On this post, we provide AHSEC Class 12 History Chapter 4: Thingers, Beliefs and Buildings Notes and important question and answers for the 2025 examination.
After going through this unit you will be able: To discuss about the emergence of new religious ideas in 6th century ВСЕ. To understand the Teachings and philosophies of Buddhism. To analyze how Buddhism became popular among the people of Indian sub-continent and later it spread to South-east Asian countries. To evaluate the Teachings of Jainism. To elaborate how Puranic Hinduism challenge Buddhism. To discuss about the archaeological development in the places which were associated with Mahatma Buddha.
Chapter – 4
THEME FOUR: Thingers, Beliefs and Buildings
Ahsec Class 12 History Chapter 4 Model questions and Answer for 1 mark: (very short type)
1. Write any one of the Tripitaka. 1mark (2019)
Ans: Binaya Pitaka is one of the three pitakas.
2. What is the meaning of the term “Tripitaka”? 1mark (2018, 2012)
Ans: Literally meant three baskets, It is the three books of Buddhist sacred text.
3. What was Kutagarashla? 1mark (2017)
Ans: Literally, a hut with a pointed roof or in groves where travelling mendicants halted.
4. Where was Gautam Buddha born? Imark (2016)
Ans: Lumbini, present Nepal.
5. What was a mound?(2016)
Ans: Place where the bodily remains of Gatama Buddha were buried.
6. Where Sanchi is located?1mark
Ans: 20 miles north-east of Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh.
7. Who was Sahjahan Begum?
Ans: Shahjehan Begum was the nawab of Bhopal, she ruled from 1868-1901.
8. Name the philosopher from Iran in First millennium
Ans: Zarathustra.
9. Who was Ajatsattu?
Ans: Ruler of Magadha.
10. Who was Mahavira?
Ans: Mahavira was 23rd Tirthankara of Jain religion.
11. Who were Tirthankaras? 1mark
Ans: Tirthankaras were those who guide men and women across the river of existence.
12. Who was Aanada? 1mark
Ans: One of the Buddha’s dearest disciples, who persuaded him to allow women into the sangha.
13. What do you mean by Chaitya? 1mark
Ans: Chaitya may have been derived from the word chita, meaning a funeral pyre, and by extension a funerary mound.
14. What is mahaparinibbana?
Ans: The end of Gautama Buddha’s life which depict as “great departure”.
15. What is Hinayana?
Ans: The older tradition of Buddhism called as Hinayana or the “lesser vehicle”.
16. What do you mean by Baishnavism?
Ans: In this new sect, Vishnu was worshipped as the principal deity.
17. What is Saivism?
Ans: A tradition within which Shiva was regarded as the chief god.
18. In when the Indian Museum was founded in Calcutta? 1mark
Ans: Indian Museum in Calcutta was founded in 1814.
19. When did foundation stone laid for establishment of the National Museum in Delhi? 1mark
Ans: In 1955 by P.M. Jawaharlal Nehru.
Model questions and Answer for 2 marks: 2marks
1. Write two ideas of Mahavira.(2016)
Ans: The Ideas of Mahavira were:
(i) Belief in Soul and Karma
(ii) Nirvana
(iii) Non-Belief in God
2. What do you mean by Theri? Who was the first women to become theri? 2marks (2013)
Ans: A respected woman who had attained liberation in Buddhism called theri.
Mahapajapati, the foster mother of Buddha was the first women.
3. What do you mean by Hagiography? 2marks (2014)
Ans: Hagiography is a biography of a saint or religious leader. Hagiographies often praise the saint’s achievements, and may not always be literally accurate. They are important because they tell us about the beliefs of the followers of that particular tradition.
4. Who were the prime deities in Vedic time? 2marks
Ans: Agni, Indra and Soma were the prime deities.
5. Mention two Yajna or sacrifices of Vedic time. (HS 2024) 2marks
Ans: Rajasuya and Ashvamedha.
