Chapter 4

Thinkers, Beliefs and Buildings

Cultural Developments (c. 600 BCE – 600 CE)

Objective Type Questions

Question 1
Who got the middle part of the Sanchi Stupa constructed?
Or
Who constructed the Sanchi Stupa? (2021)
(a) Pushyamitra Shunga
(b) Ashoka
(c) Harsha
(d) Kanishka
Answer: (b) Ashoka

Question 2
Who was the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism? (2022, 25)
(a) Parshvanath
(b) Vimal
(c) Mahavira
(d) Ajit
Answer: (c) Mahavira

Question 3
Triratna is associated with which religion?
(a) Buddhism
(b) Jainism
(c) Materialism
(d) Brahmanism
Answer: (b) Jainism

Question 4
In which language were the Jatakas written? (2024)
(a) Sanskrit
(b) Pali
(c) Prakrit
(d) Hindi
Answer: (b) Pali

Question 5
Where did Buddha attain Mahaparinirvana?
Or
At which place did Mahatma Buddha attain Mahaparinirvana? (2021, 2025)
Or
Where did Gautam Buddha attain Nirvana? (2025)
(a) Lumbini
(b) Bodh Gaya
(c) Kushinagar
(d) Kapilavastu
Answer: (c) Kushinagar

Question 6
To which clan did Gautam Buddha’s mother belong? (2022)
(a) Shakya clan
(b) Maya clan
(c) Licchavi clan
(d) Koliya clan
Answer: (d) Koliya clan

Question 7
Which of the following was the original name of Mahavira? (2023)
(a) Vardhaman
(b) Gautam
(c) Siddharth
(d) Tathagata
Answer: (a) Vardhaman

Question 8
The birthplace of Mahavira is/was—
(a) Kundagram
(a) Kundagram
(b) Rajgriha
(c) Pataliputra
d) Mithila
Answer: (a) Kundagram

– Page 37

Question 9. Where was Buddha born?

(a) Kapilavastu
(b) Lumbini
(c) Uruvela
(d) Kushinagar
Answer – (b) Lumbini [2020]

Question 10. Who was the preacher of Buddhism?

a) Ramanand
(b) Mahavira
(c) Mahatma Gandhi
(d) Gautam Buddha
Answer – (d) Gautam Buddha [2020]

Question 11. When was Mahavira Swami born?

(a) 540 BCE
(b) 540 CE
(c) 670 CE
(d) 400 CE
Answer – (a) 540 BCE [2020]

Question 12. Which of the following was the original name of Buddha?
(a) Tathagat
(b) Gautam
(c) Siddharth
(d) Gomiputra
Answer – (c) Siddharth [2022, 23, 24]

Question 13. Lakulish was the chief deity of which religion?

Question 13. Lakulish was the chief deity of which religion?
(a) Vaishnav
(b) Shaiva
(c) Buddhist
(d) Jain
Answer – (b) Shaiva [2022]

Question 14. Who was the first disciple of Mahavira Swami?

(a) Prabhas
(b) Jamali
(c) Anand
(d) Vipin
Answer – (b) Jamali [2022]

Question 15. Where did Buddha attain knowledge (enlightenment)?

(a) Sarnath
(b) Kushinagar
(c) Lumbini
(d) Gaya
Answer – (d) Gaya [2024]

Question 16. Shvetambar and Digambar are related to which religion?

(a) Jain
(b) Christian
(c) Buddhist
(d) Hindu
Answer – (a) Jain [2025]

Question 17. The sermon given by Mahatma Buddha at Sarnath i called –

(a) Middle Path
(b) Dharma Chakra Pravartan
(c) Dharma Assembly
(d) Parinirvana
Answer – (b) Dharma Chakra Pravartan [2025]

Very Short Answer Type Questions

Question 1. Explain the importance of the Vedas.

Question 1. Explain the importance of the Vedas.
Answer –
The Vedas are the most important texts of Vedic literature. They are four in number – Rigveda,
Samaveda, Yajurveda and Atharvaveda.
Rigveda is the oldest Vedic text. These texts throw light on the religious, social, economic and
political life of the ancient Aryans.
Yajurveda, Samaveda and Atharvaveda give information about the later Vedic period (around
1000 BCE to 600 BCE).

