Ancient & Art & Culture 2016 Flashcards
(38 cards)
What is Eripatti in the context of Indian history?
Land, revenue from which was set apart for the maintenance of the village tank
Eripatti refers to tank lands, the revenue from which is crucial for maintaining village water resources.
What are Taniyurs?
Villages donated to a single Brahmin or a group of Brahmins
Taniyurs were distinct revenue units under the Chola dynasty.
What is a Ghatika?
Colleges generally attached to the temples
Ghatikas served as centers of learning, often focused on religious education.
Which pairs of terms and descriptions are correctly matched?
1 and 3
The correct pairs are Eripatti and Ghatika.
Who was the profession that memorized chronicles and epic tales in ancient India?
Maagadha
Magadha and Sutas were descendants of priestly families of the Vedic period.
Who first deciphered the edicts of Emperor Ashoka?
James Prinsep
Prinsep was instrumental in understanding ancient scripts, including Kharosthi and Brahmi.
What is the primary theme of the Sanskrit play Malavikagnimitra?
The love story of King Agnimitra, the Shunga Emperor
Written by Kalidasa, it illustrates themes of love and court intrigue.
Who founded Lingayatism?
Basavanna
Basavanna was a social reformer who rejected the caste system and Vedic rituals.
What do Lingayats believe regarding rebirth?
They question the theory of rebirth and reject the caste hierarchy
Lingayats believe that upon death, devotees reunite with Shiva and do not return to the world.
What is a Bodhisattva in Buddhism?
A compassionate one on his way to enlightenment
Bodhisattvas delay their own salvation to help all sentient beings achieve enlightenment.
Which sect of Buddhism is associated with the concept of Bodhisattva?
Mahayana
The concept of Bodhisattva is central to Mahayana Buddhism, emphasizing universal compassion.
Who is Avalokitesvara?
Bodhisattva of Compassion
Often depicted holding a lotus flower, Avalokitesvara is a key figure in Buddhist compassion.
What does the term ‘Lingayat’ denote?
A person who wears a personal linga, an iconic form of god Shiva
The term is associated with the initiation ceremony into the Lingayat faith.
True or False: The Siddhas of the Tamil region condemned idolatry.
True
Siddhas preached a philosophy of love and service and believed in the oneness of creation.
Fill in the blank: The Sanskrit play ________ narrates the love story of King Agnimitra.
Malavikagnimitra
Which statement is true regarding the Siddhas?
They believed in the oneness of all creation and condemned idolatry
Siddhas worship Shiva and Shakti in their various forms.
What is the significance of the term ‘Brahmadeya’?
Villages donated to a single Brahmin or a group of Brahmins
‘Brahmadeya’ refers specifically to the donation of land to Brahmins.
What does Tara symbolize in Buddhist practice?
Protector, offering assistance to those facing obstacles and challenges
Tara is a guiding force for overcoming adversity.
What does Vasudhara represent?
Wealth, prosperity, and abundance
She is especially popular in Nepal.
What is Skanda known for in Buddhism?
Protector of Viharas and the teachings of the Buddha
He safeguards practitioners and maintains the sanctity of sacred spaces.
What is Sitatapatra’s role in Mahayana and Vajrayana Buddhism?
Protecting against supernatural dangers
She shields followers from harm and helps preserve their spiritual journey.
What is a common feature of both Ajanta and Mahabalipuram?
Both have rock-cut monuments
This is one of the similarities between the two historical sites.
What is the location of the Ajanta Caves?
Sahyadri ranges on Waghora river near Aurangabad, Maharashtra
They are a series of rock-cut caves.
How many caves are in the Ajanta Caves complex?
30 caves
This includes unfinished caves, with five designated as chaityagrihas.
