Worksheet Solutions: Thinkers, Beliefs and buildings | History Class 12 - Humanities/Arts PDF Download

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Q1: Nineteenth-century Europeans were very interested in the stupa at _______.
Ans: Sanchi.
Sanchi, with its ancient stupa, piqued the interest of nineteenth-century European scholars and archaeologists due to its historical significance in Buddhism.

Q2: The rulers of Bhopal, Shahjehan Begum, and her successor Sultan Jehan Begum, provided money for the preservation of the ancient site of _______.
Ans: Sanchi.
Shahjehan Begum and Sultan Jehan Begum, rulers of Bhopal, contributed funds for the conservation of the ancient site of Sanchi, showcasing their commitment to historical preservation.

Q3: The early Vedic traditions are known from the _______.
Ans: Rigveda.
The Rigveda, one of the oldest texts in the world, provides insights into the early Vedic traditions, including hymns and rituals of ancient India.

Q4: The Rigveda consisted of hymns chanted during _______.
Ans: Vedic rituals.
Hymns in the Rigveda were chanted during Vedic rituals, forming an integral part of the religious practices in ancient Vedic culture.

Q5: Mahavira and Buddha questioned the authority of the _______.
Ans: Brahmins.
Both Mahavira and Buddha challenged the Brahminical authority, advocating spiritual paths based on individual merit and ethics rather than birth-based hierarchies.

Q6: Jain monks and nuns took five vows, including abstaining from _______.
Ans: Violence.
Jain ascetics adhere to five vows, including non-violence (ahimsa), reflecting their commitment to a life free from harm to all living beings.

Q7: The stupa originated as a simple semi-circular mound of earth called _______.
Ans: Anda.
Stupas, initially basic mounds like Anda, evolved into significant Buddhist monuments, symbolizing important events and teachings associated with Buddha.

Q8: The yashti is a mast found on top of the _______.
Ans: Stupa.
Yashti, a decorative mast, is a prominent feature atop stupas, representing the axis mundi and the connection between earth and the spiritual realm.

Q9: In Mahayana Buddhism, Bodhisattas are beings who accumulate merit to _______.
Ans: Attain Buddhahood.
Bodhisattvas in Mahayana Buddhism are enlightened beings who altruistically postpone their own Buddhahood to help others, accumulating merit through compassionate actions.

Q10: The concept of Vaishnavism involves the worship of _______ as the principal deity.
Ans: Vishnu.
Vaishnavism, a major tradition in Hinduism, centers around the worship of Lord Vishnu as the supreme deity, emphasizing devotion and love towards the divine.

Assertion and Reason Based

Q1: Assertion: Nineteenth-century Europeans were very interested in the stupa at Sanchi.
Reason: The stupa at Sanchi was constructed using Greek artistic influences.
(a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation of the Assertion.
(b) Both Assertion and Reason are true, but Reason is not the correct explanation of the Assertion.
(c) Assertion is true, but Reason is false.
(d) Assertion is false, but Reason is true.
Ans: (b)
The stupa at Sanchi did attract European interest, but it was not due to Greek artistic influences. European scholars found Indian sculptures based on Greek models in northwest cities like Taxila and Peshawar.

Q2: Assertion: The Buddha emphasized individual agency and righteous action as the means to escape the cycle of rebirth.
Reason: The Buddha believed in the divine origin of the social world.
(a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation of the Assertion.
(b) Both Assertion and Reason are true, but Reason is not the correct explanation of the Assertion.
(c) Assertion is true, but Reason is false.
(d) Assertion is false, but Reason is true.
Ans: (c)
The Buddha emphasized individual agency and righteous action, but he did not believe in the divine origin of the social world.

Q3: Assertion: The shalabhanjika motif in Buddhist sculptures represents a woman with the power to cause trees to flower and bear fruit.
Reason: The shalabhanjika motif is an integral part of Buddhist iconography.
(a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation of the Assertion.
(b) Both Assertion and Reason are true, but Reason is not the correct explanation of the Assertion.
(c) Assertion is true, but Reason is false.
(d) Assertion is false, but Reason is true.
Ans: (a)
The shalabhanjika motif does represent a woman causing trees to flower, and it is integrated into Buddhist iconography.

Q4: Assertion: Early Indian sculptures were often compared to Greek art by European scholars.
Reason: Indo-Greek rulers had a significant influence on Indian sculpture.
(a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation of the Assertion.
(b) Both Assertion and Reason are true, but Reason is not the correct explanation of the Assertion.
(c) Assertion is true, but Reason is false.
(d) Assertion is false, but Reason is true.
Ans: (b)
European scholars did compare early Indian sculptures to Greek art, but it wasn't solely based on images of the Buddha and Bodhisattas.