Question 2. Why are the followers of Mahavira Swami called Jains?

Answer –
The word ‘Jain’ comes from the Sanskrit word ‘Jina’, which means ‘conqueror’ – a person who
has conquered his senses.
After attaining knowledge, Mahavira Swami became famous as Jina. Therefore, his followers are
called Jains, and the religion followed by them is called Jainism.

Page 38–

Question 3. What is meant by ‘Dharma Chakra Pravartan’?

Answer –
‘Dharma Chakra Pravartan’ means turning the wheel of Dharma (religion). After attaining
knowledge, Lord Buddha gave his first sermon at Sarnath near Varanasi on the full moon day
(Ashadha Purnima). This event in his life is known as Dharma Chakra Pravartan.

Question 4. Explain Ekantavada or Syadvada.

Answer –
The last Jain Tirthankara, Mahavira Swami, rejected the one-sided views of believers and non-
believers and adopted the Middle Path, which is called Ekantavada or Syadvada.
According to this, every object has many aspects, and a person can understand only some
aspects with his limited intelligence. Complete knowledge is possible only for the omniscient
(Kevalin).

Question 5. Why were stupas built?

Answer –
Stupas were built over the remains of Lord Buddha or other holy monks, such as teeth, ashes,
etc., or over any holy object.
etc., or over any holy object.
The relics were kept in a small casket in a chamber at the centre of the stupa.

Question 6. Describe the two main features of Later Vedic religion.

Answer –
The practice of sacrifices (yajnas) increased a lot. Rajasuya yajna, Vajapeya yajna, Ashvamedha
yajna, etc. were performed.

In the Later Vedic period, the gods Indra, Agni and Varuna were replaced by Brahma, Vishnu and
Mahesh (Shiva).

Short Answer Questions

Question 1. Discuss the role of the Begums of Bhopal in the conservation of the Sanchi Stupa.
Answer –
The Sanchi Stupa located in Bhopal is considered very important from a historical point of view. It
is mentioned in the ancient texts ‘Mahavansh’ and ‘Deepavansh’ of Lanka.
In the 19th century, European interest in the Sanchi Stupa increased. When it was discovered in
1818, its three gateways were standing, and the fourth gateway had collapsed but was in good
condition. At that time, there was a suggestion to send these gateways to Paris or London, but
due to certain reasons this was not done. Otherwise, we would have lost a great heritage.

The French showed special interest in the gateways of Sanchi. They wanted to display the
eastern gateway (which was in the best condition) in a French museum and even asked
permission from Shah Jahan Begum of Bhopal to take it to France. Some British officers also
wanted to take these gateways to England. But fortunately, both the British and the French
agreed to make plaster replicas, and thus the original structure remained at Sanchi.

The Begums of Bhopal – Shah Jahan Begum and her successor Sultan Jahan Begum – played an
important role in conserving Sanchi. They gave large amounts of money for its maintenance.
Sultan Jahan Begum also donated her book written on Sanchi to John Marshall.
She not only funded conservation but also helped in building a museum and guest house. John
Marshall also gave financial help. Because of the support from the Begums of Bhopal and
favourable circumstances, this important heritage was saved from destruction.

Thinkers, Beliefs and Buildings – Page 39

Question 2. Write briefly the important teachings of Jainism.

OR Discuss the main principles of Jainism.

OR Write briefly the teachings of Jainism.
OR Discuss the life and teachings of Mahavira Swami.
OR Who was Mahavira Swami? What were his teachings?
OR Describe the life and teachings of Mahavira.
OR Describe briefly the teachings of Jainism.
OR Describe the main principles of Jainism.
OR How did Jainism influence Indian thought?
OR What are the five great vows of Jainism?
OR Discuss the life and teachings of Mahavira.
OR To which religion did Mahavira Swami belong? Where was he born?
OR Who was Mahavira Swami? What were his main principles?
OR Describe the important teachings of Jainism.

Answer – Mahavira Swami

Mahavira Swami was the 24th and last Tirthankara of Jainism. He was born in 599 BCE at
Kundagram (Vaishali).
His father was Siddhartha, the chief of the Jnatrika clan, and his mother was Trishala, the sister
of King Chetak of Vaishali. His childhood name was Vardhaman.
His wife’s name was Yashoda and his daughter’s name was Anojja (Priyadarshini).