6. Mention the principles which should be followed by the Jain nuns and monks. 2marks (HS 2024)
Ans: Jaina monks and nuns took five vows: (i) to abstain from killing, (ii) stealing (iii) lying; (iv) to observe celibacy and (v) to abstain from possessing property.
7. Who discovered Amravati sites and when? 2marks
Ans: Walter Elliot, the commissioner of Guntur (Andhra Pradesh) discovered the site in 1854.
8. What is Mahayana? 2marks
Ans: The worship of images of the Buddha and Bodhisattas became an important part of a tradition. This new way of thinking was called Mahayana literally, the “great vehicle”.
9. Mention the various incarnatins of Vishnu according to Vaishnavism. 2marks
Ans: According to Vaishnavism there are ten incarnations of Vishnu. These are: Matsya, Kurma, Varsha, Narsimha, Vamana, Parsurama, Rama, Krishna, Buddha, and Kalki.
10. What do you mean by Dhrma Chakra Pravartan? 2
Ans: It means writing in motion the wheel to of Dharma the first religious discourse of sermon delivered by Mahatma Buddha after attaining.
11. What is the Jaina philosophy on birth and rebirth? 2
Ans: Jaina philosophy on birth and rebirth are-
(i) According to Jainism the cycle of birth and rebirth is shaped through Karma.
(ii) Asceticism and Penance are required to free oneself from this cycle.
(iii) This can be achieved only by renouncing the world.
12. What do you understand by early Vedic tradition? 2
Ans: Early Vedic tradition like:
(i) Early Vedic tradition known from the Rig Veda compiled between c. 1500 and 1000 ВСЕ.
(ii) The Rig Veda consists of human in praise of a variety of deities especially Agni, Indra and Soma.
Ahsec Class 12 History Chapter 4 Model questions and Answer for 3/4 marks:
1. Explain how and why stupas were built? 4marks (HS 2024, 2014)
Ans: Stupas were built due to:
(i) Stupas were the mounds put on the bodily remains of the body of Lord Buddha or of any object that was used by him.
(ii) At the place of stupas such objects were buried. These were places of great respect under the tradition of Buddhism, as they had the relics of Buddha.
(iii) The most important stupas are at Sanchi, Bharhut and Saranath.
(iv) The construction of the stupas was made possible by the contribution of many. The Satvahan Kings offered huge amount for the construction of the stupqs.
2. Write short notes on the structures of early temple. 4marks (2015)
Ans: The structures of early temple are-
(i) The early temple was a small square room, called the garbhagriha, with a single doorway for the worshipper to enter and offer worship to the image.
(ii) Gradually, a tall structure, known as the shikhara, was built over the central shrine.
(iii) Temple walls were often decorated with sculpture.
(iv) Later temples became far more elaborate with assembly halls, huge walls and gateways, and arrangements for supplying water. 4marks
3. How was Sanchi discovered?
Ans: The Sanchi Stupa was first discovered by a British Officer General Henry Taylor in 1818. He was the first western historian to discover the presence of Sanchi Stupa. He documented the existence of the Sanchi Stupa in 1818. At that time the Sanchi Stupa was in an abandoned state and was in a broken state. The restoration of the Sanchi Stupa began in 1912 under the supervision of Sir John Marshal. Almost all of the Stupa was restored and the structure became intact.
The gateways of the Sanchi Stupa depict the incidents from the life of Lord Buddha. His previous incarnations are also ornamented on the gateways. These incidents and stories were taken from the Jataka tales.
4. What were the new ideas, which were emerged in 6th century BCE? 4marks
Ans: These were-
(i) about the meaning of life,
(ii) the possibility of life after death
(iii) Rebirth, Was rebirth due to past actions?
(iv) Question on the significance of the sacrificial tradition.
5. What were the important ideas of Jainism? (HS 2024) 4marks
Ans: The important ideas of Jainism are-
(i) The most important idea in Jainism is that the entire world is animated: even stones, rocks and water have life.
