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Thinkers, Beliefs And Buildings
Explain the reasons for the rapid growth of Buddhism during the lifetime and after the death of Buddha.
Causes for the spread of Buddhism:
(a) Buddhism made a kind of revolution in the history of Indian religions by not recognizing the existence of God and soul of man.
(b) Early Buddhism was not enmeshed in the clap-trap of philosophical discussion, it appealed to the common people.
(c) As it attacked the fundamentals of Varna system, it particularly won the support of lower orders. Women and men were taken into the Buddhist order without any consideration of caste.
(d) The personality of Buddha and the methods adopted by him to plea his religion helped the spread of Buddhism.
(e) Buddha tried to fight evil by goodness and hatred by love. He maintained peace and calm under difficult conditions, and tackled his opponents with wit and presence of mind.
(f) The use of Pali, the language of the common people also contributed to the spread of Buddhism.
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Summarise the central teachings of Jainism.
Discuss the role of the begums of Bhopal in preserving the stupa at Sanchi.
Or
“The Begums of Bhopal played a significant role in preserving the remains of stupa at Sanchi.” Support this statement with suitable evidence.
Read this short inscription and answer the questions that follow:
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?
B. Why do you think she installed an image of the Bodhisatta?
C. Who were the relatives she mentioned?
D. What Buddhist text did she know?
E From whom did she learn this text?
Why do you think women and men joined the Sangha?
To what extent does knowledge of Buddhist literature help in understanding the sculpture at Sanchi?
Figures I and II. 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.
Fig.: I
Fig. : II
Discuss the development in sculpture and architecture associated with the rise of Vaishnavism and Shaivism.
Discuss how and why stupas were built.
On an outline world map, mark the areas to which Buddhism spread. Trace the land and sea routes from the subcontinent to these areas.
Of the religious traditions discussed in this chapter, is there any that is practised in your neighbourhood? 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.
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