities: Bring, O strong one, this sacrifice of ours to the gods, O wise one, as a liberal giver. Bestow on us, O priest, abundant food. Agni, obtain, by sacrificing, mighty wealth for us. Procure, O Agni, for ever to him who prays to you (the gift of) nourishment, the wonderful cow. May a son be ours, offspring that continues our line … Verses such as these were composed in a special kind of Sanskrit, known as Vedic Sanskrit They were taught orally to men belonging to priestly families.

Question. (1) why were sacrifices performed during the Vedic period?
(a) For the birth of daughters
(b) for the birth of sons
(c) For seeking the blessings of Buddha
(d) none of the above

Answer : B

Question. (2). Consider the following statements –
i) Rig-Veda consists of hymns in praise of Agni, Indra, and Soma etc
ii) Many of these hymns were chanted when sacrifices were performed.
Choose the correct option
(a) Only (i) is correct
(b) only (ii) is correct
(c) Both (i) and (ii) are correct
(d) neither (i) nor (ii) is correct

Answer : C

Question. (3) Sacrifices such as the.............. And.............. were performed by chiefs and kings
Answer : Rajasuya and ashwamedha

Short answers :

Question. Mention four places associated with the life of the Buddha.
Answer : 1. Lumbini (birthplace of the Buddha)
2. Kapilvastu ( the Buddha was brought up here)
3. Bodh Gaya ( the Buddha attained enlightenment here)
4. Sarnath- (the Buddha delivered his first religious discourse here).

Question. What do you mean by Tri -ratna?
Answer : According to Jainism, Moksha or salvation can be attained by observing Tri- ratna or three jewels. These are-
1. Right knowledge
2. Right faith
3. Right action.

Question. Into how many categories the religious sects that originated during the 6th century B.C. can be divided?
Answer : The religious sects of the 6th century. B.C. can be divided into two categories:
1. The faiths which were openly against Vedic religion,
2. The faiths which did not oppose Vedic religion openly but propagated new principles venerating one or the other old divinity.

Question. What do you mean by “Dharma Chakra Pravartana”?
Answer : Dharma Chakra Pravartana means ‘sitting in motion the wheel of Dharma’. The first religious discourse or sermon delivered by Mahatma Buddha after attaining enlightenment at Mrig dav or Deer Park of Sarnath near Varanasi , is known as ‘ Maha chakra Pravartana’.

Question. Mention the various incarnatins of Vishnu according to Vaishnavism.
Answer : According to Vaishnavism there are ten incarnations of Vishnu. These are: Matsya , Kurma, Varsha, Narsimha, Vamana, Parsurama, Rama, Krishna, Buddha, and Kalki.

Question. Why is mid-first millennium BCE is often regarded as a turning point in world history?
Answer : 1.It saw the emergence of thinkers such as Zarathustra in Iran, Kong Zi inChina, Socrates, Plato and Aristotle in Greece, and Mahavira and Gautama Buddha, in India.
2.This was also the time when new kingdoms and cities were developing and social and economic life was changing in the Ganga valley
3.Many hymns were chanted when sacrifices were performed, where people prayed for benefits.
At first, sacrifices were performed collectively. Later some were performed by the heads of house.
More elaborate sacrifices, such as the rajasuya and ashvamedha, were performed by chiefs and kings.

Question. Mention the teachings of Mahatma Buddha?
Answer : According to Buddhist philosophy the world is transient ( anicca) and constantly changing it is also soulless (anatta) as there is nothing permanent or eternal in it.
Within this transient world, sorrow is intrinsic to human existence. It is by following the path of moderation between severe penance and self indulgence that human beings can rise above these worldly troubles.The Buddha regarded the social world as the creation of humans rather than of divine origin. According to Buddhist tradition, his last words to his followers were: “Be lamps unto yourselves as all of you must work out your own liberation”.