(ii) Non-injury to living beings, especially to humans, animals, plants and insects, is central to Jaina philosophy.
(iii) The principle of ahimsa, emphasised within Jainism, has left its mark on Indian thinking as a whole.
(iv) The cycle of birth and rebirth is shaped through karma. Asceticism and penance are required to free oneself from the cycle of karma. This can be achieved only by renouncing the world.
6. Why Gautama Buddha left palace and searching for peace? Narrate the major incidents. 4marks
Ans: One day he persuaded his charioteer to take him into the city. His first journey into the world outside was traumatic.
(i) He was deeply anguished when he saw an old man, a sick man and a corpse. He realised in that moment that the decay and destruction of the human body was inevitable.
(ii) He also saw a homeless mendicant, who, it seemed to him, had come to terms with old age, disease and death, and found peace. Siddhartha decided that he too would adopt the same path. Soon after, he left the palace and set out in search of his own truth.
7. Why Buddhism rapidly grew? What were advantages? 3marks
Ans: Buddhism grew rapidly both during the lifetime of the Buddha and after his death, as
(i) it appealed to many people dissatisfied with existing religious practices and confused by the rapid social changes taking place around them.
(ii) The importance attached to conduct and values rather than claims of superiority based on birth, the emphasis placed on metta (fellow feeling) and karuna (compassion).
(iii) especially for those who were younger and weaker than oneself, were ideas that drew men and women to Buddhist teachings.
8. What were the Chaityas? 3marks
Ans: (i) From earliest times, people tended to regard certain places as sacred. These included sites with special trees or unique rocks, or sites of awe-inspiring natural beauty.
(ii) These sites, with small shrines attached to them, were sometimes described as chaityas.
(iii) Buddhist literature mentions several chaityas. It also describes places associated with the Buddha’s life where he was born (Lumbini), where he attained enlightenment (Bodh Gaya), where he gave his first sermon (Sarnath) and where he attained nibbana (Kusinagara). Gradually, each of these places came to be regarded as sacred.
9. Give an account on Vaishnavism. 4marks
Ans: Vaishnavism, those who worshiped Vishnu as principal deity. The features of Vaishnavism are-
(i) In the case of Vaishnavism, cults developed around the various avatars or incarnations of the deity.
(ii) Ten avatars were recognised within the tradition.
(iii) These were forms that the deity was believed to have assumed in order to save the world whenever it was threatened by disorder and destruction because of the dominance of evil forces.
(iv) It is likely that different avatars were popular in different parts of the country.
(v) Recognising each of these local deities as a form of Vishnu was one way of creating a more unified religious tradition.
10. Critically discuss the Division of Buddhism into Mahayana and Hinayana. 4marks
Ans: The Division of Buddhism into Mahayana and Hinayana are-
(i) By the first century CE, there is evidence of changes in Buddhist ideas and practices.
(ii) Early Buddhist teachings had given great importance to self- effort in achieving nibbana. Besides, the Buddha was regarded as a human being who attained enlightenment through his own efforts. They are Hinayana.
(iii) However, gradually the idea of a saviour emerged. Buddha was regarded as a God the one who could ensure salvation. Those who adopted these beliefs were described as Mahayana.
(iv) Simultaneously, the concept of the Bodhisatta (Buddha in the previous birth) also developed. Bodhisattas were perceived as deeply compassionate beings they accumulated merit through their efforts not to attain nibbana but to help others.
(v) The worship of images of the Buddha and Bodhisattas became an important part of Mahayana tradition.
11. Mention four places associated with the life of the Buddha. 3marks
Ans: These were-
(i) Lumbini (birthplace of the Buddha)
(ii) Kapilvastu (the Buddha was brought up here)
(iii) Bodh Gaya (the Buddha attained enlightenment here)
(iv) Sarnath- (the Buddha delivered his first religious discourse here).
