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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 sacred text of the Kabir Panth?

  1. The Guru Granth Sahib

  2. The Bhagavad Gita

  3. The Ramayana

  4. The Kabir Bijak
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

The Kabir Bijak is a collection of poems and sayings by Kabir.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is the oldest literary academy in India?

  1. Sahitya Akademi

  2. National Academy of Letters

  3. Bharatiya Jnanpith

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

Sahitya Akademi was established in 1954 and is the oldest literary academy in India.

Multiple choice

What is the primary text of the Ganesha School of Hindu Philosophy?

  1. The Vedas

  2. The Upanishads

  3. The Bhagavad Gita

  4. The Ganesha Purana
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

The Ganesha Purana is the primary text of the Ganesha School of Hindu Philosophy. It is a sacred text that contains stories and teachings about Ganesha.

Multiple choice

What is the name of the Indian treatise on navigation that contains instructions for using the compass?

  1. Surya Siddhanta

  2. Brahma Siddhanta

  3. Aryabhatiya

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

The Panchasiddhantika, an Indian treatise on navigation, contains instructions for using the compass.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is a sacred text of Hinduism?

  1. Vedas

  2. Upanishads

  3. Bhagavad Gita

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

The Vedas, Upanishads, and Bhagavad Gita are all sacred texts of Hinduism.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is a sacred text of Buddhism?

  1. Tripitaka

  2. Dhammapada

  3. Lotus Sutra

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

The Tripitaka, Dhammapada, and Lotus Sutra are all sacred texts of Buddhism.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is a sacred text of Jainism?

  1. Agamas

  2. Jain Sutras

  3. Tattvartha Sutra

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

The Agamas, Jain Sutras, and Tattvartha Sutra are all sacred texts of Jainism.

Multiple choice

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

  1. The Ramayana

  2. The Mahabharata

  3. The Vedas

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

The Vedas are a collection of ancient Hindu religious texts that are considered to be the oldest scriptures in the world.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is a major theme in Indian literature?

  1. Love

  2. War

  3. Religion

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

Indian literature encompasses a wide range of themes, including love, war, religion, and philosophy.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is a notable work of Kannada literature?

  1. Gitanjali

  2. Anand Math

  3. Malgudi Days

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

Yayati is a renowned work of Kannada literature written by V.S. Khandekar. It is a historical novel that explores the life and struggles of Yayati, a legendary king from Hindu mythology.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is a notable work of Malayalam literature?

  1. Gitanjali

  2. Anand Math

  3. Malgudi Days

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

Chemmeen is a renowned work of Malayalam literature written by Thakazhi Sivasankara Pillai. It is a novel that explores the lives of fishermen and their families in coastal Kerala.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is a notable work of Punjabi literature?

  1. Gitanjali

  2. Anand Math

  3. Malgudi Days

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

Heer Ranjha is a renowned work of Punjabi literature written by Waris Shah. It is a tragic love story that explores the themes of love, separation, and sacrifice.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is a famous verse from Kalidasa's Raghuvamsha?

  1. Meghaduta

  2. Abhijnanashakuntalam

  3. Raghuvamsha

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

The verse 'Raghuvamshe Kulaparyantashcha' is a famous verse from Kalidasa's Raghuvamsha.

Multiple choice

What is the name of the play in which Kalidasa portrays the story of King Raghu and his descendants?

  1. Abhijnanashakuntalam

  2. Raghuvamsha

  3. Meghaduta

  4. Vikramorvashiyam
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Raghuvamsha is the play in which Kalidasa portrays the story of King Raghu and his descendants.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is a famous verse from Kalidasa's Meghaduta?

  1. Meghaduta

  2. Abhijnanashakuntalam

  3. Raghuvamsha

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

The verse 'Meghaduta' is a famous verse from Kalidasa's Meghaduta.