Question. What was the Budha Sangha? Discuss its characteristics.
Answer : 1. Budha founded organization of monks called “Sangha”.
2. These monks served as teachers of “Dhamma”. They believed a simple life.
3. They possessed only the essential things which were required for their survival.
4. Earlier only men were allowed to joined the ‘Sangha’, later on the women were allowed for admission to the Sangha.
5. All the members were regarded as equal in the Sangha.

Question. How Buddhist text were prepared and preserved?
Answer : The Buddha used to give teachings through debate and discussion. Men, Women and children attended these discussions and discussed what they heard. None of his teachings were written down during his life time. After his death, his followers called a council of elders at Vaishali. This council compiled all of his teachings. These complications were known as Tripitaka which literally means the tree baskets to hold different types of text. Firstly they were transmitted orally and then written and classified according to their subject matter and length. When Bhuddism spread to new lands like Srilanka, other texts like Mahavamsa and Dipavamsa were written. Many Pilgrims like FaXian and Xuan Zang carried Buddhist texts with them to disseminate the teachings of Buddha.

Question. Describe the role of Sultan Jehan Begum for the preservation of Sanchi Stupa .
Answer : 1. Nineteenth-century Europeans were very interested in the stupa at Sanchi.
2. In fact, the French sought Shahjehan Begum’s permission to take away the eastern gateway, which was the best preserved, to be displayed in a museum in France.
3. For a while some Englishmen also wanted to do the same, but fortunately both the French and the English were satisfied with plaster-cast copies and the original remained at the site.
4.The rulers of Bhopal, Shahjehan Begum and her successor Sultan Jehan Begum, provided money for the preservation of the ancient site. John Marshall dedicated his important volumes on Sanchi to Sultan Jehan. She funded the museum that was built there as well as the guesthouse where he lived and wrote the volumes. She also funded the publication of the volumes. So if the stupa complex has survived, it is due to wise decisions, and to good luck in escaping the eyes of railway contractors, builders, and those looking for finds to carry away to the museums of Europe.
5. One of the most important Buddhist centres, the discovery of Sanchi has vastly transformed our understanding of early Buddhism.
6. Today it stands testimony to the successful restoration and preservation of a key archaeological site by the Archaeological Survey of India.

Question. Why did Sanchi survive while Amaravati did not?.
Answer : Perhaps Amaravati was discovered before scholars understood the value of the finds and realised how critical it was to preserve things where they had been found instead of removing them from the site.
When Sanchi was “discovered” in 1818, three of its four gateways were still standing, the fourth had fallen and the mound was in good condition. Even so, it was suggested that the gateway be taken to either Paris or London. finally a number of factors helped to keep Sanchi as it was whereas the mahachaitya at Amaravati is now an insignificant little mound, totally denuded (removed away) of its former glory.

Question. Describe the differences between Mahayanam and Hinayanam.
Answer : By the first century CE, changes were witnessed in Buddhist ideas and practices. Early Buddhist teachings had given great importance to self-effort in achieving nibbana. The Buddha attained enlightenment and nibbana through his own efforts. However, gradually the idea of a saviour emerged. It was believed that he was the one who could ensure salvation. The concept of the Bodhisatta also developed. Bodhisattas were perceived as compassionate beings that accumulated merit through their efforts but used this not to attain nibbana but to help others. The worship of images of the Buddha and Bodhisattas became an important part of this tradition.
This new way of thinking was called Mahayana, meaning the “great vehicle”. Those who adopted these beliefs described the older tradition as Hinayana or the “lesser vehicle”.

Question. Why did Sanchi survive while Amaravati did not?
Answer : Perhaps Amaravati was discovered before scholars understood the value of the finds and realised how critical it was to preserve things where they had been found instead of removing them from the site.
When Sanchi was “discovered” in 1818, three of its four gateways were still standing, the fourth had fallen and the mound was in good condition. Even so, it was suggested that the gateway be taken to either Paris or London. finally a number of factors helped to keep Sanchi as it was whereas the mahachaitya at Amaravati is now an insignificant little mound, totally denuded (removed away) of its former glory.

