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Class 12 History Chapter 4 Thinkers, Beliefs and Architecture(Cultural Developments, 600 BCE-600 CE)
Selected Questions & Answers
A. Very Short Answer Questions: Marks for each – 1
1. What is Brahmottar land? H. S. ’18
Ans: During the Ahom rule, land donated to Brahmins was called Brahmottar land.
2. What is the name of the principal scripture of Buddhism?
Ans: Tripitaka.
3. What is the meaning of the word “Tripitaka”?
Ans: Three baskets.
4. Where is the Sanchi Stupa located?
Ans: The Sanchi Stupa is situated about 20 miles to the north-east of Bhopal.
5. Who was Shah Jahan Begum?
Ans: She was the Nawab of Bhopal.
6. How many Pitakas are there in the Tripitaka, and what are they?
Ans: The Tripitaka consists of three Pitakas, namely: Vinaya, Sutta (Sutra), and Abhidharma Pitaka.
7. What are the main contents of the Sutta Pitaka?
Ans: The principal teachings of Buddha are recorded in the Sutta Pitaka.
8. Write the names of two complex sacrifices.
Ans: Ashvamedha Yajna and Rajasuya Yajna.
9. What are the main contents of the Abhidharma Pitaka?
Ans: Philosophical doctrines are expounded in the Abhidharma Pitaka.
10. In whose name is the Kailasanatha Temple dedicated?
Ans: It is dedicated in the name of Shiva.
11. Who provided donations for the preservation of the Sanchi Stupa?
Ans: The Nawab of Bhopal Shah Jahan Begum, and her successor JahanBegum.
12. What is materialism?
Ans: Giving importance to worldly objects is called materialism.
13. What is meant by determinism?
Ans: Determinism is a doctrine which believes that all objects or events in the world are predetermined. One who is born must die; there is no alternative.
14. What is the “Dipavamsa”?
Ans: It is the history of Sri Lanka.
15. Who was the real founder of Jainism?
Ans: Rishabha.
16. Who are called Tirthankaras?
Ans: The preachers of Jainism are called Tirthankaras.
17. What was the real name of Mahavira?
Ans: Vardhamana.
18. What were the two sects that weakened Buddhism?
Ans: Theravada and Mahasanghika.
19. Which number Tirthankara was Mahavira?
Ans: 24th.
20. In which year did Hiuen Tsang come to India?
Ans: In 630 A.D.
21. What was the childhood name of Buddha?
Ans: Siddhartha.
22. What is the meaning of the word “Buddha”?
Ans: The Enlightened One.
23. What is the meaning of “Nirvana”?
Ans: Liberation.
24. Who were called ‘Theri’?
Ans: Women who attained Nirvana were called Theri.
25. What is meant by “Garbhagriha”?
Ans: The inner chamber of a temple is called Garbhagriha.
26. Who was the author of the book “Taj-ul-Iqbal Tarikh Bhopal”?
Ans: The Nawab of Bhopal, Shah Jahan Begum.
27. Which period in Indian history is called the “Turning Point of History”?
Ans: The first half of the middle period of the first millennium B.C.
28. Who was the king of Magadha contemporary to Buddha?
Ans: Ajatashatru.
29. What is “Hagiography”?
Ans: The biographies of saints are called hagiography in English.
30. What does “Anicca” mean?
Ans: Impermanent.
31. What does ‘Anatta’ mean?
Ans: Without soul (non-self).
32. What is “Sangha”?
Ans: The Sangha is an institution of Buddhist monks.
33. Who was the first ordained Buddhist nun?
Ans: Gautami, the foster mother of Buddha.
34. Where did Buddha attain Nirvana?
Ans: At Kushinagar.
35. What is the meaning of the word ‘Stupa’?
Ans: A mound or heap.
36. On what basis were the Ajanta cave paintings drawn?
Ans: They were based on the Jataka stories.
37. Who is the chief deity of Vaishnavite Hindus?
Ans: Vishnu.
38. Who is the chief deity of Shaivite Hindus?
Ans: Shiva.
39. What was the name of the mother of the Kauravas?
Ans: Gandhari.
40. Who discovered the Sanchi Stupa?
Ans: Cunningham (in 1838).
