How did Buddhism grow during Kushana dynasty? [Imp.]
Kanishka was the most reputed Kushana ruler. During his region Buddhism spread to a great extent. He organised a Buddhist council where scholars used to gather to discuss major issues.Ashvaghosha was a renowned poet in his court. He wrote the biography of the Buddha.Mahayana Buddhism emerged as a new form. This had two special features. Earlier, Buddha's presence was shown in sculpture by using certain signs. Now. statues of Buddha were made. Mathura and Taxila became prominent places where several statues of Buddha were made.The second distinct feature was a belief in Bodhisattvas, who were sacred people and had attained enlightenment. The worship of Bodhisattvas gained popularity in Central, Asia, China and later to Korea and Japan. Buddhism also spread to western and southern India. It also spread south eastwards to Sri Lanka, Myanmar. Thailand and other parts of South east Asia including Indonesia.
Fill in the blanks with appropriate words to complete each sentence.
(i) Gold, ……… and ……….. were in abundance in South India.
(ii) Gautamiputra Shri Satakami and other Satavahana rulers were known as lords of the …………
(iii) The famous Kushana ruler ………….. organised a Buddhist council.
(iv)The older form of Buddhism was known as ……………..
(v) Buddha's attainment of enlightenment was shown by sculptures of the ………………………tree.
(vi) Anyone could follow the path of………………
(vii) Xuan Zang, a Chinese Buddhist pilgrim took the………………… route to return China.
(viii) …….. was the most famous Buddhist monastery.
(ix) The two major centres of power of the Kushanas were ……………….. and ………….
(x) The images of deities were placed within special homes or places known as