Places of Historical Significance: Regional Sites II Chapter Notes | Footprints Class 7: Book Solutions, Notes & Worksheets PDF Download

Introduction

Faxian, an ancient Chinese Buddhist monk, embarked on a remarkable journey to India in the 4th century CE. Over 14 years, he explored key Buddhist sites, offering a firsthand account in his work, the Record of the Buddhist Kingdoms, penned in Chinese.

Key Points

• Faxian, a revered Chinese monk, visited major Buddhist pilgrimage spots in India during his 14-year journey across Asia.
• His Record of the Buddhist Kingdoms stands as the earliest eyewitness narrative of Buddhist practices and pilgrimages in Central and South Asia.
• Historically significant sites he visited include Ashoka's palace, Sarnath, and Thanjavur, all holding rich cultural and archaeological importance.
• Sarnath, located northeast of Varanasi, is where Buddha delivered his first sermon and where the Buddhist monastic order is said to have originated.
• The stupa at Sarnath marks the spot where Buddha encountered his initial five disciples, symbolizing the inception of the Sangha, with an octagonal tower added in the 16th century CE.

Analysis of the Legend of the 'Lord of the Deer'

• The name "Sarnath" comes from the Sanskrit word "Saranganath," meaning 'Lord of the Deer.' In an ancient Buddhist tale, a compassionate deer sacrificed itself to save a king. 
• Touched by this act, the king established a deer park where the Buddha later gave his first sermon. The association of Sarnath with deer is also seen in its other name, Mrigadava or Miga-daya, signifying 'deer park' in Sanskrit.

The Story of Surupa, the King of the Deer

• In this tale, a deer named Surupa lived in the Himalayas. 
• Surupa was beautiful, intelligent, and virtuous, leading a herd of deer to a life of comfort and safety. 
• The deer's virtue protected the herd from harm, and they enjoyed abundant food and water in a serene environment. 
• Surupa was beloved by various celestial beings and creatures.
• Sarnath gets its name from "Saranganath," which means 'Lord of the Deer' in Sanskrit.
• A deer sacrificed itself to save a king, leading to the creation of a deer park where the Buddha later preached.
• Surupa, a deer in the Himalayas, led a herd to safety and abundance through his virtues.
• The deer in these stories symbolize compassion, sacrifice, and leadership.

The Story of the Deer King and History of Sarnath

• In a story from ancient times, Sakra, the lord of the gods, disguised himself as a hunter to test the king of the deer. The deer king, eager to hear a wise saying, offered himself up when asked by the disguised Sakra. Sakra then praised the deer king for his respect for righteousness.
• In another story from the Mahavastu, dating back to the 2nd century BCE, there is a deer named Surupa who also sacrificed for a wise saying, much like the deer king.

A Brief History of Sarnath

• Sarnath, an important site, dates back to around 500 BCE during the time of the Buddha. It remained significant through various ruling dynasties until the 12th century CE.
• Emperor Ashoka, from 268 to 232 BCE, chose Sarnath to communicate with his people through edicts and pillars.
• During the rule of the Gupta dynasty in the mid-4th to 6th centuries CE, there were elaborate building activities and sculptural work at the site.
• Under the patronage of the Pala kings of Bengal and the Gahadavala kings of Kannauj, Sarnath flourished. Queen Kumaradevi, in the 12th century CE, restored or constructed a monastery for Buddhist monks.
• In the 12th century CE, Sarnath was attacked by Qutbuddin Aibak, a general of Mahmud of Ghori, who looted the city. This led to a decline in Buddhist activity in the region until the British colonial period, when Sarnath was rediscovered through excavations.

Key Points

• Sakra disguised as a hunter to test the deer king's righteousness by asking for a wise saying.
• Stories from ancient texts like the Mahavastu show animals like deer sacrificing for wisdom.
• Sarnath's history dates back to 500 BCE and was a significant site for various dynasties until the 12th century CE.
• Emperor Ashoka used Sarnath for communication with his people through edicts and pillars.
• The Gupta dynasty and later rulers like the Pala kings contributed to the architectural and sculptural development of Sarnath.
• Sarnath faced attacks and looting in the 12th century CE, leading to a decline in Buddhist activities until its rediscovery by the British.

Archaeological Remains of Sarnath

After thorough investigations, several significant remains and monuments have been identified at Sarnath, including:

• Mulagandha Kuti Vihara: This was a large monastery where Buddha spent his first rainy season after achieving Enlightenment.
• Ashokan Pillar: Remnants of a pillar from the time of Ashoka have been discovered, featuring the iconic Lion Capital and a large wheel symbolizing Dharma.
• Chaukhandi Stupa: A tall brick structure constructed to honor the place where Buddha met his initial five followers. It now includes an octagonal tower added by Raja Todarmal's son to commemorate a visit by Mughal emperor Humayun.
• Sandstone Buddha Statue: A sandstone statue of Buddha, also known as the Bodhisattva, was unearthed. It dates back to the 2nd century BCE during the reign of Kanishka.

Understanding the Historical Significance of Sarnath

• Sarnath is a place that holds a lot of importance even today. It was a hub for Buddhist learning and teaching, and it's where the Buddha delivered his first sermon.
• Additionally, Sarnath is linked with the Ashokan pillar featuring the chakra and Lion Capital. These symbols are significant for modern India. Whenever we see the chakra on our national flag or the four lions in government buildings, they remind us of King Ashoka and Sarnath.
• The Lion Capital of Sarnath is where the National Emblem of India comes from. Therefore, Sarnath is a crucial part of our history that we must protect and preserve.

