Explain the growth of Puranic Hinduism from 600 BCE to 600 CE.
The growth of Puranic Hinduism:
(i) It included Vaishavism and Shaivism in which there was growing emphasis on the worship of a chosen deity.
(ii) In such worship the bond between the devotee and the god was visualised as one of love and devotion, or bhakti.
(iii) In the case of Vaishnavism, cults developed around the various avatars of incarnations of the diety. Ten avatars were recognised within the tradition.
(iv) Some of these forms were represented in sculptures, as were other deities. Shiva, for instance, was symbolised by the linga, although he was occasionally represented in human form too.
“The most important idea in Jainism is that the entire world is animated : even stones, rocks and water have life. Non injury to living beings, especially to humans, animals, plants and insects is crucial to Jaina Philosophy.”
In the light of the above statement, explain the moral values of Jainism.
Describe the ‘ideal of patriarchy’ and rules of marriage in the early societies from 600 BCE to 600 CE.
“The ideal of Sulh-i-kul was the corner stone of enlightened rule.” In the light of the above statement, make an assessment of the Akbar’s policy of Sulh-i-kul.
Explain how Krishna deva Raya was able to expand and consolidate his empire of Vijayanagara? Explain the causes of the decline of Vijayanagara after his death.