Practicing Success

Target Exam

CUET

Subject

History

Chapter

Ancient India: Thinkers, Beliefs and Buildings

Question:

Match the following options in List 1 with the description from List 2 which suits it the most:

List- 1

List- 2

(A) Shalabhanjika

(I) a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva

(B) Bodhisattvas

(II) followers of the older path of Buddhism

(C) Theravadins

(III) individuals who helped others in their spiritual journey

(D) Kailashnatha

(IV) a woman with magical touch that makes plants fertile

Choose the correct answer from the given options:

Options:

(A)- IV, (B)- II, (C)- III, (D)- I

(A)- I, (B)- III, (C)- II, (D)- IV

(A)- IV, (B)- III, (C)- II, (D)- I

(A)- I, (B)- II, (C)- III, (D)- IV

Correct Answer:

(A)- IV, (B)- III, (C)- II, (D)- I

Explanation:

The correct answer is Option 3 - (A)- IV, (B)- III, (C)- II, (D)- I

The correct match is:

List- 1

List- 2

(A) Shalabhanjika

(IV) a woman with magical touch that makes plants fertile

(B) Bodhisattvas

(III) individuals who helped others in their spiritual journey

(C) Theravadins

(II) followers of the older path of Buddhism

(D) Kailashnatha

(I) a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva

Explanation:

According to prevailing beliefs, a shalabhanjika was a woman believed to have the power to make trees blossom and bear fruit with a mere touch. This intriguing interpretation transformed the seemingly unrelated image into a portrayal of an auspicious symbol. It's probable that this motif was woven into the stupa's ornamentation.

Bodhisattvas were compassionate beings who amassed merits through their actions, utilizing these merits not to attain personal nibbana and detach from the world, but to assist others on their spiritual journey. Consequently, the veneration of Buddha and Bodhisattva images gained prominence within this paradigm.

The followers of the older path of Buddhism referred to themselves as "theravadins," indicating their commitment to the teachings of venerable teachers, or "theras."

This architectural tradition underwent progressive transformations over time, culminating in the eighth century with the extraordinary feat of crafting an entire temple, known as Kailashnatha – dedicated to Shiva (carved out of an entire rock structure in 8th century). An inscription on a copperplate bears testament to the astonishment of the chief sculptor upon the completion of the Ellora temple, vividly expressing his marvel: "Oh how did I make it!"