Very Short Answer Type Questions
CBSE Class 12 – History
Chapter 4: Thinkers, Beliefs and Buildings (c. 600 BCE–600 CE)
CBSE Board Examinations:
- Strictly based on NCERT History Textbook
- Designed for 1–2 mark questions
- Ideal for Boards, Pre-Boards & Quick Revision
I. Religious and Philosophical Traditions
1. What is meant by samsara?
Samsara refers to the continuous cycle of birth, death, and rebirth.
2. What is karma?
Karma means actions that determine one’s future births.
3. What was the main concern of early philosophers?
They were concerned with understanding suffering and attaining liberation.
4. Name one concept common to Buddhism, Jainism, and Brahmanism.
Belief in rebirth.
5. What is moksha?
Moksha means liberation from the cycle of rebirth.
II. Brahmanism
6. Which texts were central to Brahmanism?
The Vedas.
7. Who performed rituals in Brahmanism?
Brahman priests.
8. What system structured society in Brahmanism?
The varna system.
9. What was yajna?
A ritual sacrifice performed to please the gods.
10. Which idea became important in later Brahmanism?
Bhakti or devotion.
III. Buddhism
11. Who founded Buddhism?
Siddhartha Gautama.
12. What does nirvana mean?
Freedom from suffering and rebirth.
13. How many Noble Truths are there in Buddhism?
Four.
14. What is the Eightfold Path?
A path of ethical and mental discipline to attain nirvana.
15. Did Buddhism support ritual sacrifices?
No, it rejected ritual sacrifices.
16. What was the Sangha?
The monastic community of Buddhist monks and nuns.
17. Who could join the Sangha?
People from all social backgrounds.
IV. Jainism
18. Who founded Jainism?
Vardhamana Mahavira.
19. What is ahimsa?
Non-violence towards all living beings.
20. How many Tirthankaras are there?
Twenty-four.
21. What kind of life did Jain monks lead?
A life of extreme asceticism.
22. Which group strongly supported Jainism?
Traders and merchants.
V. Sangha and Monastic Life
23. What were viharas?
Monasteries for Buddhist monks.
24. Which text governed monastic rules?
The Vinaya Pitaka.
25. Name one famous Buddhist monastery.
Nalanda.
26. What activities took place in monasteries?
Teaching, learning, and copying manuscripts.
27. Who supported monasteries financially?
Kings, merchants, and lay followers.
VI. Stupas, Art, and Architecture
28. What is a stupa?
A structure built to enshrine Buddhist relics.
29. What does the anda symbolize?
The mound representing the universe.
30. What were toranas?
Decorated gateways of stupas.
31. Why were symbols used instead of Buddha images?
Early Buddhists avoided depicting the Buddha in human form.
32. Name one common Buddhist symbol.
The wheel (chakra).
VII. Temples and Image Worship
33. What did temples become centers of?
Religious worship and social activities.
34. Which materials replaced wood in temples?
Stone.
35. Which deities were worshipped in temples?
Vishnu, Shiva, and goddesses.
36. What is iconography?
The study of symbols and images in art.
VIII. Role of Patrons
37. Who were the main patrons of religious buildings?
Kings, merchants, and wealthy individuals.
38. How were donations recorded?
Through inscriptions.
39. Did women act as patrons?
Yes, many women donated to religious institutions.
40. Why did rulers support religious institutions?
To gain merit and political legitimacy.
41. What benefit did merchants gain by patronage?
Religious merit and social prestige.
IX. Sources of History
42. Name one archaeological source of this period.
Stupas.
43. What do inscriptions tell historians?
Information about donations and patrons.
44. Name one literary source of Buddhism.
The Tripitaka.
45. What are Jataka tales?
Stories about the previous lives of the Buddha.
X. Quick Revision
46. Which religion emphasized non-violence the most?
Jainism.
47. Which institution spread Buddhist teachings?
The Sangha.
48. What did stupas function as?
Pilgrimage centers.
49. What linked religion and art?
Symbolism.
50. What shaped cultural developments in this period?
Religious ideas, architecture, and patronage.
51. Which social groups supported new religions?
Traders, artisans, and common people.
52. What was the main aim of religious teachings?
To end human suffering.