Key Points

• Sarnath was a major center for Buddhist education and the site of the Buddha's first sermon.
• The Ashokan pillar with the chakra and Lion Capital at Sarnath are important symbols for modern India.
• Seeing the chakra on the national flag and the lions in government buildings reminds us of King Ashoka and Sarnath.
• The National Emblem of India is derived from the Lion Capital of Sarnath.
• Preserving Sarnath is crucial as it holds a significant place in our history.

Case Study: Thanjavur

• Thanjavur is a large city in what is now Tamil Nadu. Even though it's a big city today, its history goes back over 1200 years. 
• Situated in the fertile area of the Kaveri River delta, surrounded by fields of rice, sugarcane, and groundnuts, Thanjavur was a crucial center for politics, Hinduism, arts, crafts, and education.

Naming of Thanjavur

• Legend has it that Thanjavur got its name from a demon named Tanjan, who was defeated in battle by Lord Vishnu. Tanjan's final wish was for the area to be named after him. 
• Another theory suggests that the name might have come from an early Chola king's name, Dhananjaya Varma, as seen in the Kalamalla inscription from 575.

The Chola Dynasty in Thanjavur

• Vijayalaya Chola seems to have founded Thanjavur in the 9th century CE after taking control of the Kaveri delta from the Pallava vassals. 
• The Chola dynasty truly flourished under Rajaraja Chola I (985–1014 CE) who built the grand Brihadisvara Temple, making Thanjavur a prominent temple town and a hub for political power in the region.

The Brihadisvara Temple at Thanjavur

• This enormous temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and boasts one of the largest Shiva lingams and Nandi statues in India. Construction began around 1010 CE, funded partly by wealth from Sri Lanka. 
• The main tower of the temple stands over 50 meters tall, adorned with intricate sculptures outside and murals inside. Recent restoration work has unveiled murals of Rajaraja Chola I with his spiritual guide and queens.

Thanjavur as a Temple Town

Rulers like the Cholas built temples to demonstrate their religious devotion and political strength. Their focus on constructing large temples led to the rise of temple towns, showcasing their influence and commitment to their deities.

• A sculpture of Lord Shiva at the Brihadisvara Temple
• The Nandi bull statue at the entrance of the Brihadisvara Temple
• Various deities depicted in niches at the Brihadisvara Temple
• A towering gateway at the Brihadisvara Temple

Analyzing Sources of History

• Hail! Prosperity! This is the decree of Rajaraja, also known as Rajakesarivarman, followed by many rulers. In the 26th year of Ko-Rajakesarivarman's reign, also known as Sri-Rajarajadeva, he celebrated his victories and conquests. 
• He defeated various regions and gained fame in all directions. He also made significant donations in the royal bathing hall, enhancing his reputation.

The Brihadisvara Temple

• The Brihadisvara Temple in Thanjavur became the heart of the city, attracting rulers and pilgrims. It received vast lands and villages as grants, with revenues supporting rituals, salaries, and festivities. 
• The temple required a variety of staff, including priests, dancers, administrators, and artisans, fostering the growth of bustling cities.

Dancers and Devadasis

• Dancers, particularly devadasis, were closely associated with temples, playing a crucial role in worship. 
• Much of Bharatanatyam, a classical dance form, was refined by women dancers in South Indian temples.

Socio-Political Setup in Thanjavur during the Chola Period

Under the Cholas, Thanjavur flourished as a prominent city, with the Brihadisvara Temple as its focal point. The Cholas were skilled in warfare, governance, and patronage of arts, maintaining a powerful monarchy for over 450 years.

• The Brihadisvara Temple was central to Thanjavur, drawing rulers and pilgrims.
• Land grants and revenues supported temple activities and city growth.
• Dancers, including devadasis, were integral to temple worship.
• The Cholas established a lasting and influential monarchy in Thanjavur.

Chola Influence in Thanjavur

• The Chola rulers, including Vijalaya the founder and Rajaraja I, had close ties with Thanjavur. It was likely that these rulers, along with their ministers and officials, lived in Thanjavur. Their main income probably came from land revenue, although they also imposed taxes on trade and irrigation. Additionally, war spoils might have added to the Chola treasury. The Chola rulers supported local self-governance.
• The Uttaramerur inscription of Parantaka I mentions gatherings known as ur, sabha, and nagaram in villages and towns. These groups regulated farming and trade. Art and culture flourished in Thanjavur under the Cholas. They were great supporters of education, literature, art, and sculpture. Temples in Thanjavur, maintained by the rulers, served as educational hubs, preserved manuscripts, and catered to pilgrims.
• Chola temples housed bronze statues of kings, queens, gods, and goddesses. Particularly famous are the bronze sculptures of Lord Shiva in his Nataraja form. Thanjavur remained the political center of the Cholas until 1025 CE. After the Chola decline, Thanjavur came under the rule of other dynasties like the Pandyas, Vijayanagara kings, Nayakas, and Marathas before becoming part of the British Empire.

The Historical Significance of Thanjavur

• Thanjavur is very important historically. It is known for the Brihadisvara Temple, Saraswathi Mahal Library, Chola bronzes, Thanjavur paintings, and the development of Bharatanatyam dance. It's linked to the powerful Chola dynasty.
• UNESCO has recognized the Brihadisvara Temple in Thanjavur as a 'living temple'. People have been worshipping there for a thousand years, making it a vital part of their lives. UNESCO also added the Chola temples in Gangaikondacholapuram and Darasuram to the list of World Heritage Sites.
• Thanjavur is deeply connected to our history and identity. It's a place that holds a lot of heritage