Solution: Daily Problem Practice for 2021 History Optional [Ancient India: Day 5]

Q. Identify the following places marked on the map and write a short note of about 30 words each. Locational hints for each of the places marked  on the map are given below seriatim. [2.5×6= 15]

(i) Ancient political centre

Purushpura

• Modern Peshawar in NWF province of Pakistan.
• Capital of Kushana ruler Kanishka (2^nd century AD).
• Kushana period:
  • Sculptures,
  • Buddhist stupa,
  • Buddhist Chaitya.
• Trade centre as it lied on old silk route..
• Centre of Buddhist learning.
• Mentioned by Chinese pilgrim Faxian and Xuanzang.

(ii) Famous inscription site

Mandsaur Inscription

• In the Malwa region, in Mandsaur district, Madhya Pradesh.
• Mandasor Pillar Inscriptions of Yashodharman:
  • In Sanskrit from early 6th-century.
  • Record victory of Malwa king Yasodharman over the Hun king Mihirakula.
• Mandsaur Inscription of Kumar Gupta:
  • Dated to 5th century.
  • Records that many silk weavers migrated from Lata (Gujarat) to Dasapura.
  • Some adopted other occupations while those who adhered to their original craft organised themselves into a guild.
  • Guild of silk weavers built a sun temple in 437 AD.

(iii) Ancient political and cultural centre

Tanjore/ Thanjavur

• In Thanjavur District, Tamilnadu.
• Capital of the Chola Empire.
• Important center of religion, art, and architecture.
• Chola Temples are UNESCO World Heritage Monuments.
• Brihadeeswara Temple:
  • Built in the 11^th century by Raja Raja Chola I.
  • Dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva.
  • Nandi (second largest in India), carved out of a single block of granite, guards the entrance of the sanctuary.
  • The walls of the sanctum are covered with wall paintings from the Chola and Nayaka periods.
  • It was replicated in the Gangaikonda Cholesvarar Temple constructed by Raja Raja’s son Rajendra Chola I.
• Tanjore painting:
  • Dates back to early 17^th century, the period of Nayakas of Thanjavur.
  • Episodes from religious texts visualised.
  • Even secular subjects were depicted.
• Many epigraphs, inscriptions, coins etc belonging to different kings have been discovered.

(iv) Ancient education and religious centre

Vallabhi

• In Bhavnagar district (Saurashtra), Gujarat.
• Capital of the Maitraka Dynasty (480-775 CE).
• Established by the founder of the dynasty, Senapati Bhatarka.
• Centre of learning, Buddhist monasteries.
• Visited by the Chinese pilgrim Xuanzang and Yijing in 7th century.
• Second Jaina council under Devardhi held in 6th century CE when Jaina scriptures assumed their present form.

(v) Ancient cave site

Karla Caves (Bhaja Cave is also nearby)

• Near Lonavala, Maharashtra.
• The shrines developed over two periods:
  • 2nd century BC to the 2nd century AD,
  • 5th century AD to the 10th century.
• On ancient trade route.
• Associated with the Mahasamghika sect of Buddhism and later with Hinduism.
• Carved chaitya- among the largest rock-cut chaityas in India.
• viharas
• Sculptures:
  • human.
  • animals such as lions and elephants.
• Arched entrances and vaulted interiors.
• An Ashokan pillar found.

(vi) Ancient capital city

Anuradhapura

• In Anuradhapura District, North Central province, Sri Lanka.
• Sacred city for Buddhism
• Ancient capital of Sri Lanka.
• This city was established around a cutting from the ‘tree of enlightenment’, the Buddha’s fig tree, brought there in the 3rd century B.C. by Sanghamitta, the founder of an order of Buddhist nuns.
• According to Dipavamsa and Mahavamsa,
  • Ashoka had sent his son Mahinda, to Srilanka.
  • He met king Devanampiya Tissa and preached the doctrine.
  • In later period, the royal family and nobility of Sri Lanka strongly supported Buddhism.
• Art works featuring depictions of Avalokitesvara, the Bodhisattva of Mercy and Compassion, became popular.
• Ancient monuments like Buddhist temples, stupas etc. found.

NOTE:

• All those enrolled can send their answers for evaluation in PDF format after scanning (you can use camscanner) on historytestseries2021@gmail.com
• Name your file as your name and day. For example, if your name is Ashok Kumar and you are sending answer of Day 1, World History, your file should be named as AshokKumar_World_Day1
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