Q1. Many rituals, religious beliefs and processes were not recorded in a permanent visible form as monuments, sculptures or paintings. Critically examine the statement.
Ans. Most rituals, beliefs and practices, even when celebrated through vibrant activities on special occasions or included in daily practices, were not recorded in a permanent visible form as monuments or paintings and sculptures. People may not have felt the need to preserve records, even as they may have had vibrant activities and philosophical ideas. This is why what we know about our history and culture is just the tip of the iceberg.
Q2. Highlight any two ideas that are central points of the Jaina philosophy.
Ans. Two central points of the Jaina philosophy are:
1. The whole world is animated: even stones, rocks and water have life.
2. . Non-injury to living beings, especially to humans, animals, plants and insects.
Q3. How did the principles of Jainism influence Indian thinking?
Ans. The principle of ahimsa, emphasized within Jainism, has left its mark on Indian thinking. Further, according to Jaina teachings, the cycle of birth and rebirth is determined by karma. To escape this cycle, one needs to live a simple life and practice self-discipline. This philosophy is prevalent in many other Indian religions as well.
Q4. How did we come to know about Buddha’s teachings? Explain.
Ans. Teachings of Buddha have been reconstructed by carefully analysing the Buddhist sculptures. Historians have tried to learn about Buddha through the hagiographies. To understand the symbols in Buddhist sculptures, historians needed to learn about the traditions of the people who created these artworks. For instance, an empty seat symbolized the Buddha's meditation. Many of Buddha's teachings were written around a century after his death.
Q5. Mention the internal functioning of the Buddhist Sanghas.
Ans. Sanghas were organisations of monks who follow (and teach) Dhamma. Their internal functioning was based on the traditions of ganas and sanghas, which worked on democratic principles. Decisions were based on consensus arrived through discussions. If the discussions failed, decision was taken by voting.
Q6. As per Jainism emotion how one can free himself from the cycle of Karma?
Ans. In Jain teachings, the cycle of birth and rebirth is determined by karma. To break free from this cycle, one must practice asceticism and penance, which can only be achieved by renouncing worldly life. Therefore, living as a monk or nun is essential for attaining salvation. Jain monks and nuns take five vows: not to kill, steal, or lie; to remain celibate; and not to own any property.
Q7. Mention any four social groups through which the followers of Buddha came.
Ans. The followers of Buddha belonged to all levels of society, including:
(i) Kings
(ii) Wealthy men
(iii) Grihapatis
(iv) Common people like workers, crafts people, peasants, etc.
Q8. Describe the ideas of the Buddha and Lord Mahavira on the authority of Vedas.
Ans. Buddha founded Buddhism and Lord Mahavira was a Jaina. Both raised questions about the authority of Vedas. Both were of the opinion that men and women themselves should try to attain liberation from the trials and tribulations of worldly existence. This was in sharp contrast to the Brahmanical position where one’s existence was determined by their birth in a specific caste or gender. Both Buddhism and Jainism opposed animal sacrifices and performance of Yajnas.
Q9. How was Buddha’s presence shown through symbols? Give two examples.
Ans. Buddha’s presence was shown through several symbols like tree, stupa, empty seat, lotus, elephants, etc. The empty seat was meant to indicate the meditation of Buddha and the stupa was meant to represent the mahaparinibbana. Another symbol was wheel, which stood for the first sermon of Buddha at Sarnath.
Q10. Why are Buddhist stupas said to be “stories in stone”? Explain.
Ans. Each Buddhist stupa has its own story. The sculptures in the stupas show various tales from different ancient texts. Art experts say that the sculpture at Sanchi portrays a story from the Vessantara Jataka. Historians often interpret sculptures by comparing them to written records.
Q11. Describe the main teachings of Buddha.
Ans. The Buddha’s teachings have been reconstructed from stories, mentioned in the Sutta Pitaka.
(i) According to Buddhist philosophy, the world is transient (anicca) and constantly changing.
(ii) It is also soulless (anantta) as there is nothing permanent or eternal in it.
(iii) Within this transient world, sorrow (dukkha) is intrinsic to human existence.
(iv) By following a balanced path between extreme self-denial and self-indulgence, people can overcome worldly difficulties.
Q12. What does a sculpture of a woman surrounded by lotuses and elephant depict?Mention any two opinions.
Ans. Some historians refer to the sculpture as Maya, the mother of Buddha, while others identify her as goddess Gajalakshmi. Goddess Gajalakshmi is the goddess of wealth and good fortune and is associated with elephants. Thus, it can be inferred that when people saw these sculptures, they identified it with either Maya or Gajalakshmi.
Q13. Where is the stupa of Sanchi situated? Explain any one of its features.
Ans. The Sanchi Stupa is a remarkable ancient structure located in the state of Madhya Pradesh, India. It is situated in a village named Sanchi Kanakhera, which is atop a hill. The stupa is approximately twenty miles northeast of Bhopal and resembles a crown.
