GS1 PYQ (Mains Answer Writing): Northern Age | History for UPSC CSE PDF Download

Question 1: Pala period is the most significant phase in the history of Buddhism in India. Enumerate. (GS 1 UPSC Mains)
Answer: The Pala period, spanning from the 8th to the 12th century CE, represents a crucial era in the history of Buddhism in India. It was a time of significant patronage, intellectual ferment, and artistic achievement under the rule of the Pala dynasty. This period witnessed a revival and flourishing of Buddhism, leaving a lasting impact on the religious and cultural landscape of the Indian subcontinent. Enumerating the key aspects of the Pala period helps in understanding its profound significance in the history of Buddhism.

1. Patronage of Buddhist institutions:

   • The Pala rulers, particularly Dharmapala and Devapala, extended extensive support to Buddhist monasteries and universities.
   • Monastic centers such as Nalanda, Vikramashila, and Odantapuri received royal patronage, becoming vibrant hubs of Buddhist learning and scholarship.
   • The Pala kings granted land grants, tax exemptions, and other privileges to these institutions, enabling them to thrive and attract scholars from across Asia.

2. Spread of Buddhism beyond India:

   • The Pala period witnessed the spread of Buddhism to regions beyond the Indian subcontinent, including Southeast Asia and Tibet.
   • Diplomatic missions, trade networks, and the activities of Buddhist monks played crucial roles in disseminating Buddhist teachings and establishing connections with neighboring countries.
   • This facilitated the transmission of Buddhist scriptures, doctrines, and artistic traditions, contributing to the global expansion of Buddhism.

3. Art and architecture:

   • The Pala period witnessed a flourishing of Buddhist art and architecture, characterized by the construction of magnificent monasteries, stupas, and sculptures.
   • Notable examples include the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya, which underwent significant renovation during this period, and the Somapura Mahavihara in present-day Bangladesh, an architectural marvel renowned for its intricate terracotta ornamentation.
   • These artistic achievements reflected the religious fervor and cultural vitality of the Pala period, leaving a lasting legacy in the form of exquisite Buddhist art and architecture.

Conclusion
The Pala period represents a pinnacle in the history of Buddhism in India, marked by unparalleled patronage, intellectual vigor, and artistic splendor. Its legacy continues to resonate in the contemporary world, underscoring the enduring relevance and influence of Buddhism as a global spiritual tradition. By fostering the growth and dissemination of Buddhism, the Pala dynasty played a pivotal role in shaping the course of religious and cultural history in the Indian subcontinent and beyond.

Question 2: Estimate the contribution of Pallavas of Kanchi for the development of art and literature of South India.
Answer: The Pallavas of Kanchi ruled from the 4th to 9th century CE and played an important role in shaping the culture of South India. They are known for their contributions to art, literature, and architecture, which had a lasting impact on the region’s cultural development.Contribution of Pallavas to Art:

1. Rock-Cut Architecture:

   • The Pallavas were pioneers in rock-cut architecture. They carved temples into hillsides, combining religious purpose with unique architectural designs.
   • Notable examples include the Mahabalipuram (also known as Mamallapuram) monuments from the reign of Narasimhavarman I in the 7th century, like the Five Rathas (Pancha Rathas) and Descent of the Ganges (Arjuna’s Penance).

2. Structural Temples:

   • The Pallavas also created structural stone temples, which later influenced South Indian temple architecture. A key example is the Shore Temple at Mahabalipuram.

3. Sculpture:

   • Pallava sculptures are known for their beautiful lines and a mix of realism and stylization. Temples and structures were adorned with images of Hindu gods like Shiva, Vishnu, and Durga.
   • The sculptures at Mahabalipuram, such as the Arjuna’s Penance bas-relief, tell stories and reflect the culture of the time.

4. Bronze Sculptures:

   • The Pallavas contributed to the development of bronze sculptures, which later flourished under the Cholas.

Contributions of Pallavas to Literature:

1. Sanskrit and Tamil Literature:

   • The Pallava court encouraged learning in both Sanskrit and Tamil. Many of the kings, like Mahendravarman I, were also skilled in literature.
   • Mahendravarman I wrote the Sanskrit play “Mattavilasa Prahasana”.

2. Pallava Inscriptions:

   • Inscriptions from the Pallava period are found in both Sanskrit and Tamil, reflecting the bilingual nature of the Pallava kingdom. The Pallavas supported both languages, with Sanskrit used for administration and Tamil used for everyday communication.

3. Development of Script:

   • The Pallavas played a role in the evolution of the Grantha script, which was later used for writing Sanskrit in the Tamil region. This script also influenced the development of the modern Tamil script.

4. Support for the Tamil Bhakti Movement:

   • The Pallavas supported the Bhakti movement, which was important in the religious life of South India. Saints like Appar, Sambandar, and Sundarar were supported by Pallava rulers and contributed to Tamil Shaiva literature.

Conclusion
The Pallavas of Kanchi made significant contributions to South India’s art, literature, and architecture. Their support for both Sanskrit and Tamil culture, along with their advances in architecture and sculpture, laid the foundation for future dynasties like the Cholas. Their legacy continues to be celebrated in South India today.