Selina Textbook Solutions: India in the 6th Century BC Rise of Jainism and Buddhism | History Class 9 ICSE PDF Download

 Page 1


India in the 6th Century BC: Rise of Jainism and 
Buddhism 
EXERCISES 
Question 1. 
Give any two sources to reconstruct the two great religious movements—Jainism and 
the Buddhism. 
Answer: 
Literary Sources: 
1. The Jataka Tales, The Tripitakas. 
2. Archaeological Sources: The Great Stupa at Sanchi, Samath Pillar. 
Question 2. 
Mention two causes which favored the rise of Jainism and Buddhism in the 6th Century 
BC. 
Answer: 
Two causes which favored the rise of Jainism and Buddhism in the 6th Century 
BC. were: 
1. Ritualistic Vedic Religion. 
2. Expensive Sacrifices. 
Question 3. 
Name the first and the last two Jain 
Answer: 
The first Tirthankaras was ‘Risabit known as Adi Nath. The last two Tirathankaras were 
‘Parashvanath’ and ‘Mahavira’. 
Question 4. 
What was the Original name of Mahavira? 
Answer: 
The Original name of Mahavira was Vardhamana. 
Question 5. 
How did Vardhamana become Mahavira? 
Answer: 
Vardhamana renounced all wordy pleasures. At the age of thirteen, he became an 
ascetic and attained the true knowledge (Kevala Jnana), therefore he come to be known 
as Mahavira. 
Page 2


India in the 6th Century BC: Rise of Jainism and 
Buddhism 
EXERCISES 
Question 1. 
Give any two sources to reconstruct the two great religious movements—Jainism and 
the Buddhism. 
Answer: 
Literary Sources: 
1. The Jataka Tales, The Tripitakas. 
2. Archaeological Sources: The Great Stupa at Sanchi, Samath Pillar. 
Question 2. 
Mention two causes which favored the rise of Jainism and Buddhism in the 6th Century 
BC. 
Answer: 
Two causes which favored the rise of Jainism and Buddhism in the 6th Century 
BC. were: 
1. Ritualistic Vedic Religion. 
2. Expensive Sacrifices. 
Question 3. 
Name the first and the last two Jain 
Answer: 
The first Tirthankaras was ‘Risabit known as Adi Nath. The last two Tirathankaras were 
‘Parashvanath’ and ‘Mahavira’. 
Question 4. 
What was the Original name of Mahavira? 
Answer: 
The Original name of Mahavira was Vardhamana. 
Question 5. 
How did Vardhamana become Mahavira? 
Answer: 
Vardhamana renounced all wordy pleasures. At the age of thirteen, he became an 
ascetic and attained the true knowledge (Kevala Jnana), therefore he come to be known 
as Mahavira. 
Question 6. 
Why were the followers of Mahavira called Janis? 
Answer: 
Since Vardhamana became popular with the name of Mahavira (the great hero) or Jina 
(the conqueror of self), therefore, his followers were called Janis. 
Question 7. 
Mention any two teachings of Mahavira (any two doctrines of Jainism). 
Answer: 
The two teachings of Mahavira are: 
1. Ahimsa. 
2. No Belief in God. 
Question 8. 
What is known as Triratna in Jainism? 
Answer: 
Right faith, Right knowledge and Right conduct is known as Triratna in Jainism. 
Question 9. 
Name the two sects of Jainism. What is the main difference between the two? 
Answer: 
Svetambaras and Digambaras. Their main difference is that the Digambar Munis 
(ascetics) remain completely nude. They do not keep even a small piece of cloth on 
their bodies. The Svetambara Munis, on the other hand wear white clothes. 
Question 10. 
Mention the “Four Great Sights” of Buddhism. 
Answer: 
The “Four Great Sights” of Buddhism were: 
1. The sight of an old man. 
2.  A sick man. 
3. A dead body. 
4. An ascetic. 
Question 11. 
What is known as the Great Renunciation? 
Ans. 
The urge for finding a solution to the problems of human suffering and death, made 
Buddha broke all his wordy ties and left his place at the age of 29 as an ascetic in 
search of truth. This event came to be known as the Great Renunciation (Maha 
Parityaga). 
Page 3