Q5: Assertion: The development of Mahayana Buddhism introduced the concept of Bodhisattas.
Reason: Bodhisattas aimed to attain nirvana and abandon the world.
(a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation of the Assertion.
(b) Both Assertion and Reason are true, but Reason is not the correct explanation of the Assertion.
(c) Assertion is true, but Reason is false.
(d) Assertion is false, but Reason is true.
Ans: (a)
Mahayana Buddhism introduced the concept of Bodhisattas, deeply compassionate beings who aimed to help others instead of attaining nirvana for themselves.

Very Short Answer Type Questions

Q1: How did the rulers of Bhopal contribute to the preservation of the ancient site at Sanchi?
Ans: The rulers of Bhopal contributed to the preservation of the ancient site at Sanchi by restoring and maintaining the Stupa and its surrounding structures.

Q2: What is the Rigveda, and when was it compiled?
Ans: The Rigveda is one of the oldest sacred texts of Hinduism, composed in Sanskrit. It was compiled between 1500 and 1200 BCE.

Q3: What were the early Vedic sacrifices performed for?
Ans: The early Vedic sacrifices were performed to appease the gods and ensure prosperity, protection, and the fulfillment of desires.

Q4: Who questioned the authority of the Vedas and emphasized individual agency?
Ans: The ancient Indian sage, Gautama Buddha, questioned the authority of the Vedas and emphasized individual agency in attaining enlightenment.

Q5: What is the most important idea in Jainism?
Ans: The most important idea in Jainism is the belief in non-violence (ahimsa) towards all living beings.

Q6: What did the Buddha emphasize as the means to escape the cycle of rebirth?
Ans: The Buddha emphasized following the Eightfold Path, practicing mindfulness, and attaining enlightenment as the means to escape the cycle of rebirth.

Q7: What does the term "Mahayana" mean in the context of Buddhism?
Ans: In the context of Buddhism, the term "Mahayana" refers to a major branch of Buddhism that emphasizes the compassion and enlightenment of all beings.

Q8: What is the significance of the shikhara in temple architecture?
Ans: The shikhara is the towering spire or pinnacle in temple architecture, symbolizing the sacred abode of the deity and representing spiritual ascent.

Q9: What type of images did European scholars find most exciting in India?
Ans: European scholars found the erotic sculptures, such as those at Khajuraho, most exciting in India.

Q10: What concept emerged in Hinduism, emphasizing the worship of a chosen deity with love and devotion?
Ans: The concept of Bhakti emerged in Hinduism, emphasizing the worship of a chosen deity with love and devotion.

Short Answer Type Questions

Q1: Who provided financial support for the preservation of the ancient site at Sanchi?
Ans: The financial support for the preservation of the ancient site at Sanchi was provided by Emperor Ashoka, a prominent ruler of the Mauryan Empire in ancient India. He played a pivotal role in the spread of Buddhism and supported the construction of Stupas, including the Great Stupa at Sanchi, demonstrating his commitment to the preservation of Buddhist heritage.

Q2: What is the significance of the mid-first millennium BCE in world history according to the text?
Ans: The mid-first millennium BCE is profoundly significant in world history due to the emergence of major religious and philosophical movements in India. During this time, influential figures like Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha) and Mahavira founded Buddhism and Jainism, respectively. These religions advocated ethical principles, non-violence, and spiritual enlightenment, shaping the cultural and philosophical landscape not only in India but also influencing global thought systems.

Q3: What fundamental idea did Mahavira emphasize in Jainism?
Ans: Mahavira, the founder of Jainism, emphasized the fundamental idea of non-violence (ahimsa). He stressed the importance of practicing non-violence towards all living beings, promoting compassion, and advocating for a life of austerity and self-discipline as a means to attain spiritual liberation.

Q4: What key concept did the Buddha emphasize regarding human existence and suffering?
Ans: The Buddha emphasized the key concept of the Four Noble Truths regarding human existence and suffering. He taught that suffering (dukkha) is an inherent part of life, caused by craving and ignorance. However, he also taught the path to liberation from suffering, known as the Eightfold Path, which includes right understanding, intention, speech, action, livelihood, effort, mindfulness, and concentration.

Q5: What is the meaning of the term "Mahayana" in the context of Buddhism?
Ans: In the context of Buddhism, "Mahayana" refers to the "Great Vehicle." It represents a major branch of Buddhism that emphasizes universal compassion and the aspiration to attain enlightenment not only for oneself but also for the benefit of all sentient beings. Mahayana Buddhism encompasses various schools and practices, emphasizing altruism and the belief in multiple Buddhas and bodhisattvas.

Q6: Who were the early followers of the Buddha and what social groups did they include?
Ans: The early followers of the Buddha included diverse social groups such as monks, nuns, merchants, artisans, and even some members of the royalty. Buddhism's appeal across different social strata contributed significantly to its rapid spread in ancient India and beyond.

