Class 12 History Important Chapter 4 Thinkers, Beliefs and Buildings Cultural Developments

Class 12 History Important Chapter 4 Thinkers, Beliefs and Buildings Cultural Developments Solutions English Medium As Per The New Syllabus to each chapter is provided in the list so that you can easily browse through different chapters ASSEB Class 12 Elective History Important Solutions in English and select need one. AHSEC Class 12 Elective History Additional Notes Download PDF. HS 2nd Year History Additional Solutions.

Class 12 History Important Chapter 4 Thinkers, Beliefs and Buildings Cultural Developments

Also, you can read the NCERT book online in these sections Solutions by Expert Teachers as per Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) Book guidelines. ASSEB Class 12 History Additional Question Answer are part of All Subject Solutions. Here we have given HS 2nd Year History Important Solutions English Medium for All Chapters, You can practice these here.

Thinkers, Beliefs and Buildings Cultural Developments (c. 600 BCE 600 CE)

Chapter: 4

Themes in Indian History Part – I

IMPORTANT QUESTION AND ANSWER

Answer the Following Question:

1. Who founded Jainism?

Ans: Vardhamana Mahavira.

2. What does ‘Pradakshina’ mean?

Ans: Circumambulation around the stupa in a clockwise direction.

3. Who compiled Buddha’s teachings after his death?

Ans: Council of Elders (Monks).

4. Where is the Great Stupa located?

Ans: Sanchi (Madhya Pradesh).

5. Who was Buddha’s foster mother?

Ans: Mahapajapati Gotami.

6. What were the central teachings of Jainism?

Ans: The central teachings of Jainism were:

(i) Belief in the concept that all living and non-living beings possess life.

(ii) Emphasis on the principle of Ahimsa or non-violence towards all living beings.

(iii) Belief in the cycle of karma and rebirth.

(iv) Liberation could only be attained through renunciation, strict asceticism, and penance.

(v) Jain monks and nuns had to follow five vows: non-violence, truth, non-stealing, celibacy, and non-possession.

7. Why was the Sangha established by Buddha?

Ans: Buddha established the Sangha as a monastic community to spread his teachings of Dhamma.

(i) Monks (Bhikkhus) and nuns (Bhikkhunis) lived a disciplined life focused on meditation, study, and preaching.

(ii) The Sangha was open to people from all castes and classes, promoting equality.

(iii) It operated on democratic principles like consensus and voting.

(iv) Women were later allowed to join, with Buddha’s foster mother being the first Bhikkhuni.

8. What is the significance of the Great Stupa at Sanchi?

Ans: The Great Stupa at Sanchi is one of India’s oldest stone structures and a significant Buddhist monument.

(i) It was originally commissioned by Emperor Ashoka.

(ii) It houses relics of the Buddha and serves as a place of meditation and worship.

(iii) The gateways (Toranas) depict Jataka tales and various symbolic representations of Buddha.

(iv) The preservation of Sanchi was largely due to the patronage of the Begums of Bhopal and efforts of archaeologists like John Marshall.

9. Why were stupas built?

Ans: Stupas were built as religious monuments to house the relics of Buddha or objects associated with him. They served as sacred symbols of Buddhism, where devotees could worship and meditate. According to Buddhist belief, the construction of stupas helped in accumulating good karma. Stupas also acted as centers of pilgrimage and helped spread Buddhist culture. Emperor Ashoka played a significant role in building stupas after the death of Buddha, distributing his relics across different parts of the country and building stupas over them.

10. What are the main features of a stupa?

Ans: A stupa is a solid, hemispherical mound made over the relics of Buddha or his followers. The main features of a stupa include the Anda (dome) representing the universe, the Harmika (square railing) above the dome representing the abode of the gods, the Yashti (central mast), and the Chhatri (umbrella) which symbolizes royalty and protection. The entire stupa is enclosed within a stone railing, separating the sacred space from the outside world. Ornamental gateways known as Toranas were built at the four cardinal points and were richly decorated with carvings of Jataka tales and symbolic representations of Buddha.

11. What is Mahayana Buddhism? How was it different from earlier Buddhism?

Ans: Mahayana Buddhism developed around the first century CE as a new school of thought within Buddhism. In Mahayana Buddhism, Buddha was considered not just as a teacher but as a divine figure or saviour. Followers believed in worshipping Buddha’s images and statues, unlike earlier Buddhists who used symbols like the Bodhi tree or the stupa to represent him. The concept of Bodhisattvas, who delay their own salvation to help others achieve enlightenment, also became important. This form of Buddhism was called the Great Vehicle (Mahayana), and it distinguished itself from Hinayana, the earlier tradition which focused strictly on self-discipline and meditation without image worship.