Question. A.Discuss the social norms for gendered access to property
Answer : 1. According the Manusmriti, the paternal estate was to be divided equally amongst sons after the death of the parents, with a special share for the eldest.
2.Women could not claim a share of these resources.
3. women were allowed to retain the gifts they received on the occasion of their marriage as stridhana
4.This could be inherited by their children, without the husband having any claim on it. 5. The Manusmriti warned women against hoarding family property, or even their own valuables,without the husband’s permission

Long answer

Question. Describe the significance of symbols in Buddhism.
Answer : Many early sculptors did not show the Buddha in human form – instead, they showed his presence through symbols. The empty seat (Fig. 4.14) was meant to indicate the meditation of the Buddha, and the stupa (Fig. 4.15) was meant to represent the mahaparinibbana.
Another frequently used symbol was the wheel (Fig. 4.16). This stood for the first sermon of the Buddha, delivered at Sarnath.
The tree does not stand simply for a tree, but symbolises an event in the life of the Buddha. In order to understand such symbols, one has to familiarize themselves with the traditions of those who produced these works of art.Popular traditions Other sculptures at Sanchi were perhaps not directly inspired by Buddhist ideas. These include beautiful women swinging from the edge of the gateway, holding onto a tree (Fig.4.17). Initially this image seemed to have little to do with renunciation. However, after examining other literary traditions, they realised that it could be a representation of a shalabhanjika. According to popular belief, this was a woman whose touch caused trees to flower and bear fruit. It is likely that this was regarded as an auspicious symbol and integrated into the decoration of the stupa. The shalabhanjika motif suggests that many people who turned to Buddhism enriched it with their own pre-Buddhist and even non-Buddhist beliefs, practices and ideas.Some of the recurrent motifs in the sculpture at Sanchi were evidently derived from these traditions. Images of animals: There are other images of animals are found there. These animals include elephants, horses, monkeys and cattle. While the Jatakas contain several animal stories that are depicted at Sanchi, it is likely that many of these animals were carved to create lively scenes to draw viewers. Also, animals were often used as symbols of human attributes. Elephants, for example, were depicted to signify strength and wisdom. Woman surrounded by lotuses and elephants:Another motif is that of a woman surrounded by lotuses and elephants (Fig. 4.19), which seem to be sprinkling water on her as if performing an abhisheka or consecration. While some historians identify the figure as Maya, the mother of the Buddha, others identify her with a popular goddess, Gajalakshmi – literally, the goddess of good fortune – who is associated with elephants. It is also possible that devotees who saw these sculptures identified the figure with both Maya and Gajalakshmi.Modern art historians, James Fergusson, who was not familiar with Buddhist literature considered Sanchi to be a centre of tree and serpent worship.

Question. Discuss how and why Stupas were built?
Answer : 1. Inscription found on the railings and pillars of stupas record donations made for building and decorating them.
2. Some donations were made by kings such as the Satavahanas; others were made by guilds,
3. Such as that of the ivory workers who financed part of one of the gateways at Sanchi.
4. Hundreds of donations were made by women and men who mention their names.
5. Sometimes adding the name of the place from where they came, as well as their occupations and names of their relatives.
5. Bhikkhus and bhikkhunis also contributed towards building these monuments.
6. There were other placestoo that were regarded as sacred. This was because relics of the Buddha such as his bodily remains or object used by him were buried there. These were mounds known as stupas.
7. The tradition of erecting stupas may have been pre- Buddhist, but they came to be associated with Buddhism.
8. Since they contained relics regarded as sacred, the entire stupa came to be venerated as an emblem of both the Buddha and Buddhism.
9. By the second century, a number of stupas, including those at Bharhut , Sanchi and Sarnath had been built.

