Discuss the changes in the Indian architecture and sculpture after demise of the Maurya rule. How this art was different from the Maurya art?

After the crumbling of Mauryan dynasty, the Sungas and Kushans came to power in the North and the Satvahanas in the south. During their rule, plenty of cave-temples, chaityas and stupas were built. The stupas of Bharhut, Bodhgaya and Sanchi ..

Examine the various kinds of Sutras as a part of Kalpa tradition of ancient Indian literature.

Kalpa means Ritual Canon. It contains the sacrificial practice and systematic sutras. There are three kinds of Sutras which form part of Kalpa: Śrautasūtras, which are based on the Shruti, and teach the performance of the great sacrifices, requiring three ..

Elaborate the Charyapadas tradition and Mangal-Kāvya tradition in Indian vernacular literature.

Charyapada is considered to be the earliest extant work in the field of Bengali, Assamese, Odiya as well as the Maithili Language. It’s a collection of Buddhist mystical poems or songs belonging to 8th–12th century. These songs have the element ..

What are criteria used by UNESCO to put a language into four levels of language endangerment? Discuss while enumerating two examples of Indian languages placed in each of these levels.

An endangered language is one that is likely to become extinct in the near future. As per UNESCO, any language spoken by less than 10,000 persons is considered “potentially endangered”. Not every potentially endangered language necessarily faces the threat of immediate extinction. ..

Upanishadas are often called Vedanta. Why?

The main motto of the Upanishads is “Knowledge Awards Salvation”. Upanishads are called Vedanta (the end of the Veda) firstly, because they denote the last phase of the Vedic period and secondly, because they reveal the final aim of the ..

Critically analyze how the Bhava-Rasa theory, as expounded by Abhinavagupta, has shaped the understanding and appreciation of Indian art.

The Bhava-Rasa theory is a fundamental concept in Indian art, particularly in the fields of classical Indian dance, music, and drama. It explores the emotional and aesthetic experiences evoked in the audience through the portrayal of different emotions by the ..

Differentiate between the Purva and Agama texts of Jainism.

The canonical literature of Jainism is claimed to have started from Adinatha, the first tirthankara. It is said that these teachings were forgotten and revived by the Tirthankaras from time to time. The teachings of the Tirthankaras before Mahavir are ..

In context of the diversity of India, can it be said that regions form cultural units rather than the States? Give reasons with examples for your view point.

Each and every community has a different set of cultures from the aspect of language, attire, foods, lifestyle, behavior, music, etc. India is well known for its unity and diversity. History: In the post-independence time, demand for different states was ..

The panorama of Indian painting is enriched with a large number Rock-paintings found in Central India. Discuss what information do we get about the art of the Late Stone Age people from the rock paintings of that area?

Rock shelters are numerous in Central India, particularly in the Vindhyan sandstone region, which lends itself to their formation. A fair proportion of them are decorated with drawings upon the walls and ceilings. Colours include purple, red, and light orange-brown. ..

The Jatakas furnish us valuable material not only for literature and art, but also for the study of economic condition of ancient India. Critically discuss with suitable examples.

The Jataka are based on the premise that before his birth as Gautama, Buddha passed over 550 births in both human and animal forms. Jatakas were possibly compiled in the second and third centuries (A.D.) by the Mahayana and the ..