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Questions and Answers
What were some of the primary imports listed in the trade goods of the subcontinent?
What were some of the primary imports listed in the trade goods of the subcontinent?
What was a significant product exported from the subcontinent?
What was a significant product exported from the subcontinent?
Which of the following types of traders typically operated with caravans?
Which of the following types of traders typically operated with caravans?
Who were identified as the issuers of coins in the subcontinent?
Who were identified as the issuers of coins in the subcontinent?
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Which type of coins were introduced around the sixth century BCE?
Which type of coins were introduced around the sixth century BCE?
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What significant finding was made regarding Kushana's gold coins?
What significant finding was made regarding Kushana's gold coins?
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What motivated rulers to provide protection to traders?
What motivated rulers to provide protection to traders?
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Which of the following fields studies the ancient coins to reconstruct commercial networks?
Which of the following fields studies the ancient coins to reconstruct commercial networks?
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What event is associated with the site of Lumbini?
What event is associated with the site of Lumbini?
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Which structure evolved from a simple semi-circular mound of earth?
Which structure evolved from a simple semi-circular mound of earth?
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Why were stupas built according to the tradition?
Why were stupas built according to the tradition?
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Which kings contributed to the building and decorating of stupas?
Which kings contributed to the building and decorating of stupas?
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What is depicted in the early sculptures found at Sanchi?
What is depicted in the early sculptures found at Sanchi?
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What element often surmounts the yashti mast in a stupa?
What element often surmounts the yashti mast in a stupa?
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What was significant about the discovery of the Amaravati stupa in 1796?
What was significant about the discovery of the Amaravati stupa in 1796?
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What technique did artists use in Ajanta paintings to enhance visual effect?
What technique did artists use in Ajanta paintings to enhance visual effect?
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What is the primary symbol representing Shiva in Puranic Hinduism?
What is the primary symbol representing Shiva in Puranic Hinduism?
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How did Vaishnavism unify local deities within its tradition?
How did Vaishnavism unify local deities within its tradition?
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What title did Kushana rulers adopt that reflects a divine status?
What title did Kushana rulers adopt that reflects a divine status?
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What characterized early temples in Puranic Buddhism?
What characterized early temples in Puranic Buddhism?
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How did the Puranas contribute to the understanding of sculptures in temples?
How did the Puranas contribute to the understanding of sculptures in temples?
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Which empire emerged predominantly in the fourth century?
Which empire emerged predominantly in the fourth century?
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What role did the concept of the Bodhisatta play in Mahayana Buddhism?
What role did the concept of the Bodhisatta play in Mahayana Buddhism?
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What was Samudragupta praised for in the Prayaga Prashasti?
What was Samudragupta praised for in the Prayaga Prashasti?
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What function did Sudarshana Lake originally serve?
What function did Sudarshana Lake originally serve?
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Which of these distinguishes the development of Mahayana Buddhism by the first century CE?
Which of these distinguishes the development of Mahayana Buddhism by the first century CE?
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What is a significant feature of the Kailashnatha temple in relation to rock-cut architecture?
What is a significant feature of the Kailashnatha temple in relation to rock-cut architecture?
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Who repaired Sudarshana Lake after a storm damaged it?
Who repaired Sudarshana Lake after a storm damaged it?
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What agricultural method improved survival rates of saplings?
What agricultural method improved survival rates of saplings?
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What was the historical perspective of James Fergusson regarding Sanchi?
What was the historical perspective of James Fergusson regarding Sanchi?
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What was a significant issue depicted in the Gandatindu Jataka?
What was a significant issue depicted in the Gandatindu Jataka?
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What impact did the actions of tax collectors have on the villagers according to the sources?
What impact did the actions of tax collectors have on the villagers according to the sources?
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What motivated Siddhartha to leave his sheltered life in the palace?
What motivated Siddhartha to leave his sheltered life in the palace?
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Which of the following practices did Siddhartha explore before attaining enlightenment?
Which of the following practices did Siddhartha explore before attaining enlightenment?
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What concept is NOT a part of early Buddhist philosophy?
What concept is NOT a part of early Buddhist philosophy?
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Where are Buddha's central teachings primarily found?
Where are Buddha's central teachings primarily found?
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What was a key aspect of Buddha’s advice to individuals regarding social relationships?
What was a key aspect of Buddha’s advice to individuals regarding social relationships?
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How was the historical understanding of Buddha’s teachings primarily reconstructed?
How was the historical understanding of Buddha’s teachings primarily reconstructed?
