Maharashtra Board Class 11 History Solution Chapter 12 – India, Nations in the northwest of the Indian Subcontinent and China
Balbharati Maharashtra Board Class 11 History Solution Chapter 12: India, Nations in the northwest of the Indian Subcontinent and China. Marathi or English Medium Students of Class 11 get here India, Nations in the northwest of the Indian Subcontinent and China full Exercise Solution.
Std |
Maharashtra Class 11 |
Subject |
History |
Chapter |
12 |
Chapter name |
India, Nations in the northwest of the Indian Subcontinent and China |
Q.1 (A) Choose the correct alternative and write the complete sentences.
(1) The coin hoards found in ………………had Roman gold coins in it.
(a) Tamilnadu (b) Maharashtra
(c) Karnataka (d) Kerala
Answer – The coin hoards found in (a) Tamilnadu had Roman gold coins in it.
(2) The famous king Hammurabi had ruled the kingdom of ……………………….
(a) Syria (b) Babylon
(c) China (d) Greece
Answer – The famous king Hammurabi had ruled the kingdom of (b) Babylon
(3) The route that links Asia and …………………….is referred as the ‘Silk Route’.
(a) Europe (b) Africa
(c) America (d) Russia
Answer – The route that links Asia and (a) Europe is referred as the ‘Silk Route’.
(4) ‘White Horse Temple’ is the first Buddhist temple built in …………………………
(a) India (b) Japan
(c) China (d) Egypt
Answer – ‘White Horse Temple’ is the first Buddhist temple built in (c) China
(B) Find the incorrect pair from set B and write the correct ones.
Set ‘A’ |
Set ‘B’ |
(1) Strabo |
Geographia |
(2) Pliny the Elder |
Naturalis Historia |
(3) Hippalus |
Hippokura |
(4) Arrian |
Indica |
Answer – The incorrect pair is
(3) Hippalus Hippokura
The correct pair would be
(3) Hippalus mentioned in ‘Periplus of Erythrean Sea’
(C) Write the names.
(1) A place in the Gandhara region enlisted as a world Cultural heritage.
Answer – ‘Bamiyan Statutes of Buddha’ are declared as World Cultural Heritage. Bamiyan is 250 kilometres away from Kabul, to the west of it. There are about 750 caves hewn out in one of the cliffs of the mountain ranges known as ‘Kuh-e-Baba’. There were very beautiful Buddhist murals painted inside these caves. The same cliff has two huge niches dug in it. In these niches were built two standing Buddha statues in stucco. One of it was 53 metres tall the other was 38 metres. The core of these statues was carved out in the original sandstone of the cliff. The core was plastered with several layers of mud mixed with straw. The folds of Gautama Buddha’s robes were modelled in this clay plaster. His forearms were supported with the help of wooden armatures and fixed with wooden pegs. According to Yuan Chwang the statues were surrounded by colourful murals and even the statues were painted and decorated with gold coating and precious stones.
(2) Buddhist monks in the 4th century B.C.E. who translated many Buddhist texts in Chinese language
Answer – In the 4th century C.E., Kumarjeeva the famous and highly learned monk translated many Buddhist texts in Chinese language.
Q.2 Complete the concept map.
Q.3 Explain the following statements with reason.
(1) Buddhism reached China during Kushana period .
Answer – The trade route from Afghanistan to China was under the rule of Kushanas. This route starting from Taxila extended further, crossing through Khyber pass to Bamiyan in Afghanistan and from there to China through the plateau of Pamir.
In the Kushana period, Buddhism reached China by this trade route. Some of the coins of emperor Kanishka carry the image of Gautama Buddha. It also has a legend which reads, ‘Boddo’. This is the oldest representation of Gautama Buddha in an image form on a coin. The Chinese monks like Fa-Hien, Yuan Chwang, who travelled through India have described the Buddhist viharas and stupas in India.
(2) The merchants rarely used the shorter line of the Silk Route.
Answer – The route that links Asia and Europe was referred for the first time as the ‘Silk Route’ by Ferdinand von Richthofen, German geographer. The silk route runs more than 6000 kilometres. One may have an impression that the silk route is an unbroken highway. However, in reality this route is an intricate web of major and minor lines bifurcating and crossing each other.
