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

What were the most famous Sanskrit writings?

  1. Harry Potter

  2. Frozen

  3. Dr. Seus and the Cat in the Hat.

  4. The 2 religious epics: the Mahabharata and the Ramayana
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

The Mahabharata and the Ramayana are the two great Sanskrit epics of ancient India. They are foundational texts that have deeply influenced Indian culture, religion, and literature for millennia.

Multiple choice

How did the Vedic texts develop?

  1. When Jesus wrote them.

  2. When Brahmins wrote down their thoughts about the Vedas.

  3. When Afrikaners wrote the laws of apartheid

  4. When the Buddha found enlightenment
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

The Vedas are the oldest scriptures of Hinduism. The Upanishads and other texts were later written by Brahmins to interpret and expand upon the philosophical ideas contained within the Vedas.

Multiple choice

Some of the earliest works in Tamil, known as

  1. Sangam literature

  2. tamil literature

  3. Hindi literature

  4. all of the above
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Sangam literature refers to the earliest known Tamil literature, composed between 300 BCE and 300 CE.

Multiple choice

The oldest veda is

  1. Samaveda

  2. Rigveda

  3. Atharva veda

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

The Rigveda is the oldest of the four Vedas, dating back to the ancient Vedic period. It contains hymns and prayers dedicated to various deities.

Multiple choice

Where was “ Matru Devo Bhava” mentioned.

  1. Maha Purana

  2. Ramayana

  3. Bhagavadgita

  4. Upanishad

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

The phrase 'Matru Devo Bhava' (Mother is God) originates from the Taittiriya Upanishad, which is one of the ancient Sanskrit texts.

Multiple choice

What are the Vedas?

  1. encyclopedia of information

  2. stories of ancient times

  3. government laws

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

The Vedas are a large body of religious texts originating in ancient India. They serve as a comprehensive collection of hymns, philosophy, and ritual knowledge, functioning as an encyclopedia of religious and cultural information.