India, Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia
Short Question
1. What is the ancient name of Sri Lanka’s first kingdom?
Answer: Tambapanni (Tamrapanni).
2. Who founded the first kingdom in Sri Lanka?
Answer: King Vijaya.
3. What are the three Vamsagranthas mentioned in the chapter?
Answer: Deepvamsa, Mahavamsa, and Chullavamsa.
4. Who initiated King Devanampiya Tissa into Buddhism?
Answer: Thera Mahinda.
5. What festival commemorates Theri Sanghamitta’s arrival in Sri Lanka?
Answer: Unduvapa Poya.
6. Which stupa in Anuradhapura is the earliest extant in Sri Lanka?
Answer: Thuparama.
7. Who wrote the Vishuddhimagga text in Sri Lanka?
Answer: Buddhaghosa.
8. What is the name of the tooth relic temple in Kandy?
Answer: Sri Dalad Maligava.
9. What is the ancient name of Cambodia?
Answer: Kambujadesha.
10. Which Chola emperor razed Anuradhapura in the 10th century C.E.?
Answer: Rajraja I.
11. What is the name of the famous stupa in Myanmar covered with gold sheets?
Answer: Shwedagon Pagoda.
12. Who founded the Pagan Empire in Myanmar?
Answer: Anawrahta.
13. What is the ancient Thai name for Thailand?
Answer: Mueng Thai.
14. Which kingdom in Vietnam was known for its Shaiva temples in My Son Valley?
Answer: Champa.
15. What is the name of the world-famous Vishnu temple in Cambodia?
Answer: Angkorwat.
Long Questions
1. How did Thera Mahinda and Theri Sanghamitta contribute to the spread of Buddhism in Sri Lanka?
Answer: Thera Mahinda, son of Emperor Ashoka, initiated King Devanampiya Tissa into Buddhism at Mihinthale, leading to widespread adoption among the king’s subjects. Theri Sanghamitta, his sister, established the first Bhikkhuni Sangha by initiating Anula, bringing a Bodhi tree branch to Sri Lanka. Their efforts solidified Buddhism’s foundation, celebrated annually during the Unduvapa Poya festival.
2. What is the significance of the Thuparama stupa in Anuradhapura?
Answer: Thuparama, built by King Devanampiya Tissa, is the earliest extant stupa in Sri Lanka, housing relics of Gautama Buddha. It symbolizes the early establishment of Buddhism in the region. Its historical and religious importance makes it a key cultural landmark.
3. Describe the role of King Parakramabahu in Sri Lankan history.
Answer: King Parakramabahu, a 12th-century ruler, reorganized disrupted Buddhist sanghas under Mahathera Kassap’s guidance, strengthening religious institutions. He defeated the Ruhuna kingdom, securing the tooth relic of Gautama Buddha. His reign marked significant political and cultural advancements in Sri Lanka.
4. What are the key features of the Galapotha inscription in Polannaruwa?
Answer: Galapotha is an 8.17m x 1.39m stone slab inscribed with the reign and achievements of King Nissanka Malla. It features a carved image of Gajalakshmi between swan borders, showcasing artistic excellence. The inscription is a unique historical record of Polannaruwa’s heritage.
5. How did Indian trade influence Southeast Asia in ancient times?
Answer: Indian merchants, using the Strait of Malacca, established trade routes from the 1st century B.C.E., transporting goods across the Malaya Peninsula. Accompanied by priests and monks, they spread Indian culture, religion, and art. This trade, peaking under Chola rule in the 10th century C.E., fostered cultural exchanges across Southeast Asia.
6. What is the historical importance of the Shwedagon Pagoda in Myanmar?
Answer: Built between the 6th and 10th centuries C.E., the Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon houses eight hairs of Gautama Buddha, gifted to merchants. Covered in gold sheets, it is a pinnacle of Myanmar’s stupa architecture. It remains a significant religious and cultural site, reflecting Indian Buddhist influence.
7. How did the Dvaravati kingdom contribute to Thai culture?
Answer: The Dvaravati kingdom (6th-11th centuries) introduced Indian traditions in sculpture, literature, and ethics, shaping Mon culture. Its Buddha images and temple architecture influenced regional art and religion. Despite its smaller size, Dvaravati significantly advanced writing, arts, and administration in Thailand.
8. What is the architectural significance of the Borobudur Stupa in Indonesia?
Answer: Built around 800 C.E. by the Shailendra kings, Borobudur Stupa reflects Buddhist philosophy through its Kamdhatu, Roopdhatu, and Aroopdhatu planes. Its platforms, adorned with Buddha images and latticed stupas, showcase intricate sculptural art. As a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site, it exemplifies Indian-influenced architecture.
9. Describe the cultural impact of the Ramayana in Thailand.
Answer: The Ramayana, adapted as Ramakien, profoundly influenced Thai art, including sculpture, dance, and theatre. Kings of the Ayuttha kingdom adopted the prefix ‘Ram,’ reflecting its popularity. Ramakien stories are preserved in Thai folk music and performing arts, showcasing Indian cultural integration.
10. What makes the Angkorwat Temple a significant cultural heritage site?
Answer: Built by Suryavarman II in the 11th century, Angkorwat is a 500-acre Vishnu temple with a 200-meter moat and intricate panels like Samudramanthan. Its Khmer architecture and later Buddhist conversion highlight cultural synthesis. As a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site, it represents Cambodia’s historical and artistic legacy.
Leave a Reply