One of the major lines of this route linked China and India and then extended further to Central Asia, linking one oasis to the other in the desert. It was easier for the merchants and travellers to find facilities of accommodation and food in the oasis cities. They also found ready market for their merchandise. Another line crossed through the steppes to the north of this main line. Journey on this line was relatively shorter. However, it was rarely used by merchants as it was infested by troublesome pastoral tribes and it hardly have any accommodation and food facilities en route.
Q.4 Give your opinion.
There were close cultural association between the Gandhara region and India before the advent of Islam.
Answer – The Chinese monks like Fa-Hien, Yuan Chwang, who travelled through India have described the Buddhist viharas and stupas in India. There are numerous remains of viharas and stupas in Afghanistan. Among them a place called ‘Shahji-ki-Dheri’ near Peshawar in Pakistan was excavated. The importance of the stupa discovered at this place is underlined by the fact that it was built during Kanishka’s period. It is also known as ‘Kanishaka’s Stupa’. According to prevailing tradition, the sacred remains in the box (karandaka) found there are of Gautama Buddha. The box has an inscription. It also mentions the name ‘Agnishala’, the main supervisor of the building work of ‘Kanishka Vihara’, in the precints of ‘Mahasena Sangharama’*. This box is in the Peshawar museum at present.
The ancient ‘Nagarhar’, modern ‘Hadda’ near Jalalabad in Afghanistan was another important centre of Buddhism. There are several remains of stupas and viharas scattered over the place. The sculptures found around the stupas are excellent specimens of Gandhara style. ‘Takht-i-Bahi’ is another important place, which is enlisted as ‘World Cultural Heritage’. It is in the Pakhtunkhwa province of Gandhara region. It is a part of Pakistan now. The building of the vihara complex at Takht-i-Bahi had begun in the 1st century C.E. The work was continued till 7th century C.E. Among the remains discovered there are three stupas and other buildings. Apart from these remains in Afghanistan, the famous ‘Bamiyan statues of Buddha’ are declared as the World Cultural Heritage. Bamiyan is 250 kilometres away from Kabul, to the west of it. There are about 750 caves hewn out in one of the cliffs of the mountain ranges known as ‘Kuh-e-Baba’. There were very beautiful Buddhist murals painted inside these caves. The same cliff has two huge niches dug in it. In these niches were built two standing Buddha statues in stucco. One of it was 53 metres tall the other was 38 metres. The core of these statues was carved out in the original sandstone of the cliff. The core was plastered with several layers of mud mixed with straw. The folds of Gautama Buddha’s robes were modelled in this clay plaster. His forearms were supported with the help of wooden armatures and fixed with wooden pegs. According to Yuan Chwang the statues were surrounded by colourful murals and even the statues were painted and decorated with gold coating and precious stones. These statues were destroyed by Taliban, a fundamentalist organisation in 2001 C.E. The government of Afghanistan, with the help of UNESCO and various associations from countries like Japan, France, Switzerland, etc. is working to restore this World Cultural Heritage. Some of the murals inside the Bamiyan caves were rediscovered, when the work of restoration began. Also, remains of a 19 metres long ‘Mahaparinibban’ image of Gautama Buddha were found. According to Yuan Chwang’s description there was a library of rare Buddhist manuscripts at Bamiyan. Archaelogists have indeed found birch bark and palm leaf manuscripts in a Bamiyan vihara. Some images of Hindu gods and goddesses have also been found in Afghanistan. Among them is an image of Ganesha found near the city of Kabul. This image is dated to 4th century C.E. and it is the earliest image among the extant Ganesha images. It may be noted that even in India an image of Ganesha, as ancient as this one is not found. There is one temple called ‘Khair Khana’ near Kabul. The excavations at this site have yielded an image of God Surya mounted on a chariot. A detailed review of all the Buddhist and Hindu remains in Afghanistan is not possible in this book. However, the above examples are enough to confirm the close cultural association between the Gandhara region and India before the advent of Islam.
Q.5 Write short notes.
(1) Shahji-ki-Dheri
Answer – There are numerous remains of viharas and stupas in Afghanistan. Among them a place called ‘Shahji-ki-Dheri’ near Peshawar in Pakistan was excavated. The importance of the stupa discovered at this place is underlined by the fact that it was built during Kanishka’s period. It is also known as ‘Kanishaka’s Stupa’. According to prevailing tradition, the sacred remains in the box (karandaka) found there are of Gautama Buddha. The box has an inscription. It also mentions the name ‘Agnishala’, the main supervisor of the building work of ‘Kanishka Vihara’, in the precints of ‘Mahasena Sangharama’*. This box is in the Peshawar museum at present. Sangharama means the residential complex built for the bhikkhus.
