THINKERS, BELIEFS AND BUILDINGS
Chapter 4
Answer in 100-150 words
- Were the ideas of the Upanishadic thinkers different from those of the fatalists and materialists? Give reasons for your answer.
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- Summarise the central teachings of Jainism.
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- Discuss the role of the begums of Bhopal in preserving the stupa at Sanchi.
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- 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?
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(b) Why do you think she installed an image of the Bodhisatta?
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(c) Who were the relatives she mentioned?
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(d) What Buddhist text did she know?
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(e) From whom did she learn this text?
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- Why do you think women and men joined the sangha?
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Write a short essay (about 500 words) on the following:
- To what extent does knowledge of Buddhist literature help in understanding the sculpture at Sanchi?
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- Figs. 4.32 and 4.33 are two scenes from Sanchi. Describe what you see in each of them, focusing on the architecture, plants and animals, and the activities. Identify which one shows a rural scene and which an urban scene, giving reasons for your answer.
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- Discuss the development in sculpture and architecture associated with the rise of Vaishnavism and Shaivism.
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- Discuss how and why stupas were built.
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Map work
- On an outline world map, mark the areas to which Buddhism spread. Trace the land and sea routes from the subcontinent to these areas.
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Project (any one)
- Of the religious traditions discussed in this chapter, is there any that is practised in your neighb+ourhood? 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.
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- Collect at least five pictures of sculpture or painting, belonging to different periods and regions, on the religious traditions described in this chapter. Remove their captions, and show each one to two people, and ask them to describe what they see. Compare their descriptions and prepare a report on your findings.
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