What does the motif of a woman, surrounded by lotuses and elephants, depict? State the two opinions.

Solution

A woman surrounded by lotuses and elephants (in ancient paintings of India) depicts sprinkling water on herself as if performing an abhisheka or consecration. There are two opinions about this figure:

(i) While some historians identify the figure as Maya, the mother of the Buddha, other historians and scholars identify the woman (given in the figure) with the popular goddess (Gajalakshmi-literally the goddess of good fortune- who is associated with elephants).

(ii) It is also possible that devotee who saw these sculpture identify the figure with both Maya and Gajalakshmi.

Some More Questions From Thinkers, Beliefs And Buildings Chapter

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

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

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Thinkers, Beliefs And Buildings

What does the motif of a woman, surrounded by lotuses and elephants, depict? State the two opinions.

Some More Questions From Thinkers, Beliefs And Buildings Chapter

Describe how in the case of Vaishnavism, cults developed around the various avatars of the deity.

“Buddhism grew rapidly both during the life time of the Buddha and also after his death.” Justify the statement.

Explain the variety of sources used by the historians to reconstruct histories of religious traditions.

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

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.

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

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For Daily Free Study Material Join wiredfaculty

Thinkers, Beliefs And Buildings

What does the motif of a woman, surrounded by lotuses and elephants, depict? State the two opinions.

Some More Questions From Thinkers, Beliefs And Buildings Chapter

Describe how in the case of Vaishnavism, cults developed around the various avatars of the deity.

“Buddhism grew rapidly both during the life time of the Buddha and also after his death.” Justify the statement.

Explain the variety of sources used by the historians to reconstruct histories of religious traditions.

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

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.

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

Mock Test Series

NCERT Sample Papers

Entrance Exams Preparation

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.

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