Thinkers, Beliefs and Buildings: Cultural Developments
Class 12 · History · 20 Questions
Do you think it is appropriate to describe these men as fatalists or materialists?
Which of the arguments advanced by the queen do you find most convincing?
Is ahimsa relevant in the twenty-first century?
If you did not know about the life of the Buddha, would you be able to tell what the sculpture depicts?
Suggest what the instructions regarding parents, teacher and wife may have been.
Which of the teachings of the Buddha are evident in this composition?
Can you explain why these rules were framed?
Why do you think a dasi like Punna wanted to join the sangha?
Describe any religious activity you have seen. Is it permanently recorded in any form?
Were the ideas of the Upanishadic thinkers different from those of the fatalists and materialists? Give reasons for your answer.
Summarise the central teachings of Jainism.
Discuss the role of the begums of Bhopal in preserving the stupa at Sanchi.
Read this short inscription and answer:
Why do you think women and men joined the sangha?
To what extent does knowledge of Buddhist literature help in understanding the sculpture at Sanchi?
Discuss the development in sculpture and architecture associated with the rise of Vaishnavism and Shaivism.
Discuss how and why stupas were built.
On an outline world map, mark the areas to which Buddhism spread. Trace the land and sea routes from the subcontinent to these areas.
Of the religious traditions discussed in this chapter, is there any that is practised in your neighbourhood? 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.
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.