12. What do you mean by Tri-ratna?
Ans: According to Jainism, Moksha or salvation can be attained by observing Tri- ratna or three jewels are-
(i) Right knowledge
(ii) Right faith
(iii) Right action.
13. Into how many categories the religious sects that originated during the 6th century B.C. can be divided? 3marks
Ans: The religious sects of the 6th century. B.C. can be divided into two categories:
(i) The faiths which were openly against Vedic religion,
(ii) The faiths which did not oppose Vedic religion openly but propagated new principles venerating one or the other old divinity.
14. What do you mean by “Dharma Chakra Pravartana”? 3marks
Ans: Dharma Chakra Pravartana means ‘sitting in motion the wheel of Dharma’. The first religious discourse or sermon delivered by Mahatma Buddha after attaining enlightenment at Mrig dav or Deer Park of Sarnath near Varanasi, is known as ‘Maha chakra Pravartana’.
15. What was the Budha Sangha? Discuss its characteristics. 4marks
Ans: (i) Budha founded organization of monks called “Sangha”.
(ii) These monks served as teachers of “Dhamma”. They believed a simple life.
(iii) They possessed only the essential things which were required for their survival.
(iv) Earlier only men were allowed to joined the ‘Sangha’, later on the women were allowed for admission to the Sangha.
16. Why do you think women and men joined the sangha? 4marks
Ans: The important reasons why men and women joined sanghas could be as follows:
(i) Many of them wanted to renounce the worldly pleasures.
(ii) They could study the Buddhist literature and philosophy by staying in the company of other monks.
(iii) Many people entered sanghas to become priests and teachers of Buddhism.
(iv) All were considered equal and the previous social identity was to be renounced.
(v) The environment of sanghas was democratic. The decision making within sanghas was based on voting. This attracted many and they took to the life of sanghas.
17. Write the teachings of Mahavira. 4marks
Ans: The important teachings of Mahavira categorized in 6 points. These are-
(i) Belief in Soul and Karma
(ii) Nirvana
(iii) Non-Belief in God
(iv) Rejection of Vedas
(v) Ahimsa
(vi) Freedom to Women.
18. What are the Four Noble Truth in Buddhism? 4marks
Ans: The Four Noble Truth in Buddhism are-
(i) The truth of suffering (dukkha)
(ii) The truth of the cause of suffering (samudaya)
(iii) The truth of the end of suffering (nirhodha)
(iv) The truth of the path that frees us from suffering (magga)
Ahsec Class 12 History Chapter 4 Model questions and Answer for 5 marks:
1. Summarise the central teachings of Buddhism. 5marks (2018, 2013)
Ans: The Buddha’s teachings have been reconstructed from stories, found mainly in the Sutta Pitaka.
(i) Although some stories describe his miraculous powers, others suggest that the Buddha tried to convince people through reason and persuasion rather than through displays of supernatural power.
(ii) According to Buddhist philosophy, the world is transient (anicca) and constantly changing; it is also soulless (anatta) as there is nothing permanent or eternal in it
(iii) Buddha regarded the social world as the creation of humans rather than of divine origin. Therefore, he advised kings and gahapatis to be humane and ethical.
(iv) Buddha emphasised individual agency and righteous action as the means to escape from the cycle of rebirth and attain self-realisation and nibbana, literally the extinguishing of the ego and desire and thus end the cycle of suffering for those who renounced the world.
2. Write on the Eight Fold path of Buddhism. 5 (2015)
Ans: The Eightfold Path is composed of eight primary teachings that Buddhists follow and use in their everyday lives:
(i) Right View or Right Understanding: Insight into the true nature of reality
(ii) Right Intention: The unselfish desire to realize enlightenment
(iii) Right Speech: Using speech compassionately
(iv) Right Action: Using ethical conduct to manifest compassion
(v) Right Livelihood: Making a living through ethical and nonharmful means
(vi) Right Effort: Cultivating wholesome qualities and releasing unwholesome qualitics
(vii) Right Mindfulness: Whole body-and-mind awareness
(viii)Right Concentration: Meditation or some other dedicated, concentrated practice.
