General Awareness · History

Indian Literature and Texts

3,277 Questions

Indian literature features rich ancient texts, epics like the Mahabharata, and philosophical Upanishads. This topic covers seminal works of Indian mythology and Sanskrit tradition. It is a highly scoring area in UPSC, state PSC, and other competitive examinations.

Ancient Indian epicsSacred Hindu textsSanskrit traditionIndian mythologyJain literary texts

Indian Literature and Texts Questions

Multiple choice

What is the central theme explored in much of Dalit literature?

  1. Dalit identity and experience

  2. Social and economic inequality

  3. Caste discrimination and oppression

  4. All of the above
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Dalit literature often delves into the lived experiences of Dalits, addressing issues of identity, social and economic inequality, caste discrimination, and oppression. It seeks to amplify marginalized voices and challenge societal norms.

Multiple choice

What is the name of the Samkhya text that is considered to be the most authoritative?

  1. The Samkhya Karika

  2. The Samkhya Sutra

  3. The Samkhya Pravacana

  4. The Samkhya Tattva Kaumudi
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The Samkhya Karika is the most authoritative text of the Samkhya school.

Multiple choice

Which ancient Indian text mentions the game of dice as a form of gambling?

  1. Rigveda

  2. Atharvaveda

  3. Yajurveda

  4. Samaveda
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The Rigveda, the oldest of the four Vedas, mentions the game of dice as a form of gambling.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is an example of a successful initiative for the translation and dissemination of Indian knowledge systems?

  1. The Clay Sanskrit Library

  2. The UNESCO Memory of the World Register

  3. The Indian Council for Cultural Relations

  4. All of the above
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

The Clay Sanskrit Library, the UNESCO Memory of the World Register, and the Indian Council for Cultural Relations are all examples of successful initiatives that have contributed to the translation and dissemination of Indian knowledge systems on a global scale.

Multiple choice

Which of the following was the first English-language literary journal published in India?

  1. The Calcutta Review

  2. The Madras Journal of Literature and Science

  3. The Bombay Quarterly Review

  4. The Indian Review
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The Calcutta Review was first published in 1844 and is considered to be the first English-language literary journal published in India.

Multiple choice

What other works did Varahamihira write?

  1. Brihat Samhita

  2. Laghu Jataka

  3. Yoga Yatra

  4. All of the above
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Varahamihira wrote a number of other works besides the Pancasiddhantika, including the Brihat Samhita, the Laghu Jataka, and the Yoga Yatra. The Brihat Samhita is an encyclopedia of various topics, including astronomy, astrology, and architecture. The Laghu Jataka is a treatise on astrology, and the Yoga Yatra is a treatise on yoga.

Multiple choice

What is the name of Varahamihira's most famous work on astrology?

  1. Brihat Samhita

  2. Laghu Jataka

  3. Yoga Yatra

  4. Pancasiddhantika
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Varahamihira's most famous work on astrology is the Brihat Samhita.

Multiple choice

What is the name of Varahamihira's work on yoga?

  1. Brihat Samhita

  2. Laghu Jataka

  3. Yoga Yatra

  4. Pancasiddhantika
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Varahamihira's work on yoga is called the Yoga Yatra.

Multiple choice

In Judaism, what is the name of the sacred text that contains the Torah, Nevi'im, and Ketuvim?

  1. Tanakh

  2. Midrash

  3. Talmud

  4. Zohar
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The Tanakh is the sacred text of Judaism and contains the Torah, Nevi'im, and Ketuvim.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is not a major theme in Indian English Literature?

  1. Nationalism

  2. Social reform

  3. Cultural identity

  4. Love and romance
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Nationalism, social reform, and cultural identity are major themes in Indian English Literature. Love and romance is not a major theme.

Multiple choice

Which ancient Indian text is considered the foundation of Indian literary theory?

  1. Rigveda

  2. Atharvaveda

  3. Samaveda

  4. Natya Shastra
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

The Natya Shastra, attributed to the sage Bharata, is an ancient Indian treatise on dramaturgy and performance arts. It is considered the foundation of Indian literary theory and provides insights into various aspects of drama, including plot, characterization, and演出.

Multiple choice

Which ancient Indian text is considered a seminal work on poetics and literary criticism?

  1. Rigveda

  2. Atharvaveda

  3. Samaveda

  4. Kavyadarsha
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Kavyadarsha, written by Dandin in the 7th century CE, is a seminal work on poetics and literary criticism in ancient India. It discusses various aspects of poetry, including its nature, purpose, and different types, and provides insights into the aesthetic principles and critical standards of the time.

Multiple choice

What are the sources of Dharma?

  1. The Vedas

  2. The Upanishads

  3. The Bhagavad Gita

  4. All of the above
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

The sources of Dharma include the Vedas, the Upanishads, the Bhagavad Gita, and other sacred texts.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is considered the first major work of Malayalam literature?

  1. Ramacharitam

  2. Unniyadi Charitham

  3. Thirunizhalmala

  4. Nalacharitham
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Thunchaththu Ezhuthachan (1510-1599) is revered as the father of Malayalam literature for his contributions to the language and literature, including his translation of the Ramayana into Malayalam.

Multiple choice

Which ancient Indian text extensively discusses the concept of kingship?

  1. The Arthashastra

  2. The Rigveda

  3. The Upanishads

  4. The Bhagavad Gita
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The Arthashastra, written by Kautilya, is an ancient Indian text that extensively discusses the concept of kingship. It provides detailed guidelines on how a king should rule and administer his kingdom.