General Awareness · History

Indian Literature and Texts

2,973 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

Which of the following is a sacred text for Jains in India?

  1. Agamas

  2. Quran

  3. Bhagavad Gita

  4. Guru Granth Sahib
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The Agamas are the sacred texts of Jainism and are revered by Jains worldwide, including those in India.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is a sacred text for Baháʼís in India?

  1. Kitáb-i-Aqdas

  2. Quran

  3. Bhagavad Gita

  4. Guru Granth Sahib
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The Kitáb-i-Aqdas is the holy book of the Baháʼí Faith and is revered by Baháʼís worldwide, including those in India.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is a sacred text for Zoroastrians in India?

  1. Avesta

  2. Quran

  3. Bhagavad Gita

  4. Guru Granth Sahib
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The Avesta is the holy book of Zoroastrianism and is revered by Zoroastrians worldwide, including those in India.

Multiple choice

Which ancient Indian text is considered the primary source of knowledge about Indian mathematics?

  1. Rigveda

  2. Atharvaveda

  3. Yajurveda

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

The Rigveda is the oldest of the four Vedas and contains hymns and verses that provide insights into ancient Indian mathematical concepts.

Multiple choice

Which ancient Indian text is considered the foundation of Hindu philosophy and has significantly influenced Western thought?

  1. Bhagavad Gita

  2. Upanishads

  3. Rigveda

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

The Upanishads, part of the Vedas, are a collection of philosophical and spiritual texts that explore the nature of reality, consciousness, and the relationship between the individual and the universe.

Multiple choice

What is the name of the ancient Indian collection of sacred texts, consisting of hymns, rituals, and philosophical treatises?

  1. The Vedas

  2. The Upanishads

  3. The Bhagavad Gita

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

The Vedas are a collection of ancient Indian sacred texts, consisting of hymns, rituals, and philosophical treatises, and are considered to be the oldest scriptures of Hinduism.

Multiple choice

What is the name of the ancient Indian epic poem that tells the story of the Pandava brothers and their struggle against the Kauravas?

  1. The Mahabharata

  2. The Ramayana

  3. The Bhagavad Gita

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

The Mahabharata is an ancient Indian epic poem that tells the story of the Pandava brothers and their struggle against the Kauravas.

Multiple choice

What is the name of the ancient Indian text that contains a collection of fables and moral stories?

  1. The Panchatantra

  2. The Jataka Tales

  3. The Hitopadesha

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

The Panchatantra is an ancient Indian collection of fables and moral stories, dating back to the 3rd century BCE.

Multiple choice

Which Indian astronomical text discusses the concept of Moksha and its implications for the study of the universe?

  1. Surya Siddhanta

  2. Brihat Samhita

  3. Panchasiddhantika

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

Surya Siddhanta, an ancient Indian astronomical text, includes discussions on the relationship between astronomy and Moksha.

Multiple choice

Which ancient Indian text is considered the foundation of Vedic mathematics?

  1. Rigveda

  2. Atharvaveda

  3. Yajurveda

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

The Atharvaveda, one of the four Vedas, is believed to contain the earliest references to Vedic mathematics, which is known for its unique techniques and algorithms.

Multiple choice

Which Upanishad contains the famous teaching, "Tat tvam asi" (Thou art That)?

  1. Brihadaranyaka Upanishad

  2. Chandogya Upanishad

  3. Taittiriya Upanishad

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

The Chandogya Upanishad contains the famous teaching, "Tat tvam asi" (Thou art That).

Multiple choice

Which Upanishad contains the teaching of the three gunas?

  1. Brihadaranyaka Upanishad

  2. Chandogya Upanishad

  3. Taittiriya Upanishad

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

The Svetasvatara Upanishad contains the teaching of the three gunas.

Multiple choice

Which Upanishad contains the teaching of the seven chakras?

  1. Brihadaranyaka Upanishad

  2. Chandogya Upanishad

  3. Taittiriya Upanishad

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

The Kena Upanishad contains the teaching of the seven chakras.

Multiple choice

Which Upanishad contains the teaching of the nadis?

  1. Brihadaranyaka Upanishad

  2. Chandogya Upanishad

  3. Taittiriya Upanishad

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

The Yoga Upanishad contains the teaching of the nadis.

Multiple choice

Which Upanishad contains the teaching of the prana?

  1. Brihadaranyaka Upanishad

  2. Chandogya Upanishad

  3. Taittiriya Upanishad

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

The Prana Upanishad contains the teaching of the prana.