THINKERS, BELIEFS AND BUILDINGS

Chapter 4


Answer in 100-150 words 

1. Were the ideas of the Upanishadic thinkers different from those of the fatalists and materialists? Give reasons for your answer. 

Answer:- The ideas of the Upanishadic thinkers are not much different from those of the fatalists and materialists. This is illustrated by the following arguments.

(a) Summary of the philosophy of Jainism already existed in India, even before the birth of Lord Mahavira and Vardhamana.

(II) Non-violence or non-violence is the most important principle of Jainism. But this also constitutes the fundamental thought of Hinduism. Therefore, there are many similarities between the two schools of religion.

(Third) The Upanishads believe in and teach the doctrine of karma. This means that men and women should work and not worry about getting rewards. Fatalists also believed in the idea of work without thinking about consequences. Thus, there are many similarities between the two.

(iv) Both fatalists and materislists believe that human beings are made , of four elements, earth, water, sky, air and fire.

Thus, we are inclined to agree that the idea of the Upanishad thinkers Eire not much different from that of the fatalists and materialists.


2. Summarise the central teachings of Jainism. 

Answer:- 

The central teachings of Jainism are as follows :


        • The entire world is animated – even stones, rocks and water have life.

        • They believe in non-injury to living beings, especially to humans, animals, plants and insects.

        • The cycle of birth and rebirth is shaped through karma.

        • Asceticism and penance are required to free oneself from the cycle of karma.

        • For Jainism monastic existence is a necessary condition of salvation.

        • Jaina monks and nuns take five vows : to abstain from killing, stealing and lying; to observe celibacy, and to abstain from possessing property.


3. Discuss the role of the begums of Bhopal in preserving the stupa at Sanchi. 

Answer:- 

The Begums of Bhopal made a great contribution to the preservation of the pillars of Sanchi. The major contributions they made are listed below.

(a) Shahejahan Begum of Bhopal and her successor, Sultan Jahan Begum, were the rulers of Bhopal, who made generous grants for the preservation of the pillars of Chanchi.

(b) A museum was constructed near the stupa and was mainly financed by Begum Sultan Jahan Begum.

(c) Support for preserving the pile also came from Europeans.

(d) Both the French and the British took plaster cast copies of the columns to be displayed in museums in France and Britain. They contributed financially to preserve the pile.


4. Read this short inscription and answer: In the year 33 of the maharaja Huvishka (a Kushana ruler), in the first month of the hot season on the eighth day, a Bodhisatta was set up at Madhuvanaka by the bhikkhuni Dhanavati, the sister’s daughter of the bhikkhuni Buddhamita, who knows the Tipitaka, the female pupil of the bhikkhu Bala, who knows the Tipitaka, together with her father and mother. 

(a) How did Dhanavati date her inscription? 

Answer:-  Dhanavati dated her inscription that she placed the inscription at Madhuvanaka in the first month of the hot season on the eighth day in the year 33 of the Maharaja named Havishka.


(b) Why do you think she installed an image of the Bodhisatta? 

Answer:-  I think that she (the Bhikkhuni Dhanvati installed an image of the Bodhisatta to show that Mahayana sect of Budhhism was becoming popular day by day and Boddhisattas were considered great personalities in Buddhism during the reign of the Kushana rulers.


(c) Who were the relatives she mentioned? 

Answer:- She has mentioned her own mother’s sister’s name Buddhamita. The lady was a Bhikkuni. She had also mentioned Bhikkuni Bala and her parents.


(d) What Buddhist text did she know? 

Answer:- She knew the Tipitaka.


(e) From whom did she learn this text? 

Answer:- She learnt the text from the Bhikkhuni Buddhamita who was the female pupil of the Bala.


5. Why do you think women and men joined the sangha?

Answer:- Important reasons why men and women join conflicts can be as follows:

(а) Many of them wanted to give up worldly pleasures.

(b) They can study Buddhist literature and philosophy in the presence of other monks.

(c) Many people entered the conflict to become Buddhist priests and teachers.

(d) Everyone was considered equal and had to renounce previous social identities.

(e) The environment of sanghas was democratic. The decision making within sanghas was based on voting. This attracted many and they took to the life of sanghas


Write a short essay (about 500 words) on the following: 

6. To what extent does knowledge of Buddhist literature help in understanding the sculpture at Sanchi? 

Answer:- 

Buddhist literature helps to understand the sculpture in the template as follows:

        1. The first viewing at the north entrance shows a scene showing a rural scene, with itchy huts and trees. However, after careful study of the sculpture, historians identified it as a scene from Vesantara Jataka. This is the story of a generous prince who gave everything to a Brahma, and went to live in the forest with his wife and children.