3. How Nawab of Bhopal helped to preserved the Sanchi sites? 5marks
Ans: (i) The rulers of Bhopal, Shahjehan Begum and her successor Sultan Jehan Begum, provided money for the preservation of the ancient site. No wonder then that John Marshall dedicated his important volumes on Sanchi to Sultan Jehan.
(ii) Sultan Jehan funded the museum that was built there as well as the guesthouse where he lived and wrote the volumes.
(ⅲ) She also funded the publication of the volumes.
(iv) One of the most important Buddhist centres, the discovery of Sanchi has vastly transformed our understanding of early Buddhism.
4. How Buddhist texts were prepared and preserved? Discuss. 5marks
Ans: Buddhist texts an important source to know about the life and teachings of Buddha.
(i) Buddha’s speeches were written down during his lifetime.
(ii) After his death his teachings were compiled by his disciples at a council of “elders” or senior monks at Vesali (Pali for Vaishali in present-day Bihar).
(iii) These compilations were known as Tipitaka literally, three baskets to hold different types of texts.
(iv). They were first transmitted orally and then written and classified according to length as well as subject matter.
(v) The Vinaya Pitaka included rules and regulations for those who joined the sangha or monastic order
5. Give an account on the followers of Buddhism with special reference to the Bhikkhus. 5marks
Ans: (i) Buddha founded a sangha, an organisation of monks who too became teachers of dhamma.
(ii) These monks lived simply, possessing only the essential requisites for survival, such as a bowl to receive food once a day from the laity. As they lived on alms, they were known as bhikkhus.
(iii) Initially, only men were allowed into the sangha, but later women also came to be admitted.
(iv) Many women who entered the sangha became teachers of dhamma and went on to become theris, or respected women who had attained liberation and also called bhikkhunis.
(v) The internal functioning of the sangha was based on the traditions of ganas and sanghas, where consensus was arrived at through discussions. If that failed, decisions were taken by a vote on the subject.
6. Why and how Stupas were built? 5marks
Ans: (i)The Buddha such as his bodily remains or objects used by him were buried there. These were mounds known as stupas.
(ii) The tradition of erecting stupas may have been pre-Buddhist, but they came to be associated with Buddhism.
(iii) They contained relics regarded as sacred, the entire stupa came to be venerated as an emblem of both the Buddha and Buddhism.
(iv) According to a Buddhist text known as the Ashokavadana, Asoka distributed portions of the Buddha’s relics to every important town and ordered the construction of stupas over them.
(v) Inscriptions found on the railings and pillars of stupas record donations made for building and decorating them. Some donations were made by kings such as the Satavahanas; others were made by guilds, such as that of the ivory workers who financed part of one of the gateways at Sanchi.
7. Give an account on the structure of the Stupas. 5
Ans: The stupa (a Sanskrit word meaning a heap) originated as a simple semi-circular mound of earth, later called anda. Gradually, it evolved into a more complex structure, balancing round and square shapes.
(i) Above the anda was the harmika, a balcony like structure that represented the abode of the gods.
(ii) Arising from the harmika was a mast called the yashti, often surmounted by a chhatri or umbrella.
(iii) Around the mound was a railing, separating the sacred space from the secular world.
(iv) The early stupas at Sanchi and Bharhut were plain except for the stone railings, which resembled a bamboo or wooden fence, and the gateways, which were richly carved and installed at the four cardinal points.
(v) Worshippers entered through the eastern gateway and walked around the mound in a clockwise direction keeping the mound on the right, imitating the sun’s course through the sky.
