Test: Thinkers, Beliefs And Buildings- 1 - Humanities/Arts MCQ

The cult of Vaishnavism developed around the various avatars or incarnations of the deity Vishnu. Ten avatars of Vishnu were recognised within the Hindu tradition.

• Discovery of Amaravati (1796): The ruins of the Amaravati stupa were discovered by a local raja in 1796 while planning to build a temple. This marks the earliest event in this sequence.

• Discovery of Sanchi (1818): Sanchi, another significant Buddhist site, was discovered in 1818. This discovery followed the one at Amaravati and helped reveal more about early Buddhist architecture.

• H.H. Cole's Preservation Efforts: H.H. Cole attempted to preserve Amaravati’s sculptures during the colonial era, but his efforts were largely unsuccessful. This happened after the discovery of both Amaravati and Sanchi.

• Shalabhanjika Motif in Buddhist Art: The shalabhanjika motif, representing a woman whose touch caused trees to flower and bear fruit, was a well-established element in Buddhist art by this time and predates the discoveries and preservation efforts.

Amaravati was the site of a great Buddhist Stupa, built in pre-Mauryan times.

• Statement I is true; the Sanchi stupa indeed represents ancient Buddhist philosophies.
• Statement II is also true; the rulers of Bhopal funded its preservation during the 19th century, reflecting European interest in Indian heritage.

Buddha was born in 563 B.C, on the Vaishakha Purnima day, at Lumbini.

- The assertion is true because the Kailashnatha temple, dedicated to Shiva, is indeed considered a monumental achievement in rock-cut architecture, representing the zenith of this artistic tradition in the 8th century.

- The reason is false; the temple was constructed in the 8th century, not during the 3rd century BCE as stated.

- Since the assertion is true but the reason is false, the correct answer is Option A, as both statements are not correct, but the reason does not adequately explain the assertion.

• Statement i: The concept of the Bodhisatta in Mahayana Buddhism emphasizes the idea of altruism and compassion toward all sentient beings rather than solely self-effort in achieving nirvana. Therefore, this statement is false.

• Statement ii: Vaishnavism and Shaivism are indeed significant movements within Hinduism, focusing on the worship of Vishnu and Shiva, respectively. This statement is true.

• Statement iii: Early temple architecture included shikharas, which are indeed intricate structures built over the central shrine. This statement is true.

• Statement iv: The Kailashnatha temple, dedicated to Shiva, is an example of a temple built during the 8th century CE, not the 3rd century BCE. Therefore, this statement is false.

Thus, only statements ii and iii are correct.

- Statement i is correct as the stupa at Sanchi is indeed a significant architectural monument that reflects the successful preservation efforts by the Archaeological Survey of India.

- Statement ii is partially correct but misleading: While the Rigveda is the oldest known text of the Vedic tradition, it primarily consists of hymns and praises to gods rather than detailing sacrificial rituals. These rituals are more elaborately described in later Vedic texts like the Yajurveda.

- Statement iii is correct as the emergence of philosophical thinkers during the mid-first millennium BCE indeed sparked debates about the significance of sacrifices and the nature of ultimate reality.

- Statement iv is incorrect as the Upanishads were composed around the sixth century BCE and explore profound philosophical questions rather than focusing solely on practical aspects of life.

Thus, the correct statements are i and iii, making Option C the accurate choice.

- Assertion: The assertion is true. Both Mahavira and Buddha taught that individuals have the power to seek liberation and that one's efforts are crucial in overcoming the cycle of birth and rebirth.

- Reason: The reason is false. While the Brahmanical view emphasizes caste and gender as determinants of one's existence, Mahavira and Buddha challenged this notion, advocating for personal effort over predetermined status.

-Since the assertion is true and the reason is false, the correct answer is Option C.

• Sanchi (1-d) is an ancient Buddhist site preserved by rulers like Shahjehan Begum.
• Mahavira (2-a) was a Jain teacher known for his teachings on non-violence.
• Stupa (3-c) is a sacred mound containing Buddhist relics.
• Buddha (4-b) founded the Buddhist Sangha and spread his teachings across the subcontinent.