PPT: Thinkers, Beliefs and Buildings | History Class 12 - Humanities/Arts PDF Download

 Page 1


Thinkers, Beliefs and 
Buildings
Page 2


Thinkers, Beliefs and 
Buildings
A Thousand-Year 
Journey of Ideas
1
Philosophical Exploration
We'll explore the thoughts of philosophers who sought to 
understand their world, spanning a millennium of 
intellectual growth.
2
Textual and Architectural Expression
Discover how these ideas were preserved in oral and written 
texts, and manifested in impressive architecture and 
sculpture.
3
Focus on Buddhism
While our primary focus will be on Buddhism, we'll also 
touch upon other traditions that engaged in vibrant debates 
and dialogues.
4
Rich Historical Sources
We'll examine diverse sources including Buddhist, Jaina, and 
Brahmanical texts, as well as monuments and inscriptions, 
with a special focus on the well-preserved stupa at Sanchi.
Page 3


Thinkers, Beliefs and 
Buildings
A Thousand-Year 
Journey of Ideas
1
Philosophical Exploration
We'll explore the thoughts of philosophers who sought to 
understand their world, spanning a millennium of 
intellectual growth.
2
Textual and Architectural Expression
Discover how these ideas were preserved in oral and written 
texts, and manifested in impressive architecture and 
sculpture.
3
Focus on Buddhism
While our primary focus will be on Buddhism, we'll also 
touch upon other traditions that engaged in vibrant debates 
and dialogues.
4
Rich Historical Sources
We'll examine diverse sources including Buddhist, Jaina, and 
Brahmanical texts, as well as monuments and inscriptions, 
with a special focus on the well-preserved stupa at Sanchi.
A Glimpse of Sanchi
European Interest
19th-century Europeans were 
fascinated by Sanchi, with French and 
English scholars seeking to study and 
even relocate parts of the stupa.
Royal Patronage
The rulers of Bhopal, Shahjehan Begum 
and Sultan Jehan Begum, provided 
crucial funding for the preservation and 
study of this ancient site.
Archaeological 
Significance
The discovery of Sanchi has transformed 
our understanding of early Buddhism, 
standing as a testament to successful 
archaeological preservation.
Page 4


Thinkers, Beliefs and 
Buildings
A Thousand-Year 
Journey of Ideas
1
Philosophical Exploration
We'll explore the thoughts of philosophers who sought to 
understand their world, spanning a millennium of 
intellectual growth.
2
Textual and Architectural Expression
Discover how these ideas were preserved in oral and written 
texts, and manifested in impressive architecture and 
sculpture.
3
Focus on Buddhism
While our primary focus will be on Buddhism, we'll also 
touch upon other traditions that engaged in vibrant debates 
and dialogues.
4
Rich Historical Sources
We'll examine diverse sources including Buddhist, Jaina, and 
Brahmanical texts, as well as monuments and inscriptions, 
with a special focus on the well-preserved stupa at Sanchi.
A Glimpse of Sanchi
European Interest
19th-century Europeans were 
fascinated by Sanchi, with French and 
English scholars seeking to study and 
even relocate parts of the stupa.
Royal Patronage
The rulers of Bhopal, Shahjehan Begum 
and Sultan Jehan Begum, provided 
crucial funding for the preservation and 
study of this ancient site.
Archaeological 
Significance
The discovery of Sanchi has transformed 
our understanding of early Buddhism, 
standing as a testament to successful 
archaeological preservation.
The Background: 
Sacrifices and Debates
Emergence of 
Great Thinkers
The mid-first 
millennium BCE saw 
the rise of influential 
philosophers across 
the world, including 
Zarathustra, Kong Zi, 
Socrates, Mahavira, 
and Gautama Buddha.
Exploring 
Existential 
Questions
These thinkers 
grappled with the 
mysteries of existence 
and the relationship 
between humans and 
the cosmic order.
Societal 
Transformatio
ns
The period coincided 
with the development 
of new kingdoms and 
cities, particularly in 
the Ganga valley, 
prompting 
philosophical 
reflections on these 
changes.
Page 5


Thinkers, Beliefs and 
Buildings
A Thousand-Year 
Journey of Ideas
1
Philosophical Exploration
We'll explore the thoughts of philosophers who sought to 
understand their world, spanning a millennium of 
intellectual growth.
2
Textual and Architectural Expression
Discover how these ideas were preserved in oral and written 
texts, and manifested in impressive architecture and 
sculpture.
3
Focus on Buddhism
While our primary focus will be on Buddhism, we'll also 
touch upon other traditions that engaged in vibrant debates 
and dialogues.
4
Rich Historical Sources
We'll examine diverse sources including Buddhist, Jaina, and 
Brahmanical texts, as well as monuments and inscriptions, 
with a special focus on the well-preserved stupa at Sanchi.
A Glimpse of Sanchi
European Interest
19th-century Europeans were 
fascinated by Sanchi, with French and 
English scholars seeking to study and 
even relocate parts of the stupa.
Royal Patronage
The rulers of Bhopal, Shahjehan Begum 
and Sultan Jehan Begum, provided 
crucial funding for the preservation and 
study of this ancient site.
Archaeological 
Significance
The discovery of Sanchi has transformed 
our understanding of early Buddhism, 
standing as a testament to successful 
archaeological preservation.
The Background: 
Sacrifices and Debates
Emergence of 
Great Thinkers
The mid-first 
millennium BCE saw 
the rise of influential 
philosophers across 
the world, including 
Zarathustra, Kong Zi, 
Socrates, Mahavira, 
and Gautama Buddha.
Exploring 
Existential 
Questions
These thinkers 
grappled with the 
mysteries of existence 
and the relationship 
between humans and 
the cosmic order.
Societal 
Transformatio
ns
The period coincided 
with the development 
of new kingdoms and 
cities, particularly in 
the Ganga valley, 
prompting 
philosophical 
reflections on these 
changes.
The sacrificial tradition
1
2
3
4
Rigveda Compilation
Composed between c.1500 and 1000 
BCE, containing hymns praising various 
deities.
Collective Sacrifices
Initially performed as communal rituals 
for prosperity and well-being.
Domestic Rituals
Later (c. 1000 BCE-500 BCE), some 
sacrifices were performed by 
household heads.
Royal Rituals
Elaborate sacrifices like rajasuya and 
ashvamedha were conducted by chiefs 
and kings with Brahmana priests.