Short Answer Type Questions
CBSE Class 12 – History
Chapter 4: Thinkers, Beliefs and Buildings (c. 600 BCE–600 CE)
CBSE Board Examinations:
- Strictly as per NCERT History Textbook
- Suitable for 3–4 mark questions
- Ideal for Boards, Pre-Boards & Revision
I. Religious and Philosophical Traditions
1. Explain the concept of samsara.
Samsara refers to the continuous cycle of birth, death, and rebirth that all living beings experience. It is governed by the law of karma.
2. What role did karma play in religious thought?
Karma meant actions performed by individuals which determined their present and future lives. Good deeds led to favourable rebirths, while bad deeds resulted in suffering.
3. Why did thinkers question ritual practices?
Many thinkers believed that rituals did not address human suffering and sought simpler, ethical paths to liberation.
4. What was the common goal of various religious traditions?
The common goal was to attain liberation from the cycle of rebirth and end human suffering.
5. What is meant by moksha?
Moksha refers to freedom from samsara and the attainment of spiritual liberation.
II. Brahmanism
6. Describe the importance of the Vedas in Brahmanism.
The Vedas were considered sacred texts and formed the foundation of Brahmanical rituals, beliefs, and social order.
7. How did the varna system function?
Society was divided into four varnas based on occupation, with Brahmans at the top and Shudras at the bottom.
8. What were yajnas?
Yajnas were ritual sacrifices performed to please gods and maintain cosmic order.
9. How did Brahmanism evolve over time?
Brahmanism absorbed new ideas such as devotion and image worship, eventually developing into Hinduism.
10. Why were priests important in Brahmanism?
Priests conducted rituals and sacrifices, which were believed essential for religious merit.
III. Buddhism
11. Explain the Four Noble Truths.
They state that life involves suffering, suffering has a cause, suffering can end, and the Eightfold Path leads to its end.
12. What was the Eightfold Path?
It was a set of ethical practices including right conduct, right meditation, and right wisdom to attain nirvana.
13. Why did Buddhism reject ritual sacrifices?
Buddhism emphasized moral conduct and meditation rather than costly rituals.
14. What was nirvana?
Nirvana was the state of liberation from suffering and rebirth.
15. How did Buddhism promote equality?
It allowed people of all castes and genders to join the Sangha.
16. What was the role of the Sangha?
The Sangha preserved and spread the teachings of the Buddha.
IV. Jainism
17. Who was Mahavira?
Mahavira was the 24th Tirthankara and founder of Jainism.
18. Explain the principle of ahimsa.
Ahimsa means complete non-violence towards all living beings.
19. What kind of life did Jain monks lead?
They led extremely austere lives, practicing self-discipline and renunciation.
20. Who supported Jainism?
Jainism was supported mainly by traders and merchants.
V. Sangha and Monastic Traditions
21. What were viharas?
Viharas were monasteries where Buddhist monks lived and studied.
22. What rules governed monastic life?
The Vinaya Pitaka laid down strict rules for monks and nuns.
23. Why did monasteries need patronage?
They depended on donations for food, clothing, and construction.
24. Name a major Buddhist educational centre.
Nalanda was a famous centre of Buddhist learning.
VI. Stupas, Art and Architecture
25. What were stupas?
Stupas were structures built to house relics of the Buddha.
26. Explain the symbolism of stupas.
Stupas symbolized Buddhist beliefs through structures like the dome, wheel, and toranas.
27. Why were symbols used instead of images?
Early Buddhists avoided depicting the Buddha in human form.
28. What were toranas?
Toranas were decorated gateways of stupas.
VII. Temples and Image Worship
29. How did temples develop?
Temples evolved from simple shrines to complex stone structures.
30. Which deities were worshipped in temples?
Vishnu, Shiva, and goddesses were commonly worshipped.
31. What is iconography?
It is the study of symbols and images used in religious art.
VIII. Role of Patrons
32. Who were major patrons of religious architecture?
Kings, merchants, guilds, and women patrons.
33. Why did rulers support religious institutions?
They sought religious merit and political legitimacy.
34. How do inscriptions help historians?
They provide information about donations and patrons.
IX. Sources of History
35. Name two sources to study this period.
Archaeological remains and religious texts.
36. What are Jataka tales?
Stories describing the previous lives of the Buddha.
37. What is the Tripitaka?
The sacred texts of Buddhism.
X. Revision & Conceptual Questions
38. Why did new religions attract followers?
They offered simple teachings and social equality.
39. How were religion and art connected?
Religious ideas were expressed through sculpture and architecture.
40. What shaped cultural developments?
Religious beliefs, patronage, and artistic traditions.