India in the 6th Century BC: Rise of Jainism and 
Buddhism 
EXERCISES 
Question 1. 
Give any two sources to reconstruct the two great religious movements—Jainism and 
the Buddhism. 
Answer: 
Literary Sources: 
1. The Jataka Tales, The Tripitakas. 
2. Archaeological Sources: The Great Stupa at Sanchi, Samath Pillar. 
Question 2. 
Mention two causes which favored the rise of Jainism and Buddhism in the 6th Century 
BC. 
Answer: 
Two causes which favored the rise of Jainism and Buddhism in the 6th Century 
BC. were: 
1. Ritualistic Vedic Religion. 
2. Expensive Sacrifices. 
Question 3. 
Name the first and the last two Jain 
Answer: 
The first Tirthankaras was ‘Risabit known as Adi Nath. The last two Tirathankaras were 
‘Parashvanath’ and ‘Mahavira’. 
Question 4. 
What was the Original name of Mahavira? 
Answer: 
The Original name of Mahavira was Vardhamana. 
Question 5. 
How did Vardhamana become Mahavira? 
Answer: 
Vardhamana renounced all wordy pleasures. At the age of thirteen, he became an 
ascetic and attained the true knowledge (Kevala Jnana), therefore he come to be known 
as Mahavira. 
Question 6. 
Why were the followers of Mahavira called Janis? 
Answer: 
Since Vardhamana became popular with the name of Mahavira (the great hero) or Jina 
(the conqueror of self), therefore, his followers were called Janis. 
Question 7. 
Mention any two teachings of Mahavira (any two doctrines of Jainism). 
Answer: 
The two teachings of Mahavira are: 
1. Ahimsa. 
2. No Belief in God. 
Question 8. 
What is known as Triratna in Jainism? 
Answer: 
Right faith, Right knowledge and Right conduct is known as Triratna in Jainism. 
Question 9. 
Name the two sects of Jainism. What is the main difference between the two? 
Answer: 
Svetambaras and Digambaras. Their main difference is that the Digambar Munis 
(ascetics) remain completely nude. They do not keep even a small piece of cloth on 
their bodies. The Svetambara Munis, on the other hand wear white clothes. 
Question 10. 
Mention the “Four Great Sights” of Buddhism. 
Answer: 
The “Four Great Sights” of Buddhism were: 
1. The sight of an old man. 
2.  A sick man. 
3. A dead body. 
4. An ascetic. 
Question 11. 
What is known as the Great Renunciation? 
Ans. 
The urge for finding a solution to the problems of human suffering and death, made 
Buddha broke all his wordy ties and left his place at the age of 29 as an ascetic in 
search of truth. This event came to be known as the Great Renunciation (Maha 
Parityaga). 
Question 12. 
How did Gautama come to be known as the Buddha? 
Answer: 
When Gautama got enlightened with the spiritual knowledge after rigorous meditation, 
he came to be known as the Buddha or the Enlightened One. 
Question 13. 
Name the place where Buddha got Enlightenment. 
Answer: 
At Bodh Gaya, under the Pipal tree Buddha got Enlightenment. 
Question 14. 
Name the place where Buddha gave his first Sermon. 
Answer: 
At the Deer Park near Samath, Buddha gave his first spiritual Sermon. 
Question 15. 
What are the “Four Noble Truths” of Buddhism? 
Answer: 
The “Four Noble Truths” of Buddhism are: 
1. The world is full of sorrows and suffering. 
2. The main cause of suffering is man’s desire (Trishna) for sensual pleasures and 
earthly possession. 
3. Suffering can be removed by getting rid of desires, i. e., renunciation. 
4. One can overcome desires by following the Eight-Fold Path. 
Question 16. 
Mention any four points of the Buddhist Eight-Fold Path. 
Answer: 
Select any four points from the Eight-Fold Path in Buddhism: 
1. Right Faith 
2. Right Aspiration 
3. Right Action 
4. Right Speech 
5. Right Meditation 
6. Right Living 
7. Right Effort 
8. Right Contemplation 
 