At the age of 30, with the permission of his elder brother Nandivardhan, Mahavira adopted the
life of a monk. After 12 years of hard penance, he attained knowledge (enlightenment) under a
Sal tree near the Rijupalika river in Jrimbhik village.

After gaining knowledge, Mahavira was called Jina (victor), Arhat (worthy of worship) and
Nirgrantha (free from bonds). He gave his teachings in simple local language.
His brother-in-law Jamali became his first disciple. Mahavira died at the age of 72 in 572 BCE at
Pavapuri in Bihar.

Teachings (Principles) of Jainism

The main teachings of Jainism are as follows:
According to Jainism, the ultimate goal of human life is salvation (moksha or nirvana). To achieve
this, one must follow the Three Jewels (Ratnas):

1. Right Knowledge (Samyak Gyan) – removing ignorance and gaining true knowledge.

2. Right Faith (Samyak Darshan) – having faith in the teachings of the Tirthankaras and in truth.

3. Right Conduct (Samyak Charitra) – living a pure and disciplined life.

Jainism believes that the whole universe is full of life. Not only humans and animals, but plants,
water, air, fire and earth also have life. Therefore, one should not harm any living being.

According to Jain belief, a person’s actions (karma) decide his birth and rebirth. The soul keeps
taking birth again and again to suffer the results of its actions. By destroying karma, a person
can get freedom from the cycle of birth and death.

Karma can be destroyed only through renunciation (tyag) and penance (tapasya). Without
renunciation, freedom from karma is not possible. Therefore, Jainism gives great importance to
monastic life for attaining salvation.
Jainism stresses the Five Great Vows (Mahavratas):
1. Ahimsa – Non-violence (not harming any living being)

2. Satya – Truth (not lying)

3. Asteya – Non-stealing

4. Brahmacharya – Celibacy (control over desires)

5. Aparigraha – Non-possession (not collecting wealth)

Jain monks and followers are required to strictly follow these vows..

Question 3. Highlight the importance of any two places related to the life of Mahavira Swami.
[2025]

Answer –
Two important places related to the life of Mahavira Swami are Kundagram and Pavapuri.
1. Kundagram (present-day in Bihar, near Vaishali) –
Mahavira Swami was born here. This place is very sacred for the followers of Jainism. From here,
the life journey and teachings of Mahavira began.

2. Pavapuri (in present-day Bihar) –

Mahavira Swami attained nirvana (death and liberation) here. It is an important pilgrimage place
for Jains, where they remember his last moments and teachings.

Question 4. Describe the worship practices of Vaishnavism. [2023]

Answer –
Vaishnavism is a sect of Hinduism in which Lord Vishnu is worshipped as the main deity. Along
with Vishnu, Vaishnavas also worship his avatars such as Matsya, Kurma, Varaha, Vamana,
Parashurama, Rama and Krishna.

Vaishnavism is one of the most popular sects of Hinduism. In this tradition, Vishnu is also called
Narayan, Hari and Bhagwan.
Although Vaishnavism is mainly monotheistic (belief in one God), Vaishnavas also worship Shiva,
Durga and Shakti.

Vaishnav followers usually apply a vertical tilak (mark) on their forehead, which represents the
feet of Lord Vishnu.

Question 5. Highlight the importance of any two places related to the life of Gautam Buddha.
[2024]

Answer –
Two important places related to the life of Gautam Buddha are:

1. Bodh Gaya

Bodh Gaya is located about 11–12 km south of Gaya city in Bihar. It is the holiest place for
Buddhists.
Here, Gautam Buddha attained enlightenment (Bodhi). This place is situated on the bank of the
Niranjana (now Phalgu) River, near ancient Uruvela (present-day Urel) village.
Chinese traveler Xuanzang (Hiuen Tsang) came here in 637 CE and named it Mahabodhi Bihar.
Later, Tibetan traveler Dharmasvamin (Chag-lo-tsa-ba Chos-rje-dpal) visited in 1234 CE and
called it Vajrasan. Today it is known as Mahabodhi Temple.