8. Why did Sanchi survive while Amaravati did not?
Ans: The facts may be-
(i) Perhaps Amaravati was discovered before scholars understood the value of the finds and realised how critical it was to preserve things instead of removing them from the site.
(ii) When Sanchi was “discovered” in 1818, three of its four gateways were still standing, the fourth was lying on the spot where it had fallen and the mound was in good condition.
(iii) Nineteenth-century Europeans like the French and English sought Shahjehan Begum’s permission to take away the eastern gateway, which was the best preserved, to be displayed in museums in France and England. But she refused.
(iv) The rulers of Bhopal, Shahjehan Begum and her successor Sultan Jehan Begum, provided money for the preservation of the ancient site. That is why John Marshall dedicated his important volumes on Sanchi to Sultan Jehan.
(v) She funded the museum that was built there as well as the guesthouse where John Marshall lived and wrote the volumes.
9. Write an essay on the growth of Puranic Hinduism in 6th century ВСЕ. 5marks
Ans: (i) Vaishnavism, a form of Hinduism within which Vishnu was worshipped as the principal deity.
(ii) Shaivism, a tradition within which Shiva was regarded as the chief god.
(iii) In such worship the bond between the devotee and the god was visualized as one of love and devotion, or bhakti.
(iv) Within the Vaishnavism many cults developed around the various avatars or incarnations of the deity. Ten avatars were recognized within the tradition.
(v) Avatars were forms that the deity was believed to have assumed in order to save the world whenever the world was threatened by evil forces.
10. Were the ideas of the Upanishadic thinkers different from those of the fatalists and materialists? Give reasons for your answers. 5marks
Ans: The ideas of the Upanishadic thinkers is not much different from those of the fatalists and materialists. This is brought out by the following arguments.
(i) The essence of the philosophy of Jainism was already in existence in India, even before the birth of Lord Mahavir and Vardhaman.
(ii) Ahimsa or non-violence is the most important principle of Jainism. But this also form the basic thought of Hindu religion. Thus, there is a lot of similarity between the both the streams of the religion.
(iii) Upanishada believes and teaches Karma Theory. It means men and women should act and not worry about getting rewards. Fatalists also believed in the idea of work without thinking of the consequences. Thus there is a lot of similarity between the two.
(iv) Both fatalists and materislists believe that human beings are made, of four elements, earth, water, sky, air and fire. Thus, we are inclined to agree that the idea of the Upanishad thinkers Eire not much different from that of the fatalists and materialists.
11. To what extent does knowledge of Buddhist literature help in understanding the sculpture at Sanchi?5marks
Ans: Buddhist literature help us upto some extent in understanding the sculpture at Sanchi. It is important that the sculptures at Sanchi depict the teachings of Buddha only. The teachings of Buddha are captured in the literature, It is notable that Buddha used to roam around among people. preaching them on his teachings. However, he did not claim supernatural power. He told us that the world is ever changing. It is full of sorrows. Sorrow flows out of desire. Buddha asked the followers to take the middle path, not too much of penance, nor too much of indulgence. The literature of Buddhism is useful for the interpretation of the sculpture at Sanchi. People are shown in different moods and in sorrow. Different stages of life are depicted and so on. Hence, it can be stated that Buddhist literature throws valuable light on the sculptures of the Sanchi.
12. Discuss the development in sculpture and architecture associated with the rise of Vaishnavism and Shaivism. 5marks
Ans: (i) This tradition of Vaishnavism and Shaivism also impacted the tradition of architecture and sculpture.
(ii) The temples developed the house deities. The initial temples were small and simple. It was a small room called Garbhagriha.
(iii) Later it expanded, a tall structure was built on the garbhagriha. It was called Shikhara. The walls of the temple were decorated with suitors.
(iv) Soon temples were built that had huge entrance and big halls for the comfort of visitors.
(v) Many of these temples were carved out of rocks. These artificial caves were turned into temples.
