Podcast
Questions and Answers
What percentage of the Ajanta Caves is dedicated to Mahayana Buddhism?
What percentage of the Ajanta Caves is dedicated to Mahayana Buddhism?
- 50%
- 10%
- 25%
- 83.3% (correct)
Which traveler is NOT associated with the Ajanta Caves?
Which traveler is NOT associated with the Ajanta Caves?
- Fahien
- Marco Polo (correct)
- Hiuen Tsang
- Xuanzang
Which of the following is NOT a criterion for a language to be declared classical?
Which of the following is NOT a criterion for a language to be declared classical?
- Large body of ancient literature
- Influence from multiple communities (correct)
- High antiquity of its early texts
- Distinct from modern forms
What is the purpose of the Centre of Excellence for Studies in Classical Languages?
What is the purpose of the Centre of Excellence for Studies in Classical Languages?
In what year was Tamil declared a Classical Language?
In what year was Tamil declared a Classical Language?
What is a defining characteristic of Hoysala architecture?
What is a defining characteristic of Hoysala architecture?
Which of the following is a benefit provided by the Ministry of Education for classical languages?
Which of the following is a benefit provided by the Ministry of Education for classical languages?
Which of the following languages is NOT listed as a Classical Language?
Which of the following languages is NOT listed as a Classical Language?
Which temple is dedicated to Vishnu and features a magnificent image of him as Chennakesava?
Which temple is dedicated to Vishnu and features a magnificent image of him as Chennakesava?
What significant event was Kashi Tamil Sangamam 2023 inaugurated to commemorate?
What significant event was Kashi Tamil Sangamam 2023 inaugurated to commemorate?
Which notable feature is associated with the Hoysaleswara Temple at Halebidu?
Which notable feature is associated with the Hoysaleswara Temple at Halebidu?
What is the significance of the sculptures found in Hoysala architecture?
What is the significance of the sculptures found in Hoysala architecture?
What is a possible architectural plan for the Kesava Temple at Somanathapura?
What is a possible architectural plan for the Kesava Temple at Somanathapura?
When was the Chennakesava Temple built?
When was the Chennakesava Temple built?
Which of the following statements is true about UNESCO World Heritage Sites?
Which of the following statements is true about UNESCO World Heritage Sites?
Which king is associated with the construction of the Hoysaleswara Temple?
Which king is associated with the construction of the Hoysaleswara Temple?
What elements made up the army mentioned in the content?
What elements made up the army mentioned in the content?
Which feature is NOT included in the description of the coins mentioned?
Which feature is NOT included in the description of the coins mentioned?
What radius around protected monuments is strictly prohibited for construction according to the AMASR Act?
What radius around protected monuments is strictly prohibited for construction according to the AMASR Act?
What must occur to remove a monument from the Centrally Protected Monuments list?
What must occur to remove a monument from the Centrally Protected Monuments list?
How does the AMASR Act classify monuments that are over 100 years old?
How does the AMASR Act classify monuments that are over 100 years old?
Which of the following is a consequence of the restrictions imposed around monuments?
Which of the following is a consequence of the restrictions imposed around monuments?
What is the concern highlighted by the 359th report regarding Centrally Protected Monuments?
What is the concern highlighted by the 359th report regarding Centrally Protected Monuments?
What is the purpose of the 200-meter radius beyond the prohibited construction area?
What is the purpose of the 200-meter radius beyond the prohibited construction area?
What was Shankaracharya's main criticism of the Mimamsa school of Hinduism?
What was Shankaracharya's main criticism of the Mimamsa school of Hinduism?
Which of the following mathas did Shankaracharya establish?
Which of the following mathas did Shankaracharya establish?
How many commentaries did Shankaracharya write on major religious scriptures?
How many commentaries did Shankaracharya write on major religious scriptures?
What is the primary focus of Advaita Vedanta philosophy?
What is the primary focus of Advaita Vedanta philosophy?
What does the term 'Maya' refer to in Advaita Vedanta?
What does the term 'Maya' refer to in Advaita Vedanta?
At what age did Shankaracharya reportedly attain Samadhi?
At what age did Shankaracharya reportedly attain Samadhi?
Which of the following works is NOT authored by Shankaracharya?
Which of the following works is NOT authored by Shankaracharya?
