Contribution of Buddhism to Indian Culture

 

Buddhism has made a remarkable contribution to Indian culture. Let us take the look at all the contributions of Buddhism to Indian culture one by one.

 

Reformation of Hinduism:

 

The doctrines of Buddha have made their impact on Hinduism. They promoted the principle of �Ahimsa� which made a change in the performance of costly animal sacrifices for �yajnas�. Do you know what the principle of �Ahimsa� is?

 

The principle of �Ahimsa� is the ethical principle of not causing harm to other living things. People reduced sacrificing animals as it was against the principle of �Ahimsa�. People who belonged to

Mahayana sect believed in idol worship which was later adopted by Hinduism. They started worshipping gods by worshipping their idols and started making temples.

 

Contribution of Buddhism to Indian Culture in Terms Of Education:

 

They developed Buddhist monasteries into educational centers. These educational centers then developed into famous universities.

 

Can you guess which the world�s first university was?

 

It is Nalanda University which was located in the Magadha (Modern day Patna) and you will find it interesting this university was also a monastery.

Ancient Nalanda University

 

Some other monasteries turned universities are Taxila University and Vikramasila etc. Students from all over the world used to come here and enjoy the educational facilities.

 

Development of Literature:

 

Buddha�s teachings were collected and compiled into a scripture named �Tripitaka�. �Jatak Tales� is the other book that contains details about the previous births of Buddha. These two books have made an important contribution to Indian literature.

 

Contribution of Buddhism to Indian Culture in terms of Art and Architecture:

Buddhism has had a great impact on the art and architecture of India. Do you remember any famous Buddhist buildings? Well, one of the famous Buddhist architecture is the Stupas at Sanchi.

Sanchi Stupa

 

Some other examples of Buddhist architecture are the stupas of Bharhut and Amravati, the stone pillars of Ashoka, and the cave temples of Kanheri, Karle, and Nasik. These places have given us the best features of Buddhist art and architecture.

 

Contribution of Buddhism to Indian Culture - Questions:

 

1. Buddhism promoted the principle of _________
a. Salvation
b. Idol worship
c. Sacrificing animals
d. Ahimsa

 

2. Idol worship is followed by which of the following sect?
a. Vajrayana
b. Hinayana
c. Digambara
d. Mahayana

 

3. Which of the following is NOT a monastery-turned university?
a. Taxila University
b. Nalanda University
c. Vikramshila University
d. Cambridge University

 

4. Buddha�s teachings are compiled into _______.
a. Jatak Tales
b. Purvas
c. Angas
d. Tripitaka

 

5. The principle of �Ahimsa� is __________
a. Not following any god
b. Killing animals
c. Idol worship
d. Not causing harm to other living things

 

Read More:

 

Decline Of Buddhism: 6 Factors That Led To Decline Of Buddhism In India