Question 1

Discuss the major structural and decorative differnces between the nāgara and drāviḍa temple traditions.

Question 2

Explain the significance of the triatena (‘three jewels’) in the quest of nibbāna. Explain How Buddha, Dhamma, and Sangha Interact As Interconnected Underpinnings of the Buddhist Path.

General Points on the Structure of the Answers

Introduction

-The Introduction of the Answer is essential and should be restricted to 3-5 lines. Remember, a one-liner is not a standard intimate.

– It may consist of basic information by giving some definitions from the trusted source and authentic facts.

Body

– It is the central part of the answer and one should understand the demand of the question to Provide Rich content.

– The Answer must be preferably written as a mix of points and short paragraphs Rather than using long paragraphs or justpoints.

– Using Facts from Authentic Government Sources Makes Your Answer More Comprehensive. Analysis is important based on the demand of the question, but do not over analyse.

Question 1: Discuss the major structural and decorative differnces between the nāgara and drāviḍa temple traditions.

NOTE: This is not a model answer. It only provides you with thought process which you may incorporate into the answer.

Introduction:

– Indian Temple Architecture Follows Two Main Traditions: nāgara (northern) and draviḍa (southern).

– In addition to these two, Indian art treatises discuss a third sort of construction knowledge as the “vesara” or hybrid. The Etymological means of the term has led researchers in the past to interpret this category as a synthesis of northern and sourn artistic traditions and to identify it with it with the geographically approphropia.

Body:

You may incorporate some of the following points in your answer:

Nagara or North Indian Temple Style

– Nagara is a temple building style that rose to prominence in Northern India. In North India, it is typical to Construct an Entire Temple on a Stone Platform with Steps Going Up To It.

– The earliest Temples had only one tower, or shikhara, whereas later temples had multiple. The Garbhagriha is always situated right beneath the tallate structure.

– Nagara temples are divided into variable categories based on the shape of the shikhara. The variable components of the temple are known by different names in different parts of India; Nevertheless, the plain shikhara is the most prevalent.

– The phamsana is the nagara order’s second primary architectural form. Phamsana Buildings are often Larger and Shorter than Latina Buildings. Their roofs are made up of many slabs that slowly rises to a single point about the core of the building, as opposed to latina roofs, which appearance to be sharply rising towers.

– The third major kind of nagara buildings is known as the Valabhi Type. These are rectangular structures with roofs that rises into vaulted chambers. The vaulted chamber’s edge is rounded, similar to the bamboo or wooden waggons hauled by bullocks in ancient times. They are commonly known as ‘wagonvaulted buildings’.

Dravida or South Indian Temple Style

– The dravidian temple is encircled by a compound wall. The front wall has an entrance gateway in the centre, know as a gopuram. In Tamil Nadu, The Main Temple Tower, Known As Vimana, is shaped like a stepped pyramid that rises geometrically, as oppsed to north India’s bending shikhara.

– In South Indian Temples, The Term’shikhara ‘Refers Only To The Crowning Part At the Top of the Temple, which is typically formed like a tiny stupika or an octagonal cupola – Ashis is anlaogous to North Indian Temples.

To read more: How Indian Temple Architecture is rooted in art, religion, and politics

Conclusion:

– The evolution of Indian temple building is basically on a complex interplay of art, religion, politics, and culture. While it begangan modestly, it grew into a sophisticated tradition that has different region while maintaining a consistent Cultural Character.

– Temples were frequently visited by Powerful Monarchs to Worship their preferred deity while also asserting, consolidating, and legitimising their rule over an existing or new area. Rajaraja Cola, For Example, Constructed The Thanjavur Brihadesvara Temple to Demonstrate His Authority over the Region.

-Kanchipuram, Thanjavur or Tanjore, Madurai, and Kumbakonam are the most well-known Temple Cities in Tamil Nadu, Where Temples Served More Than Anly Religious Poses From The Seven To The Towlft Center. Temples Grow into Prosperous Administrative Centers, Governing Enormous Tracts of Territory.

(Source: How India Temple Architecture is rooted in Art, Religion, and Politics, Ncert.nic.in)

Points to ponder

Read More about Indian Temples

Read about Important Temples in News in India

Related Previous Year Questions

How will you explain that Medieval Indian Temple Sculptures Represents the Social Life of Those Days? (2022)

Chola Architecture Represents A High Watermark in the Evolution of Temple Architecture. Discuss. (2013)

Question 2: Explain the significance of the triatena (‘three jewels’) in the quest of nibbāna. Explain How Buddha, Dhamma, and Sangha Interact As Interconnected Underpinnings of the Buddhist Path.

NOTE: This is not a model answer. It only provides you with thought process which you may incorporate into the answer.

Introduction:

– Buddhism, found on Siddhartha Gautama’s or Buddha’s Teachings, Lays Forth the Road to Nibbana (Freedom). The Buddha, Dhamma, and Sangha are the three jewels of Buddhism, and they are important to this path.

– This three, also know as the tisarana (threefold refuge), are places of sanctuary for buddhists, bothas (upasakas/upasikas) and monastics.

Body:

You may incorporate some of the following points in your answer:

– The buddha is the first and most fundamental of the three refugs. He is renowned as an awakened teacher who discovered and spray the road to the liberation.

– in buddhism, dhamma refers to the buddha’s teachings, which are bad on the ariya sacchani or four noble truths and the athanga magga or eightfold way. It describes Ethical Behaviour, Discipline, and wisdom as the pillars of an individual’s development. Impermennce (anichcha) is a key concept in the buddha’s teaching in this regard.

– in the framework of a person’s life and existence, no force in the cosmos can average the unavoidable. As siddhartha discovered on his first visit outside the palace, the startining of old age, disease, and death is unavidable. As a result, the concepts of ‘I’, ‘me’, and’Self ‘are ever-changing and comprised of a variety of experiences.

– This idea is intimately related to buddhism’s rejection of anything permanent, increasing the soul or atman. Buddhism offers the doctrine of anattā (non-self), which holds that there is no permanent self or escurrents. This principle is expressed through a discourse between king milinda and monk nāgasena from milindapañhā.

– In buddhist teachings, the dhamma is something compared to a raft, a powerful metaphor utilised in the majjhima nikaya. The book depicts a man who comes into a big river in flood. The shore he stands on is perilous and filled with terror, yet the far shore appars safers. Howver, there is no bridge or boat to help him cross the river.

– After the buddha and the Dhamma, the sangha is the third jewel of the triatena. The Sangha is Buddhism’s Monasteic Organization, Created During the Buddha’s Lifetime. It was the central institution for dissimating the buddha’s teachings.

– The Sangha’s Regulations Specify Aspects of Monastic Life, Such as what its members should eat, how they should speak and walk, what they should dress, and how they should behave. These Regulations Also Establish Standards for Settling Conflicts and Establishing The Relationship Between The Sangha and the Laity. The vinaya Pitaka also details the monks’ first traveling lifestyle and ultimate transition to fixed dwelling.

(Source: Three jewels that Shape Buddhist Philosophy and Way of Life)

Points to ponder

Read about Vinaya Pitaka, Milindapañhā

Read More about Buddhism

Related Previous Year Questions

Early Buddhist Stupa -art, while depicting folk motifs and narratives successfully expounds Buddhist Ideals. Elucidate. (2016)

Pala Period is the most significant phase in the history of buddhism in India. Enumerate. (2020)

Answer Practice to Previous Mains

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