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Thinkers, Beliefs And Buildings

Question
CBSEENHS12027749
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To what extent does knowledge of Buddhist literature help in understanding the sculpture at Sanchi?

Solution
It is not always easy to understand the sculptures in the Sanchi Stupa using Buddhist literature, however we should understand that the literature has helped us a lot in deciphering what sculptures meant.However there are reasons why we are not able to understand the sculpture properly is that 

1. many artist did not make buddha in human form but made symbols that symbolised an act of buddha, for example empty seat meant meditationof buddha, stupa was suppose to mean parinibbana. Thus if we do not understand the symbolic meaning we are not able to understand the sculptures at Sanchi.

2. many sculptures depicted at sanchi were not related to buddhism but rather it was from the popular traditions, for example the sculpture of Shalabhanjika, or of woman being consecrated by elephants, many believed it to be Maya, mother of buddha other looked as Gajalakshmi. It looks like people took both the meanings.

Thus, unless and untill we know about the popular traditions and one who made it, just using buddhist scriptures it is hard to understand the sculptures at sanchi.

Some More Questions From Thinkers, Beliefs And Buildings Chapter

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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