Question 1

Question 1State any two causes that led to the rise of Jainism and Buddhism.

Accepted Answer

Two causes that led to the rise of Jainism and Buddhism were:During the Later Vedic Age, complex rituals, superstitions and ceremonies began to dominate the practice of worship. Rituals became expensive and elaborate. Thus, common people felt burdened by such practices.The caste system became rigid, and it created inequality in society. The lower castes were denied the right to practise religion.

Question 2

Question 4Mention two examples of the contribution made by Jainism to Indian architecture.

Accepted Answer

Two examples of the contribution made by Jainism to Indian architecture were:The Jaina temple, called Dilwara Temple, at Mount Abu in Rajasthan is famous for its intricate carvings and architecture.Gomateshwara statue at Shravanabelagola near Mysore is another noteworthy Jaina monument.

Question 3

Question 5What led to the Buddha's Great Renunciation?

Accepted Answer

The Four Great Sights, an old man, a sick man, a dead man, and a peaceful ascetic, deeply moved Siddharth. Realising life’s miseries, he left his palace in search of truth. This marked the Great Renunciation.

Question 4

Question 6What were the two major branches of Buddhism?

Accepted Answer

The two major branches of Buddhism are:Mahayana BuddhismHinayana Buddhism

Question 5

Question 2What was the contribution of Buddhism to Indian culture?

Accepted Answer

The spread of Buddhism enriched Indian culture in the following ways:The teachings of Buddha have been compiled into three books called Tripitakas (three baskets). Another contribution to literature are the tales from the Jataka, which describe the previous births of the Buddha.Many educational centres such as Nalanda, Valabhi and Vikramashila were famous for Buddhist learning.Many beautiful stupas at Sanchi, Valabhi and Nalanda were built.Gandhara sculptures and paintings at Ellora and Ajanta are great examples of Buddhist art.The Buddhists built structures called chaityas (prayer halls), stupas and viharas (monasteries).

Question 6

Question 3State the differences between Jainism and Buddhism.

Accepted Answer

Differences between Jainism and BuddhismJainismBuddhismMahavira asked followers to lead an austere life.Buddha prescribed the Middle Path.Jainism recognises the existence of gods, but gave them lesser importance than jina.Buddhism does not recognise the existence of god.Liberation from worldly bonds could be attained by following the three jewels (triratna), namely, right knowledge, right faith and right action.Human misery can be eliminated by following the Eight-fold Path.The early Jainas preached in Prakrit.Pali language was used to spread the message of the Buddha in the early times.Jainism spread within the Indian subcontinent.Buddhism spread to different parts of the world.The two sects of Jainism were digambaras and shvetambaras.Buddhism later took two major forms, namely, Mahayana and Hinayana.

Great Preachers: Mahavira and Buddha

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