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

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

3.Which Alvar woman's songs are sung widely?

  1. Karaikkal Ammaiyar

  2. Priyasi

  3. Prajapati

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

Andal was a female Alvar saint whose compositions, specifically the Tiruppavai, are widely sung in Tamil Nadu. Karaikkal Ammaiyar was a Nayanar saint.

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.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is true about the Bhagavad Gita?

  1. It was written in English.

  2. Its teachings are limited to Indian society.

  3. It contains the ancient stories, and beliefs of Hinduism.

  4. Most Hindus no longer find it valuable.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

The Bhagavad Gita is a central sacred text of Hinduism that contains ancient stories, philosophical dialogues, and core religious beliefs.

Multiple choice

Which ancient Indian epic poem tells the story of the Pandavas and Kauravas?

  1. Ramayana

  2. Mahabharata

  3. Bhagavad Gita

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

The Mahabharata is one of the two major Sanskrit epics of ancient India, the other being the Ramayana.

Multiple choice

Which ancient Indian text is a collection of hymns and prayers?

  1. Rigveda

  2. Samaveda

  3. Yajurveda

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

The Rigveda is the oldest of the four Vedas, the sacred texts of Hinduism.

Multiple choice

Which ancient Indian text is a collection of philosophical and theological treatises?

  1. Upanishads

  2. Brahmanas

  3. Aranyakas

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

The Upanishads are a collection of philosophical and theological treatises that are part of the Vedas, the sacred texts of Hinduism.

Multiple choice

Which ancient Indian text is a collection of fables and parables?

  1. Panchatantra

  2. Hitopadesha

  3. Jatakas

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

The Panchatantra is a collection of fables and parables that is believed to have been written in India around the 3rd century BCE.