Note: The generally accepted discoverer of Sanchi in 1818 was General Taylor; Alexander Cunningham later carried out systematic archaeological work there.
B. Short Answer Questions: Marks for each – 2
1. Write the names of two Indian rulers associated with the preservation of the Sanchi Stupa. H. S. ’15
Ans: The two Indian rulers associated with the preservation of the Sanchi Stupa were the Nawab of Bhopal Shah Jahan Begum, and her successor, Jahan Begum.
2. What were the three important events that changed the course ofBuddha’s life?
Ans: The three important events that changed the course of Buddha’s life were the sight of an old man, a sick person, and a dead body outside the royal palace.
3. Mention four important places associated with Buddhism.
Ans: Vaishali, Bodh Gaya, Sarnath, and Rajagriha.
4. Write two differences between the Mahayana and Hinayana sects.
Ans: The Mahayana followers believe in idol worship, whereas the Hinayana followers oppose idol worship. The Mahayana followers believe in change and adaptation, whereas the Hinayana followers adhere to traditional rules.
5. What is the architectural speciality of the Ellora Temple?
Ans: The architectural speciality of the Ellora Temple is that it was carved out of a single rock.
6. By which Act did the government make arrangements for the protection of archaeological objects?
Ans: By the Treasure Trove Act of 1888.
7. When was the Sanchi Stupa accepted as a World Heritage Site?
Ans: In 1989.
8. Who laid the foundation stone of the National Museum of India and when?
Ans: In 1955, Jawaharlal Nehru laid the foundation stone in New Delhi.
C. Medium Answer Questions: Marks for each – 4
1. Discuss the rules and regulations followed by Buddhist monks and nuns.
Ans: Buddhist monks and nuns were required to observe several strict rules and disciplines.
(a) A resident monk or nun had to prepare his or her own robe and use it for at least six years. If a new robe was accepted within this period, he or she would be considered guilty of violating the rule.
(b) While going to a householder’s home for alms, a monk or nun could take only three bowls of food.
(c) If the alms received were not eaten in the householder’s home, they could bring the food back to the monastery and share it with other monks residing there.
(d) A monk living in a vihara or Sangha had to properly arrange and leave his bedding and belongings in order.
2. Discuss the role of the Begum of Bhopal in the preservation of the Sanchi Stupa.
Ans: In the preservation of the Sanchi Stupa, the Nawab of Bhopal Shah Jahan Begum and her successor Jahan Begum played a significant role. Once, when the French intended to take away the eastern gateway, she refused permission and instead provided financial assistance for its preservation. TheBegum constructed a guest house and a museum there at her own expense. The British archaeologist John Marshall stayed in that house and wrote abook. The Begum also provided financial support for the publication of that book.
3. Discuss the architectural structure of Buddhist stupas.
Ans: Stupas were constructed at places associated with important events in the life of Buddha. They generally resembled a mound of earth and were called “Anda.” At first, they were made of simple earth, but gradually their structure became more complex, taking square bases and balanced hemispherical forms. Above the Anda, a structure called Harmika was built,
which symbolised the abode of the gods and resembled a balcony. Above the Harmika stood a mast known as “Yashti.” On the top of the Yashti, an umbrella-like structure called “Chatra” was placed.
4. What was the Ajivika sect? What measures did Emperor Ashokatake for its development?
Ans: The Ajivika sect was a religious order of ancient India. It became popular during the reign of Emperor Ashoka. Its followers carved temples out of solid rock for worship, which resembled caves. Thus, the tradition of constructing cave temples continued from the 3rd century B.C. to the 8th century A.D.
5. When did Hiuen Tsang come to India? Write the names of two famous kings of India at that time.
Ans: Hiuen Tsang came to India in 630 A.D. The two famous kings of India at that time were King Harshavardhana of Kannauj and King Bhaskaravarman of Pragjyotisha.
6. What is meant by Nirvana?
Ans: Nirvana means Moksha or liberation. It is the ultimate goal of Buddhism. According to Buddhist belief, after death, a person is reborn and must suffer the consequences of past actions. To escape rebirth, that is, to attain Nirvana, one must lead a life free from attachment. The concept of Nirvana in Buddhism is similar to the idea of Moksha in Hinduism.
