Thinkers, Beliefs and Buildings: Cultural Developments | Class 12 History Notes

New Religious Traditions

This section outlines the development of Mahayana Buddhism and the growth of Puranic Hinduism during the early centuries CE. Mahayana Buddhism introduced the concept of the Buddha as a savior figure and the Bodhisattva ideal—compassionate beings who delay their own liberation to help others. This contrasted with the earlier Theravada (Hinayana) focus on individual effort. The worship of images of the Buddha and Bodhisattvas became central in Mahayana practice. Concurrently, Hinduism evolved with increasing emphasis on bhakti (devotion) to chosen deities such as Vishnu and Shiva. Vaishnavism recognized ten avatars of Vishnu, incarnations who appeared to restore cosmic order. Shiva was symbolized by the linga but also depicted in human form. Puranas, composed by Brahmanas, compiled stories about gods and goddesses in accessible Sanskrit verse, facilitating wider participation beyond the Vedic elite. Early temples were constructed to house images of deities, initially simple garbhagrihas (sanctums) with a shikhara (tower) above. Some temples were carved from rock, culminating in monumental structures like the Kailashnatha temple at Ellora. These developments reflect the dynamic religious landscape and the integration of diverse beliefs and practices.

📊 Diagram: Fig. 4.22 An image of the Buddha from Mathura, c. first century CE; Fig. 4.23 The Varaha or boar avatar of Vishnu rescuing the earth goddess, Aihole (Karnataka) c. sixth century CE; Fig. 4.24 An image of Durga, Mahabalipuram (Tamil Nadu), c. sixth century CE; Fig. 4.25 A temple in Deogarh (Uttar Pradesh), c. fifth century CE; Fig. 4.26 Vishnu reclining on the serpent Sheshnag, sculpture from Deogarh (Uttar Pradesh), c. fifth century CE; Fig. 4.27 Entrance to a cave at Barabar (Bihar), c. third century BCE; Fig. 4.28 Kailashnatha Temple, Ellora (Maharashtra). This entire structure is carved out of a single piece of rock.

🧪 Activity: Identify how artists depicted movement in sculptures and relate to stories depicted.

🔗 Connection: Prepares for the concluding reflections on interpreting ancient art and the challenges therein.