In India’s Ancient Past, historian R. S. Sharma describes early Buddhism as a reform movement. In his account, some Buddhist communities later used Sanskrit in place of Pali, and images of the…
Question and options
In India’s Ancient Past, historian R. S. Sharma describes early Buddhism as a reform movement. In his account, some Buddhist communities later used Sanskrit in place of Pali, and images of the Buddha drew offerings to monasteries. Which interpretation of the change in religious practice is consistent with this account?
Buddhist communities increasingly rejected image worship as their monasteries grew.
The shift to Sanskrit brought offerings and patronage to an end.
Buddhist worship became more devotional, centred on idols.
The most important change was the abandonment of Sanskrit in favour of Pali.
Answer and explanation
Sharma treats later Buddhist image worship as a departure from the earlier reform movement. He discusses the increased use of Sanskrit and the growth of monastic wealth as accompanying changes.
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