Q7: What is the primary purpose of stupas in Buddhist beliefs and practices?
Ans: The primary purpose of stupas in Buddhist beliefs and practices is to serve as religious monuments and places of worship. Stupas are considered sacred structures that enshrine relics associated with the Buddha or other revered figures. They are venerated by Buddhists and are sites for meditation, prayer, and offerings, symbolizing the Buddha's enlightenment and the spiritual path towards enlightenment for all beings.

Q8: How did early Indian sculptors depict the presence of the Buddha before representing him in human form?
Ans: Before representing the Buddha in human form, early Indian sculptors depicted his presence symbolically through symbols such as the Bodhi tree, the empty throne, footprints, and the wheel of Dharma (Dharmachakra). These symbols represented significant events and aspects of the Buddha's life and teachings, allowing worshippers to focus on the spiritual essence of the Buddha's presence before the development of anthropomorphic representations in Buddhist art.

Long Answer Type Questions

Q1: Discuss the key philosophical differences between the teachings of Mahavira and the early Vedic sacrificial traditions.
Ans: Mahavira, the founder of Jainism, introduced several key philosophical differences from early Vedic sacrificial traditions. While Vedic rituals emphasized sacrificial offerings and the propitiation of deities, Mahavira's Jainism rejected such rituals and focused on non-violence (ahimsa), truth, and asceticism as the means to attain spiritual liberation. In contrast to Vedic rituals that often involved animal sacrifices, Jainism advocated for extreme non-violence, even towards microscopic life forms. The Vedic traditions were polytheistic, with various deities, while Jainism was non-theistic and emphasized individual responsibility for one's actions. Jainism's rejection of caste-based hierarchies challenged the social structure inherent in Vedic traditions. In summary, Mahavira's teachings in Jainism introduced a profound shift towards ethical and spiritual values, asceticism, and non-violence in contrast to the ritualistic and polytheistic aspects of early Vedic traditions.

Q2: Explain the development and significance of Mahayana Buddhism in contrast to early Buddhist teachings.
Ans: Mahayana Buddhism, which emerged as a development of early Buddhist teachings, significantly expanded the scope and significance of Buddhist philosophy and practice. Unlike early Buddhism (Theravada), which primarily emphasized personal liberation (nirvana) and the path of the arhat, Mahayana introduced the concept of the bodhisattva, an enlightened being who postpones their own nirvana to help all sentient beings achieve liberation. This altruistic ideal transformed the focus from individual enlightenment to the salvation of all beings. Mahayana also introduced the notion of multiple Buddhas and celestial bodhisattvas, emphasizing a broader, more cosmopolitan worldview. The Mahayana scriptures, such as the Mahayana Sutras, were written in Sanskrit, making them more accessible to a wider audience. This development expanded Buddhism's appeal and made it more inclusive, fostering diverse schools and practices within the Mahayana tradition.

Q3: Describe the evolution of temple architecture in ancient India, highlighting key features and influences.
Ans: Temple architecture in ancient India underwent significant evolution, influenced by diverse factors. Early temples were rock-cut, as seen in the caves at sites like Ajanta and Ellora, with intricately carved pillars and reliefs depicting religious themes. Gradually, structural temples with stone and brick construction emerged. The Nagara and Dravida styles of temple architecture developed, featuring distinctive features like shikhara (tower) in Nagara style and pyramidal vimanas in Dravida style. Temples became not just religious centers but also socio-cultural hubs, serving as centers of learning and artistic expression. The architectural layout often consisted of a sanctum (garbhagriha), a hall (mandapa), and an entrance porch (ardhamandapa). The temples were adorned with elaborate sculptures and motifs, reflecting themes from Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain traditions. Temple architecture in ancient India symbolized a fusion of spiritual and artistic expression, making it an integral part of India's cultural heritage.

Q4: Explore the significance of symbols and motifs in early Indian sculpture, focusing on their representation and cultural integration.
Ans: Symbols and motifs played a crucial role in early Indian sculpture, reflecting the diverse religious, cultural, and philosophical beliefs of the time. These sculptures served as a means of conveying complex ideas and narratives. In Buddhist art, symbols like the Bodhi tree (under which the Buddha attained enlightenment), the empty throne (representing the Buddha's absence after his parinirvana), footprints (indicating his presence), and the wheel of Dharma (representing his teachings) were used before anthropomorphic representations of the Buddha. In Hindu sculpture, motifs like the lotus symbolized purity, the trident represented Shiva, and the conch shell was associated with Vishnu. These symbols were often integrated into sculptures of deities and mythological scenes, providing viewers with a visual language to understand and connect with the religious and cultural narratives of the time. The cultural integration of these symbols allowed for a rich and diverse sculptural heritage in ancient India, demonstrating the fusion of spirituality and artistry.