SRI MEDHA

CENTRE FOR COMPETITIVE EXAMS

SINCE 1998

IMPORTANT QUESTIONS WITH ANSWERS FOR

GROUP-I ASPIRANTS
(UPSC/TSPSC/APPSC) 26-04-2024

1. Discuss the contribution of Jainism to Indian Culture?

A. Jainism, one of the oldest religions is still influencing in various ways as a
living tradition.

A
The ideas of Jainism (Jaina Ideals) like Non – Violence greatly influenced
Indian thought and character. Even Gandhi was influenced by these two ideals and

H
made them as two most elements of his philosophy. He also used these ideals as
political weapons in our “national movement”.

E D
The importance given by the Jainism to moral discipline, simple living etc

I M
became integral part of various spiritual traditions in India.
Jainas contributed a lot to the arts like architecture, sculpture and painting. The

S R
famous Dilwara temples in Rajasthan testify the Jaina’s contribution to the temple
architecture. Example: Udayagiri – Khandagiri Caves (Orissa), Guntupally Caves
(Andhra).
The worhisp of Tirthankaras led to the development of sculpture. Jaina sculptures
embellished Jaina temples. The Jaina sculpture of Gomateshwara Sravana Belagola
in Karnataka is a unique example of Jaina sculpture.
In medival times, Jains, promoted miniature paintings in Western India. These
paintings served as a bridge between ancient Ajanta paintings and later day – Moghul
paintings.
Jains influenced the development of language and literature. Early
jainasencouraged “Ardhamagadhi”. The earliest works of “Apabhramsa” language
were the creations of Jainism only. Jains played a crucial role in the evolution of
Kannada language and literature. Starting from “Pampa” the first Kannada poet,
many Jaina poets enriched Kannada language and literature, by introducing new
meters and genres (stories, plays etc).
Exclusively prepared for SRI MEDHA Students PH. No: 9849506649 1
Jains specialized in “money exchange” and played a crucial role in the economic
history of India.
Jaina Sanghas, Basadmis etc rendered educational and medical services along
with the spiritual services. Jain scholars created many interesting works in medicine.

2. Discuss the contribution of Buddhism to Indian culture?

A. Buddhism influenced Indian society and culture in different ways. Its influence
could still be felt in various contemporary social movements.
Buddhism tried to soften the cruelty of Varna system and promised salvation
for lower Varnas and women. As a result puranic Hinduism was also compelled to
concede salvation for these sections.
Buddhism by criticizing mindless rituals and superstitions encouraged critical
thinking.
Buddhism contributed a lot for the development of various fine arts. The
Buddhists developed new architectural forms like ‘stupa’, ‘chaitya’ and ‘vihara’.

H A
Beautiful stupas of SaNon-Cooperation Movementi, Barhut, Amaravathi etc. Chaityas
of Nasik, Karle, Kanheri Bhaja etc and viharas at various Buddhist sites testify the
contribution of Buddhism to architecture.

E D
Buddhism was instrumental in the development of different sculptures styles
or different schools of art like Gandhara, Mathura and Amaravathi.

I M
Buddhist paintings of Ajanta caves form an invaluable heritage of India.
Buddhism facilitated the development of various languages and literatures.Pali
language and literature were encouraged in a bigger way by the Buddhist. The

S R
Tripitakas along with other texts enriched Pali language and literature. Jataka tales
are also an invaluable contribution. Few works in Apabhramba language in Eastern
India. The Mahayanists created extensive Sanskrit literature. Works of Acharya
Nagarjuna, Asangha Vasu bandhu, Aswaghosha fall in this category.
Buddhism by laying on cattle wealth contributed to the development of animal
husbandary or live stock in India.The Buddhist emphasis in this matter led to the
doctrine of Gomatha (Sacredness of Cow) in Hinduism.
Buddhists enriched the field of education in India. The Buddhist unviersities
of Nagarjunakonda, Nalanda, Valabhi, Taxila played a crucial role in the field of
education. The Buddhists developed secular subjects like logic, grammer etc.
Buddhism served as the social stabilizer in ancient times by uplifting the status of
Sudras and women. Buddhism was able to avoid violent reactions from lower
social orders. By denying admission to solidiers, debtors, slaves etc into Sangha,
Buddhism strengthered the existing socio-economic order.
Though Buddhism disappeared from India an 12th Century “Dr. Ambedkar”
revived Buddhism as the “spiritual solution for Dalits of India. Thereafter Buddhism
Exclusively prepared for SRI MEDHA Students PH. No: 9849506649 2
became an integral part of Dalit studies and movements and “Buddha became a
symbol of resistance”.

 
  
       
 

       



        
  


H A


          

E D

       


I M


S R



 
 
         
  


         
       


 

Exclusively prepared for SRI MEDHA Students PH. No: 9849506649 3






  
   
  



         
  
     

H A
 
   

E D
         
   


I M


S R

       
 





     
   




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