7. Write a note on the Puranas.
Ans: The word “Purana” means ancient. The Puranas are religious and social texts of the Hindus. Though there are more than a hundred Puranas, eighteen are regarded as the principal ones. They were composed in Sanskrit. The Puranas contain discussions and instructions on religious and social norms, descriptions of various deities, accounts of ancient Indian kings,
historical narratives, and social traditions. In Hinduism, the Puranas hold a place next only to the Vedas.
8. Prepare a comparative note on Buddhism and Hinduism.
Ans: Both Buddhism and Hinduism originated in India and share several similarities. Both believe in rebirth and emphasise the attainment of liberation. Both advocate social and national harmony. However, there are important differences between the two:
(a) Hinduism recognises the system of four Ashramas, whereas Buddhism does not have such a system.
(b) The caste system exists in Hinduism, but Buddhism rejects caste distinctions.
(c) The Vedas hold authority in Hinduism, whereas Buddhism does not accept the authority of the Vedas.
(d) Hinduism gives importance to both worldly and spiritual aspects of life, whereas Buddhism emphasises the renunciation of worldly pleasures and the attainment of Nirvana through detachment.
(e) Hinduism has no organised monastic institution like the Sangha, whereas Buddhism has the Sangha, where followers are trained in a detached way of life.
(f) Although Hinduism instructs compassion towards living beings, Buddhism gives special prominence to compassion.
(g) Hinduism regards the universe as pervaded by God, whereas Buddhism does not uphold this doctrine and emphasises non-violence as the highest principle.
D. Essay Type Questions: Marks for each – 6
9. Discuss the teachings of Buddha.
Or
Write the summary of the fundamental teachings of Buddhism. H.S. ’18
Ans: The teachings of Buddha are recorded in the stories of the SuttaPitaka. Some narratives describe his miraculous powers, while others contain his doctrines. However, Buddha sought to persuade people not through miracles but through reasoning and rational thought. According to Buddhist philosophy, the world is impermanent and constantly changing; therefore, nothing is permanent or eternal. Human birth itself is a source of suffering. Desires, cravings, attachment, and ignorance give rise to suffering. The attainment of Nirvana, or liberation from suffering, is the ultimate goal of life according to Buddha. After death, the soul is reborn and experiences the results of past deeds. To escape rebirth and attain Nirvana, he prescribed the Eightfold Path: Right Speech, Right Action, Right Livelihood, Right Effort, Right Thought, Right Mindfulness, Right Resolve, and Right View.
10. Discuss the main causes of the success of Buddhism.
Ans: The Buddhism propagated by Gautama Buddha spread and gained popularity rapidly not only in India but also in neighbouring countries. There were several reasons for its success:
(a) At the time of its origin, the caste system prevailed in India, leading to exploitation of the lower classes by the higher classes. Buddhism rejected caste distinctions, attracting oppressed people and enabling easy expansion.
(b) Buddhism was associated with royalty, as Gautama Buddha was aprince. The common people often regarded his teachings with high respect.
(c) Buddhism received royal patronage. Emperor Ashoka promoted Buddhist teachings by engraving them on rocks and pillars and sending his son and daughter abroad to propagate the faith.
(d) The teachings of Buddhism offered practical moral guidance for adisciplined life, which greatly influenced the masses.
11. Discuss the causes of the decline of Buddhism.
Ans: Though Buddhism gained wide popularity in its early phase, it gradually declined. The reasons include:
(a) Hindu Brahmins considered Buddhism a rival religion from its inception and tried in various ways to restrict its spread.
(b) The Sangha initially functioned efficiently, but later corruption and laxity entered the monastic system, leading to loss of discipline and public respect.
(c) Hindu scholars propagated the idea that Gautama Buddha was an incarnation of Vishnu, presenting Buddhism as a part of Hinduism. As a result, many people lost distinct attachment to Buddhism.
(d) During the period of Muslim rule in India, Islam gained prominence, and both Hinduism and Buddhism suffered decline.
(e) Buddhism involved strict and complex rules and prohibitions. The rigorous discipline reduced its appeal among the general population.
