Ancient & Art & Culture 2013 Flashcards
(51 cards)
What is the surest way of annihilating Karma according to Jain doctrine?
To practice penance
Jain doctrine emphasizes the importance of penance in overcoming Karma.
According to Jainism, what must be ended to purify the soul?
Karma
Karma is considered the bane of the soul in Jain belief.
What are the five doctrines of Jainism?
- Do not commit violence (Ahimsa)
- Don’t speak a lie (Satya)
- Don’t steal (Asteya)
- Don’t acquire property (Aparigraha)
- Observe continence (Brahmacharya)
These doctrines guide the ethical conduct of Jains.
What is the primary aim of Jainism?
Attainment of freedom from worldly bonds
Jainism teaches that liberation can be achieved without rituals.
What are the Three Jewels or Triratna in Jainism?
- Right Faith (Samyakdarshana)
- Right Knowledge (Samyakjnana)
- Right Action (Samyakcharita)
These principles guide practitioners towards liberation.
Which traveler recorded the general conditions and culture of India during the reign of emperor Harsha Vardhana?
Yuan Chwang (Hiuen Tsang)
He stayed in India for almost 15 years from 630-645 A.D.
What was Yuan Chwang’s primary objective for visiting India?
To secure genuine Buddhist scriptures and visit places of Buddhist interest
His interest was particularly in Mahayana Buddhism.
What did Yuan Chwang observe about the roads and river-routes in India?
They were not completely immune from robbery
He personally experienced robbery multiple times.
What were the duties that tradesmen had to pay at ferries and barrier stations according to Yuan Chwang?
Light duties
This indicates a relatively liberal approach to trade taxation.
What is the main characteristic of the people of the Indus Civilization?
They worshipped both male and female deities
Evidence includes figurines and seals found at archaeological sites.
What is the difference between Chaityas and Viharas in Buddhist rock-cut architecture?
Chaitya is a place of worship, while Vihara is the dwelling place of the monks
Chaityas often contain stupas, while Viharas serve as monasteries.
How is Nirvana best described in Buddhism?
The extinction of the flame of desire
Nirvana represents liberation from suffering and the cycle of rebirth.
What are the Four Noble Truths in Buddhism?
- Suffering (dukkha) is the essence of the world
- Every suffering has a cause (Samudya)
- Suffering could be extinguished (Nirodha)
- It can be achieved by following the Eight-Fold Path (Atthanga Magga)
These truths form the foundation of Buddhist teachings.
Which are the oldest surviving rock-cut caves in India?
Barabar Caves
These caves date back to the Maurya Empire and contain Ashokan inscriptions.
What is the significance of the Badami Caves?
They represent Indian rock-cut architecture, especially Badami Chalukya architecture
The caves house Hindu and Jain temples and are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
What types of faiths are represented in the Ellora Caves?
- Hindu
- Buddhist
- Jain
Ellora is one of the largest rock-cut monastery-temple cave complexes in the world.
What does the pose ‘Tribhanga’ in Indian dance represent?
One leg is bent and the body is slightly but oppositely curved at waist and neck
This pose is considered graceful and sensual in classical dance forms.
Who among the following was preaching when the Lodi dynasty fell and Babur took over?
Guru Nanak
Guru Nanak was born in 1469 and was active during this transitional period.
Who was preaching when the Lodi dynasty fell and Babur took over?
Guru Nanak only
Guru Nanak was traveling and preaching Sikhism during this time.
In which year was Guru Nanak born?
1469
What significant event did Babur accomplish in 1526?
Defeated Ibrahim Lodi
Where was Guru Nanak born?
Village Talwandi in Punjab
What is the modern-day location of Guru Nanak’s birthplace?
Nankana Sahib, near Lahore
On which day is Guru Nanak’s birth commemorated?
Pooranmashi (full moon) in the month of Katak (October-November)
