Important Terminologies related to Ancient and Medieval India

Buddhism & Jainism

Word

Meaning

Ajivika

A heterodox sect closer to Jainism. It prospered at the time of the Buddha.

Stupa

Domical structure containing relics of the Buddha.

Hinayana

Literally ‘lesser vehicle’, also known as ‘abandoned vehicle’ or ‘defective vehicle’. It believes in the original teachings of Buddha or ‘Doctrine of Elders’.

Chaitya

A Buddhist place of worship.

Bodhisattva

An individual who attains ‘nirvana’ by working for the welfare of the world.

Dharma-Chakra-Pravartana

Turning of the wheel of the law.

Theravada

A Buddhist Sect.

Nigrantha

Free from all bonds.

Kaivalya

Highest Spiritual Knowledge.

Digambara

A Jain sect believes that to attain ‘Moksha’, one must give up the luxury of clothes also.

Vedic Period/Ancient ....