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 the sacred text of Judaism?

  1. Bible

  2. Quran

  3. Vedas

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

The Torah is the sacred text of Judaism, consisting of the first five books of the Hebrew Bible.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is the sacred text of Buddhism?

  1. Tripitaka

  2. Quran

  3. Vedas

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

The Tripitaka is the sacred text of Buddhism, consisting of three collections of teachings attributed to the Buddha.

Multiple choice

What is the sacred text of Taoism?

  1. Tao Te Ching

  2. Quran

  3. Vedas

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

The Tao Te Ching is the sacred text of Taoism, attributed to the philosopher Laozi.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is the sacred text of Sikhism?

  1. Guru Granth Sahib

  2. Quran

  3. Vedas

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

The Guru Granth Sahib is the sacred text of Sikhism, consisting of the teachings of the Sikh Gurus.

Multiple choice

What is the sacred text of Jainism?

  1. Agamas

  2. Quran

  3. Vedas

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

The Agamas are the sacred texts of Jainism, consisting of teachings on ethics, metaphysics, and cosmology.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is the sacred text of Baha'i Faith?

  1. Kitab-i-Aqdas

  2. Quran

  3. Vedas

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

The Kitab-i-Aqdas is the sacred text of Baha'i Faith, containing the laws and principles of the religion.

Multiple choice

What is the sacred text of Shintoism?

  1. Kojiki

  2. Quran

  3. Vedas

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

The Kojiki is the sacred text of Shintoism, containing myths and legends about the origins of Japan and its gods.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is the sacred text of Zoroastrianism?

  1. Avesta

  2. Quran

  3. Vedas

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

The Avesta is the sacred text of Zoroastrianism, consisting of hymns, prayers, and philosophical teachings.

Multiple choice

What is the sacred text of Confucianism?

  1. Analects

  2. Quran

  3. Vedas

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

The Analects is the sacred text of Confucianism, consisting of the teachings of Confucius and his disciples.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is the sacred text of Rastafarianism?

  1. Bible

  2. Quran

  3. Vedas

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

The Bible is the sacred text of Rastafarianism, although it is interpreted in a unique way by Rastafarians.

Multiple choice

What is the sacred text of Wicca?

  1. Book of Shadows

  2. Quran

  3. Vedas

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

The Book of Shadows is the sacred text of Wicca, containing spells, rituals, and other teachings.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is the sacred text of Thelema?

  1. Book of the Law

  2. Quran

  3. Vedas

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

The Book of the Law is the sacred text of Thelema, written by Aleister Crowley.

Multiple choice

Which ancient Indian text contains the earliest known reference to dark matter?

  1. Rigveda

  2. Atharvaveda

  3. Yajurveda

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

The Rigveda, one of the four Vedas, contains the earliest known reference to dark matter. It mentions a mysterious substance called 'tamas' that pervades the universe and is associated with darkness and chaos.

Multiple choice

Which Indian literary work contains a detailed description of the cosmic dance of Shiva, often interpreted as a representation of the interplay between dark matter and energy?

  1. Ramayana

  2. Mahabharata

  3. Bhagavad Gita

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

The Shiva Purana contains a detailed description of the cosmic dance of Shiva, known as the 'Tandava'. This dance is often interpreted as a representation of the interplay between dark matter and energy, symbolizing the dynamic and ever-changing nature of the universe.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is considered the earliest surviving Sanskrit drama?

  1. Abhijñānaśākuntalam

  2. Mṛcchakatika

  3. Uttara-Rāmacarita

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

Mṛcchakatika, also known as The Little Clay Cart, is a Sanskrit play attributed to Śūdraka. It is considered to be the earliest surviving Sanskrit drama.