13. Of the religious traditions discussed in this chapter, is there any that is practised in your neighbourhood? What are the religious texts used today, a 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 carly stupas and temples. Ans: The chapter discuss the religious traditions of ancient India which included, Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism, so on. As I live in the walled city of Delhi have seen people practicing all these traditions.
The religious textbooks of all religions are preserved and kept with great respect. They have been translated in many languages including many regional languages of the country. Now they are also preserved in the form of CD and other modern devices. Images are also used by worshippers of these religions. The Hindus deities have almost same images as they had in the past. Jains and Buddhists also use images. Temples are used by hindus, buddhists and jams. Mosques are made by muslims and churches by the Christians. The structure of all these are different but with some similarities too.
14. Discuss how and why stupas were built. Describe the structure of stupa with example. Smarks
Ans: About 200 years after the time of Buddha King Asoka erected a pillar at Lumbini. This was to announce the visit of Buddha to this place.
(i) Stupas were the mounds put on the bodily remains of the body of Lord Buddha or of any object that was used by him.
(ii) At the place of stupas such objects were buried. These were places of great respect under the tradition of Buddhism, as they had the relics of Buddha.
(iii) As per the description of Asokavadana winch a famous Buddhist book, Emperor Asoka gave Buddha’s relic to all major cities. Later on such places stupas were put.
(iv) The most important stupas are at Sanchi, Bharhut and Saranath.
(v) The structure of a stupa was like a dome and hemisphere. On the top of it, there would be a balcony called harmik. This balcony represented the abode of God. The harmik was covered with an umbrella. There used to be railings around the balcony.
Read the given passage carefully and answer the question that follows:
The World beyond the Palace:(2013)
Just as the Buddha’s teachings were compiled by his followers, the teachings of Mahavira were also recorded by his disciples. These were often in the form of stories, which could appeal to ordinary people. Here is one example, from a Prakrit text known as the Uttaradhyayana Sutta, describing how a queen named Kamalavati tried to persuade her husband to renounce the world: If the whole world and all its treasures were yours, you would not be satisfied, nor would all this be able to save you. When you die, O king and leave all things behind, dhamma alone, and nothing else. will save you. As a bird dislikes the cage, so do I dislike (the world). I shall live as a nun without offspring, without desire, without the love of gain, and without hatred … Those who have enjoyed pleasures and renounced them, move about like the wind, and go wherever they please, unchecked like birds in their flight Leave your large kingdom abandon what pleases the senses, be without attachment and property, then practise severe penance, being firm of energy.
(i) Why did Kamalavati appeal her husband to renounce the world? 1mark
Ans: Because, she was influenced by the teachings of Buddha and she realized that nothing is permanent, so leave all these things and dedicate the whole life to God.
(ii) What do you understand by renunciation? 2marks
Ans: Renunciation means Tyaaga means leave all those things which is associated with life because nothing is permanent. In Hinduism it regarded as one of the ways to spiritual attainment. Many devotees leave their homes and go into the jungles to practice austerity.
(iii) Do all religious suggest renunciation? 2marks
Ans: Among the major religions Islam and Christianity did not follow renunciation. Though, they too follow that our life should be dedicated to our God. Because nothing is permanent in this world, even we have another life after death.
(iv) Among Kamalavati’s arguments which one appears to you as one of the most convincing and why?2marks
Ans: Her opinion to become a nun, who move like wind and go wherever they please…was most meaningful, and I like it. Because People won’t be happy with their expectations, greed; it has been always increase, so better you control it or else you will be unhappy always.
Why was Stupa’s built?
“This is an excerpt from the Mahaparinibbana Sutta, part of the Sutta Pitaka: As the Buddha lay dying, Anand asked him: “What are we to do Lord, with remains of the Tathagata (another name for the Buddha)? “The Buddha replied: “Hinder not yourselves Ananda by honouring the remains of the Tathagata. Be zealous, be intent on your own good.” But when pressed further, the Buddha said: “At the four crossroads they should erect a thupa (Pali for stupa) to the Tathagata. And whosever shall there place garlands or perfume or make a salutation there, or become in its presence calm of heart, that shall long be to them for a profit and joy.
