Class 12 History Chapter 4 Thinkers, Beliefs and Buildings Cultural Developments

NCERT Solutions For Class 12 History Chapter 4 Thinkers, Beliefs and Buildings Cultural Developments

1. Were the ideas of the Upanishadic thinkers different from those of the fatalists and materialists? Give reasons for your answers.

The ideas of the Upanishadic thinkers bear similarities with those of the fatalists and materialists, though not entirely identical. The following points explain these connections:

• The core principles of Jainism existed in India prior to the birth of Lord Mahavira, which suggests a continuity in philosophical thought.
• Jainism emphasizes Ahimsa (non-violence), which is also a central concept in Hinduism. This reflects a shared belief in respect for all living beings.
• The Upanishads advocate the Karma Theory, encouraging individuals to act without worrying about rewards. This concept aligns with the Fatalist philosophy, which also emphasizes performing duties without attachment to outcomes.
• Both Fatalists and Materialists believed that humans are composed of the four elements: earth, water, fire, and air, underscoring a similar worldview in material existence.

Therefore, the philosophical ideas of the Upanishads share key aspects with those of the fatalists and materialists, reflecting a convergence of thought in early Indian philosophy.

3. Summarize the central teachings of Jainism.

Jainism’s core teachings include:

• Belief in the animate nature of the world: Jainism teaches that everything, including stones, rocks, and water, possesses life.
• Non-violence (Ahimsa): Non-violence is the foundational principle, extending to humans, animals, plants, and insects.
• Karma and Rebirth: Actions shape one’s karma, influencing the cycle of birth and rebirth.
• Asceticism: Jainism emphasizes ascetic practices and penance as a means to free oneself from the effects of karma.
• Monastic Life: Salvation is seen as achievable through monasticism. Jaina monks and nuns adhere to five vows: non-violence, truthfulness, non-stealing, celibacy, and non-possessiveness.

These teachings guide adherents in their pursuit of spiritual purity and liberation.

4. Discuss the role of the Begums of Bhopal in preserving the Stupa at Sanchi.

The Begums of Bhopal played a significant role in preserving the Stupa at Sanchi, with the following contributions:

• Generous Grants: Shahejahan Begum and Sultan Jahan Begum of Bhopal made financial donations towards the preservation of the Stupa.
• Museum Construction: A museum near the Stupa was constructed, largely funded by Begum Sultan Jahan Begum.
• International Support: Both French and British parties contributed by taking plaster casts of the Stupa’s pillars, which were displayed in museums in Europe.
• Collaboration with European Nations: These actions helped raise global awareness and provided vital financial aid for conservation efforts.

Their collective efforts ensured the continued preservation and recognition of the historical significance of the Sanchi Stupa.

5. Read this short inscription and answer:

In the year 33 of the Maharaja Huvishka (a Kushana ruler), in the first month of the hot season on the eighth day, a Bodhisatta was set up at Madhuvanaka by the bhikkhuni Dhanavati, the sister’s daughter of the bhikkhuni Buddhamita, who knows the Tipitaka, the female pupil of the bhikkhu Bala, who knows the Tipitaka, together with her father and mother.

(a) How did Dhanavati date her inscription?

Dhanavati dated her inscription by mentioning that it was placed in the year 33 of Maharaja Huvishka, specifically during the first month of the hot season on the eighth day.

(b) Why do you think she installed an image of the Bodhisatta?

Dhanavati likely installed the Bodhisatta image to highlight the growing influence of Mahayana Buddhism, where Bodhisattas were revered as enlightened beings.

(c) Who were the relatives she mentioned?

Dhanavati mentioned her mother’s sister, Bhikkhuni Buddhamita, as well as Bhikkhuni Bala and her own parents.

(d) What Buddhist text did she know?

She was familiar with the Tipitaka, the primary Buddhist scripture.

(e) From whom did she learn this text?

Dhanavati learned the Tipitaka from Bhikkhuni Buddhamita, who was a disciple of Bhikkhu Bala.

6. Why do you think women and men joined the Sangha?

There were several reasons why both men and women joined the Sangha (Buddhist monastic community):

• Many individuals sought to renounce worldly pleasures and material attachments.
• The Sangha provided a space for learning Buddhist philosophy and literature through association with other monks and nuns.
• Individuals joined the Sangha to take on roles as Buddhist priests, teachers, or spiritual leaders.
• The Sangha emphasized equality, allowing members to abandon their previous social identities and status.
• The Sangha had a democratic structure, where decisions were made collectively through voting, which attracted many individuals to participate.

7. To what extent does knowledge of Buddhist literature help in understanding the sculpture at Sanchi?

Buddhist literature is essential for interpreting the sculptures at Sanchi because:

• Identifying Scenes: The sculptures at the northern gateway, which initially seem to depict rural life, are actually scenes from the Vessantara Jataka, a story about a prince’s generosity.
• Symbolism: Early Buddhist sculptures often represented the Buddha through symbols like an empty seat or a wheel, rather than direct depictions. Understanding the Buddhist biographies is key to interpreting these symbols.
• Misinterpretation by Early Scholars: Early art historians, such as James Ferguson, misinterpreted the sculptures at Sanchi, attributing them to tree and serpent worship. His limited understanding of Buddhist texts led to these erroneous conclusions.

Thus, knowledge of Buddhist literature is crucial for accurately understanding and interpreting the symbolism in the sculptures.

8. Discuss the development in sculpture and architecture associated with the rise of Vaishnavism and Shaivism.

The rise of Vaishnavism and Shaivism significantly influenced the development of sculpture and architecture:

• Sculpture: Both traditions led to the creation of distinct artistic representations of their deities. Vaishnavism focused on the various avatars of Vishnu, with sculptures representing deities like Varaha (the boar) rescuing the Earth. Shaivism emphasized the symbol of Shiva as Lingam, as well as his human form.
• Architecture: The rise of Vaishnavism and Shaivism led to the construction of temples dedicated to these deities. Initially, these temples were simple structures with a small chamber (garbhagriha) where idols were placed. Later, larger temples were built, with elaborate Shikharas (tower-like spires).
• Rock-Cut Temples: Artificial caves and rock-cut temples, such as the famous Kailashnath Temple, were carved to serve as places of worship. These temples were often monumental in scale and intricately carved.

This architectural evolution reflected the growing influence of these religious traditions and their need for larger, more complex places of worship.

9. Of the religious traditions discussed in this chapter, is there any that is practised in your neighborhood? What are the religious texts used today, and how are they preserved and transmitted? Are images used in worship? If so, are these similar to or different from those described in this chapter? Describe the buildings used for religious activities today, comparing them with early stupas and temples.

The religious traditions discussed in this chapter, such as Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism, are actively practiced in my neighborhood.

Religious Texts: Today, texts like the Bhagavad Gita, Ramayana, Tipitaka, and Jain Agamas are used. These texts are preserved in both physical and digital formats, ensuring wide accessibility across languages.

Images in Worship: Images of Hindu deities, Buddha, and Jain Tirthankaras are widely used in religious practices today. These images are often quite similar to those described in the chapter, especially in temples, where idols are worshipped.

Buildings for Worship: Modern religious buildings like Hindu temples, Buddhist stupas, and Jain temples are similar to early structures but more elaborate. For instance, modern Hindu temples have larger complexes with intricate carvings, reflecting their long architectural history. In comparison, ancient stupas like the one at Sanchi were primarily used for relic enshrinement, while modern stupas are also used for meditation and community gatherings.

These religious traditions continue to shape the cultural fabric of the community today, reflecting a blend of ancient practices and contemporary adaptations.