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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

Which Indian book, written in Tamil, is considered one of the greatest works of classical Tamil literature?

  1. Silappatikaram

  2. Manimekalai

  3. Thirukkural

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

Silappatikaram, an epic poem by Ilango Adigal, is one of the five great epics of Tamil literature and has been translated into several languages.

Multiple choice

Which Indian book, written in Kannada, is considered a masterpiece of medieval Indian literature?

  1. Vachana Sahitya

  2. Jaimini Bharata

  3. Kavirajamarga

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

Vachana Sahitya, a collection of mystical and philosophical poems by various saints, is considered a masterpiece of medieval Indian literature and has been translated into several languages.

Multiple choice

Which Indian book, written in Telugu, is considered a masterpiece of Telugu literature?

  1. Amuktamalyada

  2. Basavapurana

  3. Srimad Bhagavatam

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

Amuktamalyada, a poetic work by Krishnadevaraya, is considered a masterpiece of Telugu literature and has been translated into several languages.

Multiple choice

Which Indian book, written in Marathi, is considered a classic of Marathi literature?

  1. Tukaram Gatha

  2. Marathi Sahitya

  3. Sant Tukaram Abhang

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

Jnaneshwari, a commentary on the Bhagavad Gita by Jnaneshwar, is considered a classic of Marathi literature and has been translated into several languages.

Multiple choice

Which ancient Indian epic poem is attributed to the sage Valmiki?

  1. The Ramayana

  2. The Mahabharata

  3. The Bhagavad Gita

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

The Ramayana is an ancient Indian epic poem attributed to the sage Valmiki. It tells the story of Rama, a prince who is exiled from his kingdom and must rescue his wife Sita from the demon king Ravana.

Multiple choice

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

  1. The Rigveda

  2. The Mahabharata

  3. The Ramayana

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

The Rigveda is a collection of hymns and poems that is considered to be the oldest surviving text in Indo-Aryan literature.

Multiple choice

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

  1. The Panchatantra

  2. The Hitopadesha

  3. The Kathasaritsagara

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

The Panchatantra is a collection of fables and stories that is considered to be the first major work of prose in Indian literature.

Multiple choice

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

  1. The Mrichchakatika

  2. The Uttararamacharita

  3. The Mudrarakshasa

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

The Mrichchakatika is considered to be the first major work of Indian drama. It is a play by Shudraka that tells the story of a young man named Charudatta and his love for a courtesan named Vasantasena.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is considered the first major work of Indian poetry in English?

  1. The Song of the Bhagavad Gita

  2. Gitanjali

  3. The Discovery of India

  4. Midnight's Children
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The Song of the Bhagavad Gita is considered to be the first major work of Indian poetry in English. It is a translation of the Bhagavad Gita by Edwin Arnold.

Multiple choice

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

  1. The Meghnad Badh Kavya

  2. The Anandamath

  3. The Devdas

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

The Meghnad Badh Kavya is considered to be the first major work of Indian literature in Bengali. It is an epic poem by Michael Madhusudan Dutt.

Multiple choice

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

  1. The Jnaneshwari

  2. The Tukaram Gatha

  3. The Eknath Bhagawat

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

The Jnaneshwari is considered to be the first major work of Indian literature in Marathi. It is a commentary on the Bhagavad Gita by Jnaneshwar.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is an example of a work of art that is known for its ability to express both beauty and truth?

  1. The Upanishads

  2. The Vedas

  3. The Mahabharata

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

The Upanishads, the Vedas, and the Mahabharata are all examples of works of art that are known for their ability to express both beauty and truth. The Upanishads are a collection of philosophical texts that explore the nature of reality and the relationship between the individual and the divine. The Vedas are a collection of hymns and prayers that are considered to be the oldest religious texts in the world. The Mahabharata is an epic poem that tells the story of the Kurukshetra War, a legendary battle between two families of cousins.

Multiple choice

The 'Sports Illustrated' magazine, known for its coverage of global sports, has featured the works of which Indian artist, showcasing his unique style of sports-themed paintings?

  1. Tyeb Mehta

  2. V.S. Gaitonde

  3. S.H. Raza

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

Jogen Chowdhury, a prominent Indian artist, has gained recognition for his distinctive style of sports-themed paintings. His artworks have been featured in the renowned 'Sports Illustrated' magazine, capturing the attention of sports enthusiasts worldwide.

Multiple choice

Which Indian artist is known for his series of paintings titled 'The Game', which explores the intersection of sports and art, capturing the emotions and dynamics of various sports?

  1. Atul Dodiya

  2. Anish Kapoor

  3. Subodh Gupta

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

Atul Dodiya, a contemporary Indian artist, has gained recognition for his series of paintings titled 'The Game.' This series delves into the relationship between sports and art, capturing the emotions, intensity, and dynamics of various sports through his unique artistic style.

Multiple choice

Which Indian artist's work, titled 'Hockey Players', depicts the intensity and determination of hockey players during a match, using bold brushstrokes and vibrant colors?

  1. Tyeb Mehta

  2. V.S. Gaitonde

  3. S.H. Raza

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

Tyeb Mehta, a prominent Indian artist, created the powerful painting titled 'Hockey Players.' This artwork captures the intensity, determination, and physicality of hockey players during a match. Mehta's bold brushstrokes and vibrant colors convey the energy and passion associated with the sport.