Question. Discuss the teachings of Mahavira and expansion of Jainism
Answer : The basic philosophy of the Jainas was already in existence in north India before the birth of Vardhamana, who came to be known as Mahavira, in the sixth century BCE. According to Jaina tradition, Mahavira was preceded by 23 other teachers or Tirthankaras (meaning those who guide men and women across the river of existence).
1. The most important idea in Jainism is that the entire world is animated: even stones, rocks and water have life.
2. Ahimsa or non-injury to living beings, especially to humans, animals, plants and insects, is the central principle to Jain philosophy. In fact, the principle of ahimsa has left its mark on Indian thinking as a whole.
3. Birth and karma. According to Jaina teachings, the cycle of birth and rebirth is shaped through karma.
4. Salvation. Asceticism and penance are required to free oneself from the cycle of karma.
5. Renouncing. This can be achieved only by renouncing the world; therefore, monastic existence is a necessary condition of salvation.
6. Five vows. Jaina monks and nuns took five vows: to abstain from killing, stealing and lying; to observe celibacy; and to abstain from possessing property.
The spread of Jainism Gradually, Jainism spread in many parts of India.Like the Buddhists, Jaina scholars produced a wealth of literature in a variety of languages – Prakrit, Sanskrit and Tamil. For centuries, manuscripts of these texts were carefully preserved in temples. Some of the earliest stone sculptures associated with religious traditions were produced by devotees of the Jaina tirthankaras, and have been recovered from several sites.

Question. Discuss the teachings of Buddha and expansion of Buddhism
Answer : One of the most influential teachers of the time was the Buddha. Over the centuries, his message spread across the subcontinent and beyond – through Central Asia to China, Korea and Japan, and through Sri Lanka, across the seas to Myanmar, Thailand and Indonesia. Sources of Buddhism
These have been reconstructed by carefully editing, translating and analyzing the Buddhist texts. Historians have also tried to reconstruct details of his life from hagiographies. Many of these were written after the time of the Buddha.
Early history of Buddha
According to these traditions, Siddhartha was the son of a chief of the Sakya clan. He was brought up within the palace, insulated from the harsh realities of life. One day he persuaded his charioteer to take him into the city. His first journey into the world outside was traumatic (extremely distressing) when he saw an old man, a sick man and a corpse. He realized in that moment that, the decay and destruction of the human body was inevitable. He also saw a homeless mendicant, who, it seemed to him, had come to terms with old age, disease and death, and found peace. to take him into the city. His first journey into the world outside was traumatic (extremely distressing) when he saw an old man, a sick man and a corpse. He realized in that moment that, the decay and destruction of the human body was inevitable. He also saw a homeless mendicant, who, it seemed to him, had come to terms with old age, disease and death, and found peace.
Teachings of the Buddha
The Buddha’s teachings have been found mainly in the Sutta Pitaka.He tried to convince people through reason and persuasion rather than through displays of supernatural power. For instance, when a grief-stricken woman whose child had died came to the Buddha, he gently convinced her about the inevitability of death rather than bring her son back to life. These stories were narrated in the language spoken by ordinary people so that these could be easily understood.
According to Buddhist philosophy, the world is transient (anicca) and constantly changing; it is also soulless (anatta) as there is nothing permanent or eternal in it. Within this transient world, sorrow (dukkha) is intrinsic to human existence.
By following the path of moderation between severe penance and self-indulgence that human beings can rise above these worldly troubles.
In the earliest forms of Buddhism, God’s existence was irrelevant. Instead, Buddha regarded the social world as the creation of humans rather than of divine origin.
Therefore, he advised kings and gahapatis (see also Chapter 2) to be humane and ethical. Individual effort was expected to transform social relations.The Buddha emphasized individual agency and righteous action as the means to escape
from the cycle of rebirth and attain self-realisation and nibbana, literally the extinguishing of the ego and desire – and thus end the cycle of suffering for those who renounced the
orld.According to Buddhist tradition, his last words to his followers were: “Be lamps unto yourselves as all of you must work out your own liberation.”