(2) The Bamiyan Buddhas
Answer – The famous ‘Bamiyan statues of Buddha’ are declared as the World Cultural Heritage. Bamiyan is 250 kilometres away from Kabul, to the west of it. There are about 750 caves hewn out in one of the cliffs of the mountain ranges known as ‘Kuh-e-Baba’. There were very beautiful Buddhist murals painted inside these caves. The same cliff has two huge niches dug in it. In these niches were built two standing Buddha statues in stucco. One of it was 53 metres tall the other was 38 metres. The core of these statues was carved out in the original sandstone of the cliff. The core was plastered with several layers of mud mixed with straw. The folds of Gautama Buddha’s robes were modelled in this clay plaster. His forearms were supported with the help of wooden armatures and fixed with wooden pegs. According to Yuan Chwang the statues were surrounded by colourful murals and even the statues were painted and decorated with gold coating and precious stones.
These statues were destroyed by Taliban, a fundamentalist organisation in 2001 C.E. The government of Afghanistan, with the help of UNESCO and various associations from countries like Japan, France, Switzerland, etc. is working to restore this World Cultural Heritage. Some of the murals inside the Bamiyan caves were rediscovered, when the work of restoration began. Also, remains of a 19 metres long ‘Mahaparinibban’ image of Gautama Buddha were found. According to Yuan Chwang’s description there was a library of rare Buddhist manuscripts at Bamiyan. Archaelogists have indeed found birch bark and palm leaf manuscripts in a Bamiyan vihara.
Q.6 Answer the following question with the help of given points.
Write about the ties between ancient India and China.
(a) Trade relations
Answer – The trade route from Afghanistan to China was under the rule of Kushanas. This route starting from Taxila extended further, crossing through Khyber pass to Bamiyan in Afghanistan and from there to China through the plateau of Pamir.
The route that links Asia and Europe was referred for the first time as the ‘Silk Route’ by Ferdinand von Richthofen, German geographer. The silk route runs more than 6000 kilometres. One may have an impression that the silk route is an unbroken highway. However, in reality this route is an intricate web of major and minor lines bifurcating and crossing each other. One of the major lines of this route linked China and India and then extended further to Central Asia, linking one oasis to the other in the desert. It was easier for the merchants and travellers to find facilities of accommodation and food in the oasis cities. They also found ready market for their merchandise. Another line crossed through the steppes to the north of this main line. Journey on this line was relatively shorter. However, it was rarely used by merchants as it was infested by troublesome pastoral tribes and it hardly have any accommodation and food facilities en route.
The influence of Buddhist art tradition from India still exists in the form of rock-cut caves. Three of them have received the status of World Cultural Heritage. Among them the caves of ‘Dunhuang’ are located on the ancient silk route. These caves are known as ‘Mogao Caves’. Creation of these caves continued till 13th-14th century C.E.
The merchants coming from the interior regions of China used to gather at Dunhuang. It was an important meeting point for the Chinese merchants and those coming from other countries. Nearly 500 caves of Dunhuang are enriched with numerous sculptures and murals. Thousands of manuscripts were discovered from these caves.
(b) The spread of Buddhism in China
Answer – In the Kushana period, Buddhism reached China by this trade route. Some of the coins of emperor Kanishka carry the image of Gautama Buddha. It also has a legend which reads, ‘Boddo’. This is the oldest representation of Gautama Buddha in an image form on a coin. The Chinese monks like Fa-Hien, Yuan Chwang, who travelled through India have described the Buddhist viharas and stupas in India.
