Topic : Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times.
1. Give a comparative analysis of Buddhist and Jain literature as a source of ancient Indian history. (250 words)
Reference: Ancient Indian history NCERT by R S Sharma
Why the question:
The question is straightforward and aims to discuss the contributions of Buddhist and Jain literature as a source of ancient Indian history.
Key Demand of the question:
Explain in detail the contributions of the two literatures while giving a comparative analysis of the two.
Directive:
Compare– provide for a detailed comparison of the two types, their features that are similar as well as different. One must provide for detailed assessment of the two.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Both Buddhist and Jain literature are classified under Brahman literature.
Body:
Most ancient Buddhist texts are also Tripitaka. Buddha’s religious ideas and words are collected in Sutta Pitaka. It is called the Encyclopedia of Buddhism. Jain literature on the other hand is classified into two major categories Agam and Non‑agam sutras. Agam literature consists of many texts, which are the sacred books of the Jain religion. They are written in the Ardha-magadhi, a form of Prakrit language. Non-agam literature consists of commentary and explanation of Agam literature, and independent works, compiled by ascetics and scholars. They are written in many languages such as Prakrit, Sanskrit, Apabhramsa, Old Marathi, Rajasthani, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannad, Tamil, German, and English.
Provide for key features of the two literatures and explain in what way they prove to be one of the important sources of ancient Indian history.
Conclusion:
Conclude with the ideologies of the two sects that hold relevant even today through their literature.
