• Temple Architecture: The period saw the evolution of Nagara, Dravida, and Vesara styles of temple architecture.
  • Bhakti Movement: The rise of devotional movements focused on Vishnu, Shiva, and Shakti, promoting personal devotion.
  • Buddhist Decline: Decline in royal patronage led to a reduction in Buddhist influence in India.
  • Tantric Practices: Emerged in both Hinduism and Buddhism, emphasizing rituals and esoteric practices.
  • Sanskrit Literature: Flourished with works by poets like Bhavabhuti and Rajasekhara.
  • Regional Languages: Development of early regional languages like Tamil, Kannada, and Telugu began during this period.
  • Advaita Vedanta: Adi Shankaracharya established Advaita philosophy and revitalized Hinduism.
  • Vaishnavism and Shaivism: These sects gained prominence, with extensive temple building and literary works dedicated to their deities.
  • Alvars and Nayanars: Tamil poet-saints who composed devotional hymns for Vishnu and Shiva.
  • Jain Contributions: Jain scholars like Jinasena and Somadeva enriched Jain literature.
  • Artistic Patronage: Regional kings supported art forms like painting, sculpture, and dance.
  • Ellora and Ajanta: Continued development of rock-cut caves showcasing Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain influences.
  • Metal Art: Advances in bronze sculpture, especially under the Cholas.
  • Education Centers: Universities like Nalanda and Vikramashila remained important centers of learning.
  • Rajput Culture: Flourished with distinct architectural styles, art, and valor-based literature.
  • Festivals and Rituals: Local and regional festivals became more elaborate.
  • Islamic Influence: Early contact introduced Persian and Central Asian cultural elements.
  • Iconography: Increased complexity and diversity in religious iconography.
  • Bhakti Literature: Emergence of devotional poetry in regional languages.
  • Shilpa Shastras: Texts on architecture and sculpture guiding temple construction and icon-making.
  • Chola Temples: Temples like Brihadeshwara represented architectural and artistic zeniths.
  • Hindu Philosophy: Continued elaboration of Darshanas (philosophical systems).
  • Pilgrimage: Emergence of major pilgrimage centers like Varanasi, Kanchipuram, and Rameswaram.
  • Local Deities: Integration of local deities into mainstream Hindu pantheon.
  • Manuscripts: Growth in manuscript writing and preservation in palm leaves.
  • Music and Dance: Development of classical forms like Bharatanatyam and Carnatic music.
  • Yakshagana and Kathak: Regional theatrical traditions that blend storytelling and performance.
  • Guild Patronage: Guilds of traders and craftsmen funded temples and cultural activities.
  • Epigraphy: Inscriptions became a major source of historical and cultural data.
  • Harsha Charita: Written by Banabhatta, showcasing the culture of the time.
  • Kashmir: Flourished as a center of Sanskrit learning and Shaiva traditions.
  • Terracotta Art: Widespread use in temple decorations and sculptures.
  • Medicine: Texts like Sushruta Samhita and Charaka Samhita influenced medical practices.
  • Maritime Trade: Influenced the spread of Indian culture to Southeast Asia.

Category

Questions

  1. Which temple is an example of Chola architecture during this period?
  2. The Bhakti movement in South India was initiated by:
  3. The famous Dashavatara Temple at Deogarh belongs to which dynasty?
  4. The earliest Bhakti literature in Tamil is associated with which text?
  5. The Chola period saw the construction of which bronze deity?
  6. The teachings of Adi Shankaracharya emphasized:
  7. The Lingayat movement was founded by:
  8. The Rashtrakutas were patrons of which classical art form?
  9. The Mahabalipuram Temples are associated with which architectural style?
  10. The Pala dynasty is known for its contributions to which art form?
  11. The famous Shore Temple was built during the reign of which dynasty?
  12. Ramanuja is associated with which philosophical school?
  13. The 64 Yogini temples are associated with which period?
  14. The Bhagavata Purana is associated with the rise of devotion to:
  15. The Nataraja sculpture represents which cosmic concept?
  16. The Khajuraho temples are associated with which dynasty?
  17. The practice of Rajput painting flourished under which kingdom?
  18. The earliest known Sanskrit dramas were written during the reign of which dynasty?
  19. The Bhakti saints in South India primarily worshipped which deity?
  20. The temples at Ellora include monuments dedicated to which religions?
  21. The Ajanta Caves are associated with which religious tradition?
  22. Which text serves as the foundation of Advaita Vedanta?
  23. The Hoysalas were known for their contributions to which architectural style?
  24. The Vaishnava philosopher Madhvacharya founded which school of thought?
  25. The temples of Khajuraho are best known for:
  26. The Pala rulers were responsible for the spread of Indian culture to which region?
  27. The Alvars composed hymns in praise of which deity?
  28. The Nayanars are associated with the worship of:
  29. The Dravidian style of temple architecture flourished under which dynasties?
  30. The Somapura Mahavihara was a famous center of learning in:
  31. Which Pallava king is associated with the development of Mahabalipuram?
  32. The famous "Tevaram" hymns were composed by:
  33. Which ruler is credited with reviving Nalanda University during this period?
  34. The Jagannath Temple at Puri is associated with which dynasty?
  35. The Bhakti movement led to the emergence of which form of music?
  36. The Sun Temple at Konark was built during which dynasty?