It was in the 1st century C.E. that Buddhism began to spread from India to China. The ‘Han’ dynasty that arose in China in this period had expanded its empire up to Central Asia. They dominated the silk route. Keeping in with the tradition ‘Ming-ti’ the second king of the Han dynasty had sent his representatives to India. They returned to China accompanied by two Buddhist monks, ‘Kashyapa Matang’ and ‘Dharmaraksha’ in 67 C.E. They carried many Buddhist texts with them. The texts were loaded on white horses. After reaching China the monks translated the texts in Chinese language. The Chinese emperor built a temple in their honour, which is known as ‘White Horse Temple’. This is the first Buddhist temple built in China. In the 3rd century C.E. the rule of the Han dynasty ended and the period of disintegration and unrest began with it, pushing common people to a state of desperation. This period lasted till 6th century C.E. People got attracted to Buddhism in this period in large numbers. Many Chinese pilgrims began to visit Buddhist centres in Central Asia and India. In the 4th century C.E., Kumarjeeva the famous and highly learned monk translated many Buddhist texts in Chinese language. In the 6th century the popularity of Buddhism reached its peak in China. By this time both sects of Buddhism, Theravada (Hinayana) and Mahayana, and their sub-sects were well established in China. In 7th century C.E. Islam and Christianity were gradually introduced. Kubalai Khan, the grandson of Genghis Khan had great interest in Buddhism. The spread of Buddhism in China in the 1st century C.E. also introduced a new trend in the Chinese art. Many of the Mahayana Buddhist monks who arrived in China, hailed from Central Asia. Their presence in China inspired the making of images of Gautama Buddha and Bodhisattvas. This art style that originated in the Xinjiang province is known as ‘Serendian Art Style’ (Seres meaning China + India). Serendian Art Style was influenced by Gandhara art. It presents a combination of Greek, Persian and Chinese art forms. During the exploratory survey conducted by Sir Aurel Stein many terracotta sculptures of Serendian style were brought to light.
In the 4th- 6th century C.E. many Buddhist temples and viharas were built in China. However, stupas built in this period were very few. Instead of a stupa every temple had a pagoda of Chinese style. These pagoda being wooden, hardly any of them exists today. These pagodas used to have multiple floors. The upper floors of the pagodas successively reduced in size. The uppermost floor held a metal staff (yashti), which was fixed with metal rings that became successively smaller in size. Arrangement of staff and the rings seems to be the only reminder of the Umbrella in the Indian stupa architecture. Later, pagodas were built by using bricks and stones.
The influence of Buddhist art tradition from India still exists in the form of rock-cut caves. Three of them have received the status of World Cultural Heritage. Among them the caves of ‘Dunhuang’ are located on the ancient silk route. These caves are known as ‘Mogao Caves’. Creation of these caves continued till 13th-14th century C.E.
The merchants coming from the interior regions of China used to gather at Dunhuang. It was an important meeting point for the Chinese merchants and those coming from other countries. Nearly 500 caves of Dunhuang are enriched with numerous sculptures and murals. Thousands of manuscripts were discovered from these caves.
(c) Serendian art style
Answer – The spread of Buddhism in China in the 1st century C.E. also introduced a new trend in the Chinese art. Many of the Mahayana Buddhist monks who arrived in China, hailed from Central Asia. Their presence in China inspired the making of images of Gautama Buddha and Bodhisattvas. This art style that originated in the Xinjiang province is known as ‘Serendian Art Style’ (Seres meaning China + India). Serendian Art Style was influenced by Gandhara art. It presents a combination of Greek, Persian and Chinese art forms. During the exploratory survey conducted by Sir Aurel Stein many terracotta sculptures of Serendian style were brought to light.
In the 4th- 6th century C.E. many Buddhist temples and viharas were built in China. However, stupas built in this period were very few. Instead of a stupa every temple had a pagoda of Chinese style. These pagoda being wooden, hardly any of them exists today. These pagodas used to have multiple floors. The upper floors of the pagodas successively reduced in size. The uppermost floor held a metal staff (yashti), which was fixed with metal rings that became successively smaller in size. Arrangement of staff and the rings seems to be the only reminder of the Umbrella in the Indian stupa architecture. Later, pagodas were built by using bricks and stones.
The influence of Buddhist art tradition from India still exists in the form of rock-cut caves. Three of them have received the status of World Cultural Heritage. Among them the caves of ‘Dunhuang’ are located on the ancient silk route. These caves are known as ‘Mogao Caves’. Creation of these caves continued till 13th-14th century C.E.
The merchants coming from the interior regions of China used to gather at Dunhuang. It was an important meeting point for the Chinese merchants and those coming from other countries. Nearly 500 caves of Dunhuang are enriched with numerous sculptures and murals. Thousands of manuscripts were discovered from these caves.
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