Gautam Buddha founded Buddhism in the 6th century BCE. The religion became popular during the lifetime of Buddha and continue to spread beyond India after his death. The reason for the popularity and propagation of Buddhism was its message and its simplicity. People did not find its teachings difficult to understand. Local language was used…
Jainism is an ancient religion and it has its own philosophy which has been influencing Indian thought. Jainism thinks that the world is real, and the spirit is also real. It has a theory of karma which explains the interaction between soul and nature. It also preaches Ahimsa ( non-violence) and aparigraha (non-storage). It has…
Stupas were built of stones bricks. Buddha encouraged building Stupas to mark some events or places associated with Buddhism. Scenes from Vessantara Jakata, empty seat meant to indicate the meditation of the Buddha all narrate buddha’s stories Goddes and Animals were depicted through idols and carvings.
Structural features: The Stupas were built on the relics of Buddha and hence were considered sacred. The stupa originated as a semi-circular mound of earth, later called Anda. The Stupa evolved into a more complex structure, balancing round and square shapes. A balcony like structure represented the adobe of the Gods was placed above the…
Buddhism grew rapidly both during the lifetime of the Buddha and after his death. It appealed to many people dissatisfied with existing religious practices and confused by the rapid social changes taking place around them. The importance attached to conduct and values rather than claims of superiority based on birth, the emphasis placed on metta…
Buddha’s teachings have been reconstructed from stories found mainly in the Sutta Pitaka. These stories describe his miraculous powers and reason rather than display of supernatural power. The world is transient and constantly changing; it is also soulless as there is nothing permanent. Sorrow is intrinsic to human existence. It is by following the path…
Amaravati Stupa was grand in architecture but Amaravati has been invaded by many dynasties and after the decline of Mauryas it was vandalised and was in ruins. Sanchi Stupa was renovated a number of times and was well looked after by the Nawabs especially Shah Jehan Begum. Amaravati was discovered before scholars understood the value…
According to Buddha, the world is transient (anicca) and constantly changing. It is also soulless (anatta) as there is nothing permanent or eternal in it. Within this transient world sorrow (dukkha) is intrinsic to human existence. The path of moderation between severe penance and self indulgence that human beings can rise above these worldly troubles….
The European interested in Stupas: Nineteenth-century Europeans like the French and English sought Shahjehan Begum’s permission to take away the eastern gateway, which was the best preserved, to be displayed in museums in France and England. Cunningham look drawings of the place deciphered the inscription and bored shafts down these domes. According to the letter…