Page 4


India in the 6th Century BC: Rise of Jainism and 
Buddhism 
EXERCISES 
Question 1. 
Give any two sources to reconstruct the two great religious movements—Jainism and 
the Buddhism. 
Answer: 
Literary Sources: 
1. The Jataka Tales, The Tripitakas. 
2. Archaeological Sources: The Great Stupa at Sanchi, Samath Pillar. 
Question 2. 
Mention two causes which favored the rise of Jainism and Buddhism in the 6th Century 
BC. 
Answer: 
Two causes which favored the rise of Jainism and Buddhism in the 6th Century 
BC. were: 
1. Ritualistic Vedic Religion. 
2. Expensive Sacrifices. 
Question 3. 
Name the first and the last two Jain 
Answer: 
The first Tirthankaras was ‘Risabit known as Adi Nath. The last two Tirathankaras were 
‘Parashvanath’ and ‘Mahavira’. 
Question 4. 
What was the Original name of Mahavira? 
Answer: 
The Original name of Mahavira was Vardhamana. 
Question 5. 
How did Vardhamana become Mahavira? 
Answer: 
Vardhamana renounced all wordy pleasures. At the age of thirteen, he became an 
ascetic and attained the true knowledge (Kevala Jnana), therefore he come to be known 
as Mahavira. 
Question 6. 
Why were the followers of Mahavira called Janis? 
Answer: 
Since Vardhamana became popular with the name of Mahavira (the great hero) or Jina 
(the conqueror of self), therefore, his followers were called Janis. 
Question 7. 
Mention any two teachings of Mahavira (any two doctrines of Jainism). 
Answer: 
The two teachings of Mahavira are: 
1. Ahimsa. 
2. No Belief in God. 
Question 8. 
What is known as Triratna in Jainism? 
Answer: 
Right faith, Right knowledge and Right conduct is known as Triratna in Jainism. 
Question 9. 
Name the two sects of Jainism. What is the main difference between the two? 
Answer: 
Svetambaras and Digambaras. Their main difference is that the Digambar Munis 
(ascetics) remain completely nude. They do not keep even a small piece of cloth on 
their bodies. The Svetambara Munis, on the other hand wear white clothes. 
Question 10. 
Mention the “Four Great Sights” of Buddhism. 
Answer: 
The “Four Great Sights” of Buddhism were: 
1. The sight of an old man. 
2.  A sick man. 
3. A dead body. 
4. An ascetic. 
Question 11. 
What is known as the Great Renunciation? 
Ans. 
The urge for finding a solution to the problems of human suffering and death, made 
Buddha broke all his wordy ties and left his place at the age of 29 as an ascetic in 
search of truth. This event came to be known as the Great Renunciation (Maha 
Parityaga). 
Question 12. 
How did Gautama come to be known as the Buddha? 
Answer: 
When Gautama got enlightened with the spiritual knowledge after rigorous meditation, 
he came to be known as the Buddha or the Enlightened One. 
Question 13. 
Name the place where Buddha got Enlightenment. 
Answer: 
At Bodh Gaya, under the Pipal tree Buddha got Enlightenment. 
Question 14. 
Name the place where Buddha gave his first Sermon. 
Answer: 
At the Deer Park near Samath, Buddha gave his first spiritual Sermon. 
Question 15. 
What are the “Four Noble Truths” of Buddhism? 
Answer: 
The “Four Noble Truths” of Buddhism are: 
1. The world is full of sorrows and suffering. 
2. The main cause of suffering is man’s desire (Trishna) for sensual pleasures and 
earthly possession. 
3. Suffering can be removed by getting rid of desires, i. e., renunciation. 
4. One can overcome desires by following the Eight-Fold Path. 
Question 16. 
Mention any four points of the Buddhist Eight-Fold Path. 
Answer: 
Select any four points from the Eight-Fold Path in Buddhism: 
1. Right Faith 
2. Right Aspiration 
3. Right Action 
4. Right Speech 
5. Right Meditation 
6. Right Living 
7. Right Effort 
8. Right Contemplation 
 