Question. Describe the role of Puranas in the development of Hinduism.
Answer : The notion of a saviour was not unique to Buddhism. Similar ideas were developed in different ways in Hinduism. These included Vaishnavism and Shaivism in which there was growing emphasis on the worship of a chosen deity.
In the worship the bond between the devotee and the god was visualised as one of love and devotion, or bhakti.
Vaishnavism:- In the case of Vaishnavism, cults developed around the various avatars or incarnations of the deity. Ten avatars were recognized within the tradition. These were forms of the deity, assumed in order to save the world whenever it was threatened by evil forces. Different avatars were popular in different parts of the country.
Some of these forms were represented in sculptures, as were other deities. Shiva, was symbolised by the linga and human forms. A complex set of ideas developed about the deities and their attributes through symbols such as headdresses, ornaments and ayudhas(weapons) or auspicious objects the deities hold in their hands – how they are seated, etc.
To understand the meanings of these sculptures historians have to be familiar with the stories behind them, many of which are contained in the Puranas. Generally they were written in simple Sanskrit and were meant to be read aloud to everybody, including women and Shudras.
Much of what is contained in the Puranas evolved through interaction amongst people – priests, merchants, and ordinary men and women who travelled from place to place sharing ideas and beliefs. We know for instance that, Vasudeva-Krishna was an important deity in the Mathura region. Over centuries, his worship spread to other parts of the country as well.

Question. Describe the architecture of the early temples.
Answer : The first temples to house images of gods and goddesses were also being built by the time Sanchi stupas’ construction. The early temple was a small square room, called the garbhagriha, with a single doorway to worship the image.Gradually, a tall structure, known as the shikhara, was built over the central shrine. Temple walls were often decorated with sculpture. The later temples 
became far more elaborate – with assembly halls, huge walls and gateways, and arrangements for supplying water (see also Chapter 7).
One of the unique features of early temples was that some of these were hollowed out of huge rocks, as artificial caves. The tradition of building artificial caves was an old one. Some of the earliest (Fig. 4.27) caves were constructed in the third century BCE on the orders of Asoka for renouncers who belonged to the Ajivika sect.This tradition evolved through various stages and culminated in the eighth century in the carving out of an entire temple, that of Kailashnatha.A copperplate inscription records the amazement of the chief sculptor after he completed the temple at Ellora: “Oh how did I make it!”

PASSAGE BASED QUESTIONS

Read the given passage carefully and answer the question that follows-
Why were Stupa’s built?
“This is an excerpt from the Mahaparinibbana Sutta, part of the Sutta Pitaka: As the Buddha lay dying, Ananda asked him: “What are we to do Lord, with remains of the Tathagata (another name for the Buddha)?”
The Buddha replied : “Hinder not yourselves Ananda by honouring the remains of the Tathagata. Be zealous, be intent on your own good.”
But when pressed further, the Buddha said: “At the four crossroads they should erect a thupa (Pali for stupa) to the Tathagata. And whosever shall there place garlands or perfume …. or make a salutation there, or become in its presence calm of heart, that shall long be to them for a profit and joy.”

Questions -

Question. What are the Stupas ? Who advised the Ananda to build the Stupa? 1
Answer : The Stupa were the sacred places. They preserved the relics of the Buddha shch as his bodily remains or the objects used by him. All these things were buried in the stupas.

Question. From which chapter has this excerpt been taken? It is a part of which book?1
Answer : This excerpt has been taken from the “ Mahaparinibbhana Sutta.” It was a part of the “Sutta Pitaka.”

Question. Who was the Tathagata? What had he told about the importance of the stupa? 2
Answer : Tathagata was another name for the Buddha. He told Ananda that the honour to his worldly remains was not important. He laid stress on the importance of one’s good deeds. The stupas should be erected on the holy places. If anybody placed garlands or perfume or saluted them, he will not only get the peace of mind but also profit and joy.

Question. Name any three places where the Stupas have been built. 3
Answer : The stpas were built at many places. The most important stupas existed at Bharhut, Sanchi and Sarnath.