        2. Art historians gain exposure to biographies of the Buddha in order to understand Buddhist sculpture. According to the biography of the Buddha, the Buddha attained enlightenment by meditating under a tree. Many early sculptures showed the Buddha’s presence through symbols such as empty seats, stupas and wheels. Such symbols can only be understood by the traditions of those who produced these artifacts.

        3. It may be mentioned that James Ferguson, the earliest modem art historian, considered Chanchi to be a center of tree and serpent worship as he was not familiar with Buddhist literature – most of which had not yet been translated. Therefore, he simply studied the pictures himself and reached his conclusions.

7. Figs. 4.32 and 4.33 are two scenes from Sanchi. Describe what you see in each of them, focusing on the architecture, plants and animals, and the activities. Identify which one shows a rural scene and which an urban scene, giving reasons for your answer. 

Answer:- Vaishnavism and Shaivism are two branches of Hinduism. In Vaishnavism, Lord Vishnu was considered the chief deity. In Shaivism, Lord Shiva was considered the chief deity. Both traditions were part of the Bhakti movement. The Bhakti movement emphasized the love and devotion of the devotee: God.

This tradition of Vaishnavism and Shaivism also influenced the traditions of architecture and sculpture. Temples developed household gods. Early temples were small and simple. This was a small room called Garbhagariha. It was later expanded, with a tall structure built over the garbhagriha. It was called the peak. The temple walls were decorated with sweaters. Soon a temple was built with a spacious entrance and a large hall for the comfort of visitors.

Many of these temples were carved out of rock. These artificial caves were converted into temples. Article The tradition of caves is old that left the world. The most important was Ajibikash, which developed as a sect during Asoka’s rule. A good example of a later stone-cut temple is the 8th century Kailash Nath temple. This one piece was carved out of stone. In the temple of Ellora there is a copper-plate inscription in which the sculptor says, "How I made it!" Sculpture was another way of expression. The gods were given many shapes and forms in the sculpture. Shiva is shown in the form of a Linga. Many gods show up in different forms, sometimes repulsive. There was also a combination of human and animal forms.

8. Discuss the development in sculpture and architecture associated with the rise of Vaishnavism and Shaivism.

Answer:- 

The rise of Vaishnavism and Shaivism led to the worship of a chosen deity. It helped develop sculpture and architecture. For example, in the case of Vaishnavism, the religion developed around the various incarnations or incarnations of death. Ten incarnations were recognized within the tradition. It is possible that different avatars were popular in different parts of the country. Each of these local deities was recognized as a type of Vishnu. therefore, it crafted a more unified religious tradition.

Some of these forms were represented in sculpture as one painting depicts the Baraha or boar incarnation of Vishnu rescuing the goddess Earth. Under Shaivism, Shiva was symbolized by the Linga. He was also represented in human form. The gods and their attributes were shown through symbols such as headdresses, ornaments and weapons – weapons or auspicious objects held by the gods in their hands and so on.

At the same time, the rise of Vaishnavism and Shaivism, temples were made to house images of gods and goddesses. The early temple was a small square room, called the garbhagriha, with a single doorway for the worshipper to enter and offer worship to the image. Later on, shikhara was built over the central shrine. Temple walls were decorated with sculpture.

Artificial caves were built and ultimately it led to the carving out of an entire temple, that of Kailashnath.


9. Discuss how and why stupas were built. 

Answer:- 


Map work 

10. On an outline world map, mark the areas to which Buddhism spread. Trace the land and sea routes from the subcontinent to these areas. 

Answer:- The chapter deals with the religious traditions of ancient India which included, Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism, and so on. As I live in the walled city of Delhi, I see people practicing all these traditions.

Religious textbooks of all faiths are preserved and held in high esteem. They have been translated into many languages, including many regional languages of the country. They are now also stored in the form of CDs and other modern tools. Images are also used by worshipers of these religions. The Hindu gods have almost the same picture as in the past. Jains and Buddhists also use images. The temples are used by Hindus, Buddhists and Jams. Mosques are built by Muslims and Christians by the church. These are all structured differently but also with some similarities.


Project (any one) 

11. Of the religious traditions discussed in this chapter, is there any that is practised in your neighb+ourhood? What are the religious texts used today, and how are they preserved and transmitted? Are images used in worship? If so, are these similar to or different from those described in this chapter? Describe the buildings used for religious activities today, comparing them with early stupas and temples. 

Answer:- 


12. Collect at least five pictures of sculpture or painting, belonging to different periods and regions, on the religious traditions described in this chapter. Remove their captions, and show each one to two people, and ask them to describe what they see. Compare their descriptions and prepare a report on your findings.

Answer:-



Type By- Bikash Bora 

Post ID: DABP006804