In Advaita Vedanta, how is the individual soul (Atman) viewed in relation to Brahman?
In Advaita Vedanta, how is the individual soul (Atman) viewed in relation to Brahman?
What does the term 'Mahavira' mean?
What does the term 'Mahavira' mean?
Which of the following is NOT one of the Five Doctrines of Jainism?
Which of the following is NOT one of the Five Doctrines of Jainism?
Which path must be followed to achieve salvation in Jainism?
Which path must be followed to achieve salvation in Jainism?
What is the meaning of Anekantavada in Jainism?
What is the meaning of Anekantavada in Jainism?
At what age did Vardhamana Mahavira achieve Kaivalya?
At what age did Vardhamana Mahavira achieve Kaivalya?
Which sect of Jainism is known as 'sky-clad'?
Which sect of Jainism is known as 'sky-clad'?
Which doctrine in Jainism emphasizes that judgments are conditional?
Which doctrine in Jainism emphasizes that judgments are conditional?
Who was Vardhamana Mahavira's mother?
Who was Vardhamana Mahavira's mother?
Flashcards are hidden until you start studying
Study Notes
Hoysala Architecture
- Developed under the Hoysala Empire between the 11th and 14th centuries in Karnataka.
- Influenced by Western Chalukya architecture; part of Karnataka Dravida temple tradition.
- Characterized by detailed carvings on soapstone on walls, pillars, and ceilings.
- Features a distinctive star-shaped plan with multiple shrines around a central hall (mantapa).
- Each shrine has a vimana adorned with carvings.
- Sculptures include deities, mythological scenes, flora, fauna, dancers, and musicians.
- Represents religious diversity with Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist themes.
Notable Examples of Hoysala Architecture
- Chennakesava Temple at Belur: Built by King Vishnuvardhana in 1117 CE, dedicated to Vishnu with notable bracket figures (madanikas).
- Hoysaleswara Temple at Halebidu: Constructed in the 12th century CE by King Vishnuvardhana and Queen Shantala Devi, features two identical shrines and intricate carvings.
- Keshava Temple at Somanathapura: Built by King Narasimha III in 1268 CE, dedicated to Vishnu, exhibits a trikuta plan with three shrines.
UNESCO World Heritage Sites
- Recognized for cultural, historical, and scientific significance, requiring unique physical attributes.
- Ajanta Caves comprise 30 caves with a mix of Hinayana and Mahayana Buddhist themes depicting Jataka stories.
- Fresco art is created using pigments applied to damp lime plaster for durability and vibrancy.
Classical Languages
- Bengali has origins dating back 2,500 years, being the 2nd most spoken language in India and 7th globally.
- Six classical languages identified: Tamil, Sanskrit, Kannada, Telugu, Malayalam, and Odia, all documented in the Eighth Schedule of India.
- Criteria for classical language classification include:
- High antiquity with early texts over 1500-2000 years old.
- A rich original literature heritage.
- Distinct literary traditions independent of other speech communities.
- Benefits of classical language status include international awards and centers for excellence in studies.
Vardhamana Mahavira and Jain Philosophy
- Vardhamana Mahavira, born 540 B.C. in Bihar, was a Kshatriya prince who became an ascetic at age 30 and attained Kaivalya at 42.
- Known by titles: Mahavira (great hero), Jaina (one who conquers senses), and Nirgrantha (free from bonds).
- Jainism emphasizes three jewels (Triratna) for salvation: Right Faith (Samyakdarshana), Right Knowledge (Samyakjnana), and Right Action (Samyakcharita).
- Core doctrines include Ahimsa (non-violence), Satya (truth), Asteya (not stealing), Aparigraha (non-acquisition), and Brahmacharya (chaste living).
- Anekantavada posits that truth has multiple aspects, while Syadvada states that all judgments are conditional and context-dependent.
- Major sects in Jainism are Digambaras (sky-clad) and Svetambaras (white-clad).
Shankaracharya's Legacy
- Founded four prominent monastic centers: Sringeri, Dwarka, Puri, and Badrinath.
- Authored 18 major commentaries, including on the Bhagavad Gita and Upanishads.
- His main work on Brahma Sutra is the oldest surviving commentary on the subject.
- Promoted the philosophy of Advaita Vedanta, emphasizing non-duality and the illusion of the material world (maya) over the ultimate reality (Brahman).
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
