‘‘Buddhism grew rapidly both during the lifetime of the Buddha and after his death.’’ Justify the statement with suitable arguments. OR ‘‘Among the best preserved monuments of the 600 BCE to 600 CE is the Stupa at Sanchi.’’ Justify the statement with suitable arguments in the con

Question

‘‘Buddhism grew rapidly both during the lifetime of the Buddha and after his death.’’ Justify the statement with suitable arguments. OR ‘‘Among the best preserved monuments of the 600 BCE to 600 CE is the Stupa at Sanchi.’’ Justify the statement with suitable arguments in the context of its sculptural features and conservation policy taken up in the nineteenth century.

Accepted Answer

> [!TLDR]
> Part (a): Buddhism grew rapidly because of its simple egalitarian teaching in the people's language, the organised Sangha, merchant support and royal patronage (above all Ashoka's edicts, stupas and missions).
> Part (b): Sanchi is the best-preserved monument of c.600 BCE-600 CE for its intact dome, railing and carved toranas with aniconic Buddha-symbols, and because the Begums of Bhopal and the ASI funded its conservation.

## Part (a)

The statement that "Buddhism grew rapidly both during the lifetime of the Buddha and after his death" can be justified as follows:

During the Buddha's lifetime:
- Simple and accessible message: The Buddha taught the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path - a practical, ethical path to end suffering - which ordinary people could understand. He preached in Prakrit (the spoken language) rather than Sanskrit, breaking the monopoly of the Brahmana priesthood.
- Rejection of hierarchy and ritual: Buddhism rejected costly sacrifices and the idea of birth-based superiority, and admitted people of all classes, women (into the bhikkhuni sangha) and even those regarded as low, which broadened its appeal.
- Personal missionary work and royal support: The Buddha travelled and preached for over four decades from his first sermon at Sarnath; he attracted eminent disciples and won the support of kings such as Bimbisara and Ajatasattu of Magadha and Prasenajit of Kosala, as well as wealthy merchants like Anathapindika. He founded the Sangha, a disciplined community of monks (and later nuns).

After the Buddha's death:
- The Sangha as an organisation: The monastic order gave the religion continuity and a body of trained monks who spread the teaching. Councils were held to preserve and codify the doctrine.
- Monasteries and trade routes: Viharas and stupas were built along the flourishing trade routes; merchants patronised them, and Buddhism travelled with trade. …

Mudra	Gesture	Meaning
Dhyana Mudra	Hands in lap, palms up, right on left	Meditation — calm, concentration
Bhumisparsha Mudra	Right hand touching the ground	Calling the Earth to witness — Buddha's enlightenment
Abhaya Mudra	Right hand raised, palm outward	Fearlessness — protection, peace
Varada Mudra	Right hand down, palm open	Generosity — giving blessings

Q.‘‘Buddhism grew rapidly both during the lifetime of the Buddha and after his death.’’ Justify the statement with suitable arguments.

Part (a)Concept understanding — Buddhist Expansion Routes

Part (b)Concept understanding — Buddhist Iconography Symbolism

Buddhist Iconography Symbolism: A First Look

The Intuition: Why Symbols Matter

The Precise Statement

Key Symbols You'll Meet (With Meaning)

1. The Lotus Flower ( $\text{Padma}$ )

2. The Wheel of Dharma ( $\text{Dharmachakra}$ )

3. Hand Gestures (Mudras)

4. The Buddha's Posture (Asanas)

5. The Urna and Ushnisha

6. Animals and Birds

Part (a)

Part (a)

Why Madhya Pradesh?

Q.‘‘Buddhism grew rapidly both during the lifetime of the Buddha and after his death.’’ Justify the statement with suitable arguments.

Part (a)

🎓Unlock everything free for 14 days

Unlock everything free for 14 days