2. Sarnath

After attaining enlightenment at Bodh Gaya, Buddha gave his first sermon at Sarnath to the five
monks. This is known as Dharma Chakra Pravartan in Buddhist literature.
Here, Buddha explained the Four Noble Truths, the Middle Path and the Eightfold Path, and laid
the foundation of Buddhism.

At Sarnath, Buddha also formed the first Sangha (monastic order) with the five monks (including
Yash, son of a rich merchant, and his 54 companions**). He sent them to different places to
spread Buddhism with the famous words:

> “Go forth, O monks, for the good of many, for the happiness of many, for the welfare of the
world.”

Thus, both Dharma and Sangha were established at Sarnath, and it became a famous Buddhist
pilgrimage centre.

Long Answer Question

Question 1. How far does Buddhist literature help in understanding the sculpture of Sanchi?
OR Write a brief note on Shalabhanjika. [NCERT, 2022]
Answer –
By looking at the sculptures of Sanchi or their carved pictures, it is difficult to understand in
which context they were made or what they represent. But the study of Buddhist literature
greatly helps us in understanding the meaning of Sanchi sculptures.

From Buddhist texts, we get information about the social life and human activities shown in the
sculptures of Sanchi. These texts help us correctly interpret the symbols, scenes and stories
carved on the stupas.

Understanding Sanchi Sculptures through Buddhist Literature

To understand many things, the viewer gets important help from images.
For example – in one part of the northern gateway of the Sanchi Stupa, a scene is shown with
huts made of grass, trees, women, men and children. From this, it appears that a village scene is
being shown.

But scholars who study Sanchi sculptures carefully believe that this is not an ordinary village
scene. According to Buddhist texts, this scene shows the story of a Bodhisattva who donated
everything he had, including his wife and children. This makes it clear that historians understand
sculptures by comparing them with Buddhist texts and stories (Jataka tales).

Thus, Buddhist literature has greatly helped in understanding Sanchi sculptures.

Symbolic Representation of Buddha

In early Buddhist art, Buddha was not shown in human form. Instead, his presence was shown
through symbols.

For example:
An empty seat was shown to represent Buddha in meditation.

Footprints were used to show his presence.

Stupa was taken as a symbol of Mahaparinirvana (great death).

The wheel (chakra) was shown as a symbol of Buddha’s first sermon at Sarnath, known as
Dharma Chakra Pravartan.

Buddha gave his first sermon at Sarnath near Varanasi in the deer park on Ashadha Purnima. This
event became famous as “Dharma Chakra Pravartan” (Turning the Wheel of Dharma).

Animals and Nature in Sanchi Sculptures

Beautiful and lively pictures of animals like elephants, horses, monkeys and bulls are carved in
the sculptures.
From the study of Jataka stories, it becomes clear that many of these animals are connected to
stories of Buddha’s previous births.
Some scholars believe that animals were used to make scenes more lively and attractive. Often
animals were also used as symbols of human qualities.

For example:
The elephant is considered a symbol of strength and wisdom.

A special sculpture shows a woman standing under a tree while elephants are showering water
on her. Some scholars say this woman is Maya (Buddha’s mother), while others say she is
Gajalakshmi (goddess of wealth). Since Gajalakshmi is usually shown with elephants, many
believe the sculpture represents her. Some scholars think worshippers may have linked her with
both Maya and Lakshmi.

Influence of Folk Traditions

Folk traditions also help in understanding Sanchi sculptures.
It is important to note that many Sanchi sculptures are not directly related to Buddhism. These
were influenced by local traditions and beliefs.

For example: On the gateways of the Sanchi Stupa, beautiful female figures are carved, standing
beside trees and touching their branches. Scholars earlier thought these were ordinary
decorations. But later, after studying ancient texts, it was understood that these figures are
Shalabhanjikas.

According to folk belief, when a woman touches a tree, the tree blossoms and bears fruit. This
shows that people who adopted Buddhism did not abandon their old beliefs, but combined them
with Buddhist ideas.

Thus, many symbols and images in Sanchi sculptures came from popular traditions.

Question 2 (Repeated in Different Forms)

How did Buddha attain knowledge? Describe the teachings of Buddha.
OR
Explain the teachings of Gautam Buddha.
OR
Describe the important teachings of Buddhism.
OR
Who was Gautam Buddha? What were his teachings?
(These questions are listed here and are answered on the next pages.)