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

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

  1. Quran

  2. Bhagavad Gita

  3. Guru Granth Sahib

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

The Quran is the holy book of Islam and is revered by Muslims worldwide, including those in India.

Multiple choice

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

  1. Bible

  2. Quran

  3. Guru Granth Sahib

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

The Bible is the holy book of Christianity and is revered by Christians worldwide, including those in India.

Multiple choice

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

  1. Guru Granth Sahib

  2. Quran

  3. Bhagavad Gita

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

The Guru Granth Sahib is the holy book of Sikhism and is revered by Sikhs worldwide, including those in India.

Multiple choice

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

  1. Tripitaka

  2. Quran

  3. Bhagavad Gita

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

The Tripitaka is the holy book of Buddhism and is revered by Buddhists worldwide, including those in India.

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

In the novel "The Girl Who Could Fly" by Victoria Forester, what is the name of the young gymnast who discovers she has the ability to fly?

  1. Piper McCloud

  2. Lily Harper

  3. Zoe Bennett

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

Piper McCloud is the protagonist of Victoria Forester's novel "The Girl Who Could Fly", who embarks on a journey of self-discovery after gaining the power of flight.

Multiple choice

The ancient Tamil epic Silappatikaram is renowned for its exquisite portrayal of which theme?

  1. Love and Romance

  2. War and Conquest

  3. Devotion and Spirituality

  4. Nature and the Environment
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Silappatikaram is considered a masterpiece of Tamil literature and is widely acclaimed for its intricate and moving depiction of love and romance between its central characters, Kannaki and Kovalan.

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 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).