(i) What are the Stupas? Who advised the Ananda to build the Stupa?
Ans: The Stupa was the sacred places. They preserved the relics of the Buddha shch as his bodily remains or the objects used by him. All these things were buried in the stupas.
(ii) From which chapter has this excerpt been taken? It is a part of which book? 1mark
Ans: This excerpt has been taken from the “Mahaparinibbhana Sutta.” It was a part of the “Sutta Pitaka.”
(iii) Who was the Tathagata? What had he told about the importance of the stupa? 3 marks
Ans: Tathagata was another name for the Buddha. He told Ananda that the honour to his worldly remains was not important. He laid stress on the importance of one’s good deeds. The stupas should be erected on the holy places. If anybody placed garlands or perfume or saluted them, he will not only get the peace of mind but also profit and joy.
(iv) Name any three places where the Stupas have been built. 2marks
Ans: The stpas were built at many places. The most important stupas existed at Bharhut, Sanchi and Sarnath.
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.
(i) How did Dhanavati date her inscription? 2marks
Ans: Dhanavati dated her inscription that she placed the inscription at Madhuvanaka in the first month of the hot season on the eighth day in the year 33 of the Maharaja named Havishka.
(ii) Why do you think she installed an image of the Bodhisatta?
Ans: I think that she (the Bhikkhuni Dhanvati installed an image of the Bodhisatta to show that Mahayana sect of Budhhism was becoming popular day by day and Boddhisattas were considered great personalities in Buddhism during the reign of the Kushana rulers.
(iii) Who were the relatives she mentioned?
Ans: She has mentioned her own mother’s sister’s name Buddhamita. The lady was a Bhikkuni. She had also mentioned Bhikkuni Bala and her parents.
(iv) What Buddhist text did she know?
Ans: She knew the Tipitaka.
(v) From whom dicTshe learn this text?
Ans: She learnt the text from the Bhikkhuni Buddhamita who was the female pupil of the Bala.
Read the following passages carefully and answer the questions below: (HS 2024) 6 x 3=18
(a) “The most important idea in Jainism is that the entire world is animated: even stones, rocks and water have life. Non-injury to living beings, especially to humans, animals, plants and insects is central to Jaina philosophy. In fact the principle ahimsa, emphasized within Jainism, has left its mark on Indian thinking as whole. According to Jaina teachings, the cycle of birth and rebirth is shaped through Karma. Asceticism and penance are required to free oneself from the cycle of Karma. This can be achieved only by renouncing the world; therefore, monastic existence is a necessary condition of salvation. Jain monks and nuns took five vows: to abstain from killing, stealing and lying, to observe celibacy; and to abstain from possessing property.”
(i) What is the most important idea in Jainism? 1
Ans:- The important ideas of Jainism are-
(i) The most important idea in Jainism is that the entire world is animated: even stones, rocks and water have life.
(ii) Non-injury to living beings, especially to humans, animals, plants and insects, is central to Jaina philosophy.
(ii) Mention two vows taken by Jaina monks and nuns. 2
Ans:- Jaina monks and nuns took five vows: (i) to abstain from killing, (ii) stealing (iii) lying; (iv) to observe celibacy and (v) to abstain from possessing property.
(iii) How are Karma and salvation related to each other? 3
Ans:- According to Jaina teachings, the cycle of birth and rebirth is shaped through Karma, which refers to the actions and deeds that accumulate over one’s lifetime. Asceticism and penance are necessary to free oneself from the cycle of Karma. This liberation from the cycle of Karma, which is equated to salvation, can only be achieved by renouncing worldly attachments and adopting a monastic existence. Thus, reducing one’s Karma through ascetic practices and ethical living is crucial for attaining salvation in Jainism.
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