Question 17. 
Mention any two teachings of Lord Buddha. 
Answer: 
Ahimsa and no faith in caste system.                   , 
Question 18. 
Mention any two similarities in the teachings of Jainism and Buddhism. 
Answer: 
The principle of ‘Ahimsa’ and ‘Opposition to Caste System’. 
Question 19. 
What is the importance of the Jatakas in Buddhism? 
Answer: 
The Jatakas’ tales throw light on the social and political conditions of the people in the 
3rd and 4th centuries BC. The most important thing about the Jatakas’ tales is that they 
deal with the previous births of the Buddha. 
Question 20. 
How do Buddhist ideals still affect our life?OR What impact did Buddha’s teachings 
have on Mahatma Gandhi’s thoughts? 
Answer: 
The Buddhist ideals even today have a significant place in our life. The principles of 
equality, teachings of non-violence and individual purification are still working as usual. 
Evils, such as pride, envy, wrath and lust have no place in our life even today. 
Mahatma Gandhi took a leaf from the Buddha’s life when he said, “non-violence is the 
first article of my faith.” He also said, “religion in the sense of peace, fraternity and all-
embracing love can alone be the basis of the existence of the world.” 
Question 21. 
What is called a Vihara? 
Answer: 
A Vihara (Monastery) was permanent abode or residence of the monks. 
Question 22. 
Give two reasons why Magadha grew into a powerful kingdom around 600 BC. 
Answer: 
The two reasons of growing of Magadha into a powerful kingdom around 600 BC. 
were as follow: 
1. The fertile plains brought about prosperity and consolidation to the Magadha 
kingdom. 
2. Discovery of Iron in large quantities in Chota Nagpur and the hilly regions of 
Magadha. 
Page 5


India in the 6th Century BC: Rise of Jainism and 
Buddhism 
EXERCISES 
Question 1. 
Give any two sources to reconstruct the two great religious movements—Jainism and 
the Buddhism. 
Answer: 
Literary Sources: 
1. The Jataka Tales, The Tripitakas. 
2. Archaeological Sources: The Great Stupa at Sanchi, Samath Pillar. 
Question 2. 
Mention two causes which favored the rise of Jainism and Buddhism in the 6th Century 
BC. 
Answer: 
Two causes which favored the rise of Jainism and Buddhism in the 6th Century 
BC. were: 
1. Ritualistic Vedic Religion. 
2. Expensive Sacrifices. 
Question 3. 
Name the first and the last two Jain 
Answer: 
The first Tirthankaras was ‘Risabit known as Adi Nath. The last two Tirathankaras were 
‘Parashvanath’ and ‘Mahavira’. 
Question 4. 
What was the Original name of Mahavira? 
Answer: 
The Original name of Mahavira was Vardhamana. 
Question 5. 
How did Vardhamana become Mahavira? 
Answer: 
Vardhamana renounced all wordy pleasures. At the age of thirteen, he became an 
ascetic and attained the true knowledge (Kevala Jnana), therefore he come to be known 
as Mahavira. 
Question 6. 
Why were the followers of Mahavira called Janis? 
Answer: 
Since Vardhamana became popular with the name of Mahavira (the great hero) or Jina 
(the conqueror of self), therefore, his followers were called Janis. 
Question 7. 
Mention any two teachings of Mahavira (any two doctrines of Jainism). 
Answer: 
The two teachings of Mahavira are: 
1. Ahimsa. 
2. No Belief in God. 
Question 8. 
What is known as Triratna in Jainism? 
Answer: 
Right faith, Right knowledge and Right conduct is known as Triratna in Jainism. 
Question 9. 
Name the two sects of Jainism. What is the main difference between the two? 
Answer: 
Svetambaras and Digambaras. Their main difference is that the Digambar Munis 
(ascetics) remain completely nude. They do not keep even a small piece of cloth on 
their bodies. The Svetambara Munis, on the other hand wear white clothes. 
Question 10. 
Mention the “Four Great Sights” of Buddhism. 
Answer: 
The “Four Great Sights” of Buddhism were: 
1. The sight of an old man. 
2.  A sick man. 
3. A dead body. 
4. An ascetic. 
Question 11. 
What is known as the Great Renunciation? 
Ans. 
The urge for finding a solution to the problems of human suffering and death, made 
Buddha broke all his wordy ties and left his place at the age of 29 as an ascetic in 
search of truth. This event came to be known as the Great Renunciation (Maha 
Parityaga). 
Question 12. 
How did Gautama come to be known as the Buddha? 
Answer: 
When Gautama got enlightened with the spiritual knowledge after rigorous meditation, 
he came to be known as the Buddha or the Enlightened One. 
Question 13. 
Name the place where Buddha got Enlightenment. 
Answer: 
At Bodh Gaya, under the Pipal tree Buddha got Enlightenment. 
Question 14. 
Name the place where Buddha gave his first Sermon. 
Answer: 
At the Deer Park near Samath, Buddha gave his first spiritual Sermon. 
Question 15. 
What are the “Four Noble Truths” of Buddhism? 
Answer: 
The “Four Noble Truths” of Buddhism are: 
1. The world is full of sorrows and suffering. 
2. The main cause of suffering is man’s desire (Trishna) for sensual pleasures and 
earthly possession. 
3. Suffering can be removed by getting rid of desires, i. e., renunciation. 
4. One can overcome desires by following the Eight-Fold Path. 
Question 16. 
Mention any four points of the Buddhist Eight-Fold Path. 
Answer: 
Select any four points from the Eight-Fold Path in Buddhism: 
1. Right Faith 
2. Right Aspiration 
3. Right Action 
4. Right Speech 
5. Right Meditation 
6. Right Living 
7. Right Effort 
8. Right Contemplation 
 
