The Ajanta caves (c. 2nd century BCE to 5th century CE) and Ellora caves (c. 5th to 10th century CE) were constructed over a long period.
The earlier Ajanta caves are primarily associated with the Satavahana dynasty, while Ellora caves were built by various dynasties including the Vakatakas, Chalukyas, and Rashtrakutas.
However, the initial patronage and bulk of construction at Ajanta is credited to the Satavahanas, making them primary contributors to these monumental rock-cut structures.
The Third Buddhist Council, convened by Ashoka at Pataliputra (c. 250 BCE), standardized the Buddhist canon and sent missionaries to spread Buddhism.
The Tipitaka (Three Baskets) comprising Vinaya, Suttas, and Abhidhamma were formally compiled during this council.
This was crucial for establishing canonical orthodoxy.
Rock Edict VI emphasizes Ashoka's administrative accessibility to his subjects, stating that he is always available to hear their grievances and concerns regardless of their status.
It reflects his commitment to the welfare principle (praja-sukhe) inherent in his Dhamma policy.
Chakravartin (wheel-turner) denoted a paramount sovereign whose suzerainty was acknowledged by other rulers through tributary relationships.
It involved ritualistic chakravala (circular) conquests where enemies submitted peacefully.
This concept is found in Sanskrit texts and ancient Indian political theory.
According to Jain texts, Mahavira (599-527 BCE) renounced his family and kingdom at the age of 30 and pursued ascetic practices for 12 years before attaining Kevala Jnana (omniscience).
He was a contemporary of Buddha.
Archaeological and literary evidence indicates Chola maritime trade extended to Southeast Asian regions (Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Malaysia) and possibly Egypt.
Tamil inscriptions found in Southeast Asia and Roman coins found in South India confirm this extensive network.
Trade with China occurred but was not exclusive to China.
While both Buddhism and Jainism reject Vedic authority and emphasize ahimsa, they differ fundamentally on karma.
Jainism believes karma is a material substance that attaches to the soul (Jiva), while Buddhism denies the existence of an eternal soul.
Mahavira's emphasis on karma as material binding force distinguishes Jainism from Buddhist philosophy.
1. The Buddha rejected the authority of the Vedas and the Brahmanical caste system
2. The Sangha (monastic community) required members to renounce worldly life
3. Bodhi Sattva concept was central to early Buddhism
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
Statements 1 and 2 are correct.
Early Buddhism (Theravada) rejected Vedic authority and caste system, and the Sangha required renunciation.
Statement 3 is incorrect as Bodhisattva concept is central to Mahayana Buddhism, not early Buddhism.
Early Buddhism focused on the individual's path to Nirvana through the Eightfold Path.