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

Short Answer Questions

Q1: Who was Faxian and where did he travel?
Ans: Faxian was one of the oldest Chinese Buddhist monks who visited India in the 4th century CE. He traveled to the major Buddhist pilgrimage sites in India.

Q2: What is the significance of Sarnath in Buddhism?
Ans: Sarnath is where Buddha preached his first sermon and where the Buddhist Sangha came into existence with his first five disciples.

Q3: Why is Sarnath associated with deer?
Ans: Sarnath is linked to deer in an ancient legend where a Bodhisattva, born as a deer, sacrificed itself to save a king.

Q4: What historical period does Thanjavur belong to?
Ans: Thanjavur dates back to around the 9th century CE onwards.

Q5: Who founded Thanjavur and why is it named so?
Ans: Thanjavur was founded by Vijayalaya Chola. It is said to be named after a demon Tanjan who was defeated in battle.

Q6: What is the Brihadisvara Temple famous for?
Ans: The Brihadisvara Temple is renowned for having one of the largest Shiva lingams and Nandi statues in India.

Q7: What role did temples play in Thanjavur society?
Ans: Temples in Thanjavur were centers of education, art, and learning, sustaining the community and serving as hubs of cultural activities.

Q8: Why is Thanjavur historically significant?
Ans: Thanjavur is known for its association with the powerful Chola dynasty, its cultural heritage, including Chola bronzes and Thanjavur paintings, and the evolution of Bharatanatyam.

Q9: What UNESCO recognition did Thanjavur receive?
Ans: UNESCO designated the Brihadisvara Temple and other Chola temples in Thanjavur as a World Heritage Site due to their historical significance.

Q10: What is the main source of income for the Chola rulers?
Ans: Land revenue was likely the primary income source for the Chola rulers, supplemented by taxes on trade and irrigation.

Long Answer Questions

Q1: Discuss the historical significance of Sarnath and its connection to Buddhism.
Ans:

• Sarnath, located near Varanasi, holds immense historical significance as the place where the Buddha delivered his first sermon, known as the Dharma Chakra Pravartana or the turning of the wheel of law.
• It is believed to be where the Buddhist monastic order, Sangha, was founded with the initiation of the Buddha's first five disciples.
• Under the Mauryan emperor Ashoka, Sarnath became prominent due to the erection of his edicts and pillars, which served as communication tools with the subjects.
• The site flourished under various dynasties such as the Guptas, Palas, and Gahadavalas, but faced destruction by invaders like Qutbuddin Aibak in the 12th century CE.
• Sarnath's archaeological remains include significant structures like the Dhamekh Stupa, Mulagandha Kuti Vihara, and the Lion Capital of Ashoka, indicating its rich Buddhist heritage.

Q2: Explain the legend associated with the name 'Sarnath' and its significance.
Ans:

• Sarnath is said to have derived its name from the Sanskrit term Saranganath or 'Lord of the Deer,' linked to a story where a Bodhisattva, in the form of a deer, sacrificed itself to save a king, leading to the creation of a deer park.
• According to ancient Buddhist lore, this association with deer is evident in the alternative name 'Mrigadava' or 'Miga-daya,' translating to 'deer park' in Sanskrit.
• The connection between Sarnath and deer symbolizes sacrifice, compassion, and the foundation of a sacred space for spiritual teachings, reflecting Buddhist principles of kindness and selflessness.
• Legends like these add layers of cultural and spiritual significance to Sarnath, enhancing its allure as a place of historical and philosophical importance in Buddhism.
• These stories not only offer insights into the origins of place names but also provide a glimpse into the moral fabric and values cherished by ancient societies.

Q3: Analyze the architectural and historical features of the Brihadisvara Temple in Thanjavur.
Ans:

• The Brihadisvara Temple, constructed around 1010 CE, is a grand structure dedicated to Lord Shiva, characterized by a towering vimana (tower) reaching over 50 meters in height, showcasing the Chola dynasty's architectural prowess.
• War booty and tribute from Sri Lanka were purportedly used in its construction, highlighting the temple's grandeur and the Chola empire's influence across regions.
• The temple's exterior boasts intricate sculptures, while its interior walls are adorned with murals depicting scenes from Chola history and religious narratives, offering a visual feast for visitors and devotees.
• Restoration efforts have revealed hidden murals depicting Rajaraja Chola I with his spiritual advisor and queens, underscoring the temple's historical significance and the intricate artistic traditions of the Chola period.
• The Brihadisvara Temple stands as a testament to the Chola rulers' devotion to Lord Shiva, their patronage of the arts, and their architectural ingenuity, leaving a lasting legacy in the annals of Indian temple architecture.

Q4: Describe the socio-political setup in Thanjavur during the Chola period and its impact on governance and society.
Ans:

• Under the Cholas, Thanjavur evolved into a bustling city with the Brihadisvara Temple as a focal point, showcasing the Chola rulers' administrative acumen and cultural patronage.
• Land revenue served as a primary income source, supplemented by taxes on trade and irrigation, contributing to the treasury and facilitating infrastructure development and public welfare.
• The Cholas promoted local self-government through assemblies like ur, sabha, and nagaram, which oversaw agricultural and mercantile activities, fostering a sense of community and participatory governance.
• Art and culture flourished in Thanjavur under Chola rule, with temples serving as centers of learning and artistic expression, nurturing talents in sculpture, literature, and dance, thus enriching the social fabric and cultural heritage.
• The Cholas' legacy endured beyond their rule, influencing subsequent dynasties and leaving a lasting imprint on governance, art, and society in Thanjavur and the broader Indian subcontinent.

Q5: Highlight the enduring historical significance of Sarnath and Thanjavur in the broader context of India's cultural and religious heritage.
Ans:

• Sarnath and Thanjavur stand as living testaments to India's rich cultural and religious tapestry, embodying the essence of Buddhism and Hinduism, respectively, and serving as beacons of spiritual enlightenment and artistic excellence.
• These sites, with their ancient stupas, temples, and sculptures, symbolize the convergence of history, faith, and artistry, inviting pilgrims, scholars, and enthusiasts to delve into their profound narratives and architectural splendor.
• UNESCO's recognition of the Brihadisvara Temple and other Chola temples as a World Heritage Site underscores their global significance and underscores the need to safeguard and celebrate these cultural treasures for future generations.
• As repositories of profound wisdom, artistic mastery, and historical legacies, Sarnath and Thanjavur continue to inspire and educate people worldwide about India's enduring contributions to spirituality, art, and civilization.
• Preserving and promoting these heritage sites ensures that their stories endure, connecting past, present, and future generations in a timeless dialogue that celebrates the diversity and richness of India's cultural heritage.