Question 17. 
Mention any two teachings of Lord Buddha. 
Answer: 
Ahimsa and no faith in caste system.                   , 
Question 18. 
Mention any two similarities in the teachings of Jainism and Buddhism. 
Answer: 
The principle of ‘Ahimsa’ and ‘Opposition to Caste System’. 
Question 19. 
What is the importance of the Jatakas in Buddhism? 
Answer: 
The Jatakas’ tales throw light on the social and political conditions of the people in the 
3rd and 4th centuries BC. The most important thing about the Jatakas’ tales is that they 
deal with the previous births of the Buddha. 
Question 20. 
How do Buddhist ideals still affect our life?OR What impact did Buddha’s teachings 
have on Mahatma Gandhi’s thoughts? 
Answer: 
The Buddhist ideals even today have a significant place in our life. The principles of 
equality, teachings of non-violence and individual purification are still working as usual. 
Evils, such as pride, envy, wrath and lust have no place in our life even today. 
Mahatma Gandhi took a leaf from the Buddha’s life when he said, “non-violence is the 
first article of my faith.” He also said, “religion in the sense of peace, fraternity and all-
embracing love can alone be the basis of the existence of the world.” 
Question 21. 
What is called a Vihara? 
Answer: 
A Vihara (Monastery) was permanent abode or residence of the monks. 
Question 22. 
Give two reasons why Magadha grew into a powerful kingdom around 600 BC. 
Answer: 
The two reasons of growing of Magadha into a powerful kingdom around 600 BC. 
were as follow: 
1. The fertile plains brought about prosperity and consolidation to the Magadha 
kingdom. 
2. Discovery of Iron in large quantities in Chota Nagpur and the hilly regions of 
Magadha. 
Question 23. 
Mention any two factors that led to the growth of Jainism. 
Answer: 
The following two factors led to the growth of Jainism: 
1. The simple doctrines of Mahavira. 
2. Usage of common language of the masses, instead of Sanskrit. 
Question 24. 
What were the causes of the decline of Jainism? 
Answer: 
The causes of the decline of Jainism are: 
1. The loss of royal patronage. 
2. Rigid principles and difficulty in following the severe penance and austerity 
advocated by Mahavira. 
3.  Split-up of the Jainism into two sects i. e., the Shvetambaras (clad in white) and 
the Digambaras (Sky-clad or naked). 
4. The revival of Brahmanism. 
Question 25. 
Mention two factors that led to the spread and growth of Buddhism. 
Answer: 
Two factors that led to the spread and growth of Buddhism are: 
1. Simple teachings of Buddha. 
2. Simple language. 
Question 26. 
Mention any two causes of the decline of Buddhism. 
Answer: 
Two causes of the decline of Buddhism were: 
1. Revival of Brahmanical Hinduism, 
2. Split in Buddhism. 
Question 27. 
Mention the contribution of Buddhism to India Literature. 
Answer: 
Buddhism contributed its variety of religious literates in  the language of the people. The 
teachings of Buddha were compiled and known as Tripitaka or the three baskets. The 
Jatakas contain tales dealing with previous births of the Buddha. These form an 
important part of Buddhist Literature. The Jataka tales were written in Pali. They greatly 
enriched the Indian literature. The Mahayana Buddhists produced their religious 
literature in Sanskrit.