Buddism and Jainism

 Life & Teachings of Mahavira and Buddha. Contemporary society. Early phase of state formation and urbanization

1. What were the causes of the origin of the heterodox sects in the sixth century BC? [20m] 

2. Discuss the social & economic factors for the rise of Buddhism. How far was it influenced by Upnisadic thought? [60m] 

3. Write a short essay on: “The intellectual revolution in the Sixth Century B.C.” [20m] 

4. Trace the rise of Magadhan imperialism up to the times of the Nandas with particular reference to its policy towards the non-monarchical state. Discuss the factors that contributed to its success. [60m]

5. Give an account of the republics in the pre-Maurya period. Discuss the factors which contributed to their decline. [60m]

6. Write a short essay on: “Essence of early Jainism” [20m] 

7. Write a short essay on: “Social and economic conditions of North India during the Pre-Mauryan period (600-325 B.C.).” [20m] 

8. What role did iron play in changing their political and economic life? [60m]      

9. “The Sixth century B.C. was a period of religious and economic unrest in India.” Comment. [60m]    

9. Write what you know of the rise and spread of Buddhism before the first century A.D. [60m]   

10. Trace the development of urbanization from the third millennium B.C.E. to 6th century B.C.E. [60m] 

11. Assess the importance of Jain tenets and their relevance to humanity. [30m]  

13. Buddha’s teachings to a large extent could be helpful in understanding and resolving the problems of today’s society. Analyse critically. [15m] 

14. How far is it correct to say that changes in the post-Vedic economy gave birth to new religious movements in India? [15m]

15. Examine the relationship among economic growth, urbanization and State formation from c. 7th century to 3rd century BCE. [15 Marks]

16. Buddhism and Jainism were social movements under the umbrella of religion. Comment. [15 Marks] 

17. Give an account of gana-sanghas (non-monarchical state systems)? Why did they decline? [15 Marks] 

18. The concept of Shramanic religions, with particular reference to Buddhism, had their roots in Upanisadic ideas. Discuss. [15 Marks] 

19. Will you regard Buddhism and Jainism as product of a society more open minded than ours ? Illustrate your answer citing examples from the preceding and succeeding stages of society in ancient india. (60 marks) 

20. What do you know about the non-monarchical communities of Northern India at the time of Buddha. (20 marks) 

21. Analyze the message of Lord Buddha and the two sects of Mahayaan and Hinayaan. (20 marks)  

22. Is there a relationship between rise of Buddhism and emergence of cities in the Ganga Plain ? Trace the growth of urbanization in its early phase. (20  marks)  

23. Discuss the main teachings of Buddhism and give an account of the growth and spread of Buddhism after Gautama Buddha. (60 marks)