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Which of the following is NOT true regarding Buddha's perception of the existence of God in early Buddhism?
Which of the following is NOT true regarding Buddha's perception of the existence of God in early Buddhism?
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Which regions did the teachings of Buddha NOT spread to?
Which regions did the teachings of Buddha NOT spread to?
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Study Notes
Kushana and Gupta Empires
- Kushana rulers adopted the title devaputra, meaning "son of god", influenced by Chinese leadership.
- By the fourth century, the Gupta Empire emerged, characterized by reliance on samantas for military support and local resource management.
- Powerful samantas could ascend to kingship, while weaker rulers faced subordination.
Samudragupta's Legacy
- Gupta rulers' histories reconstructed via literature, coins, and inscriptions, notably the Prayaga Prashasti composed by Harishena.
- Samudragupta praised as a formidable ruler, described as resplendent and compassionate, akin to divine figures such as Indra.
Sudarshana Lake
- Located in Gujarat as an artificial reservoir, with historical references dating back to the second century CE.
- Initially constructed during Maurya rule and later repaired by Shaka ruler Rudradaman using personal resources without taxing subjects.
Paddy Transplantation
- Cultivation method involving the broadcasting of seeds followed by transplanting saplings in waterlogged fields, enhancing survival rates and crop yields.
Changing Perceptions of Kingship
- Popular views documented through inscriptions and fables like the Gandatindu Jataka, depicting the struggles of subjects under tyrannical rulers.
- Increased robberies forced villagers to abandon their homes for forest refuge.
Trade Dynamics
- Extensive trade routes included land, inland waterways, and overseas connections to regions like East Africa, South-East Asia, and China.
- Imports included coins, precious gems, and metals, while exports comprised spices, pearls, and textiles.
- Wealthy merchants, referred to in Tamil as Masattuvan and Prakrit as Setthis, played crucial roles in trade.
Coinage Evolution
- First punch-marked coins made of silver and copper emerged around the sixth century BCE, aiding numismatists in understanding trade networks.
- Indo-Greeks issued the first named coins in the second century BCE, while Kushanas began minting gold coins in the first century CE.
- Roman coins discovered in south India highlight extensive trade links.
Buddhism's Influence
- The teachings of the Buddha spread throughout Asia, reaching Central Asia, China, and Southeast Asia.
- Sources of Buddha’s teachings restored through translation of texts and hagiographies about saints.
The Buddha's Journey
- Siddhartha, born to a Sakya chief, initially sheltered from suffering, later embarked on a quest for truth after witnessing old age, sickness, and death.
- Achieved enlightenment after rejecting extreme asceticism and advocated for a path of righteousness.
Key Teachings of Buddha
- Foundational concepts include transience (anicca), the absence of self (anatta), and the intrinsic nature of suffering (dukkha).
- Buddha emphasized ethical behavior and a moderate lifestyle rather than focusing on a divine presence.
Major Buddhist Sites
- Significant locations related to Buddha's life include Lumbini (birth), Bodh Gaya (enlightenment), Sarnath (first sermon), and Kusinagara (passing away).
- Asoka marked Lumbini with a pillar to commemorate Buddha's birth.
Stupa Construction and Significance
- Stupas served as sacred structures containing relics of Buddha, with origins likely tracing back to pre-Buddhist traditions.
- Kings and guilds funded the construction of stupas, contributing to their cultural and religious significance.
Artistic Depictions and Traditions
- Early stupas were simplistic, later evolving into intricate structures with defined sacred spaces.
- Sanchi and Amaravati sites displayed rich sculptures depicting Jataka tales and various motifs, blending pre-Buddhist elements with Buddhist ideals.
Evolution of Hinduism
- Emergence of Puranic Hinduism and the concept of a savior within Hindu beliefs.
- Vaishnavism and Shaivism developed devoted worship practices centered around Vishnu's avatars and Shiva's symbolic forms.
Temple Architecture
- Early temples comprised simple structures evolving into complex buildings with elaborate designs and community spaces.
- Rock-cut temples encapsulated this architectural evolution, with the Kailashnatha temple representing the culmination of this tradition.
Mahayana Buddhism Transformation
- Shift in Buddhist beliefs by the first century CE, where the notion of compassion and the Bodhisatta emerged, intertwining with the traditional path to enlightenment.
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Description
Explore the rise of the Gupta Empire and the Kushana rulers, who adopted divine titles influenced by Chinese governance. This quiz covers the concept of samantas and their role in local governance and military support during this transformative period in Indian history.
