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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 general knowledge culture

This novel had won the Kerala Sahithya Academy Award in 1972, the Kendra Sahithya Academy Award in 1977, and the Jnanpith Award in 1980.Which is this novel ?

  1. Oru theruvinte kadha

  2. Oru deshathinte kadha

  3. Randamoozham

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

Oru Desathinte Kadha by Vaikom Muhammad Basheer won the Kerala Sahitya Academy Award in 1972, Kendra Sahitya Academy Award in 1977, and Jnanpith Award in 1980. This Malayalam novel is considered a masterpiece of Indian literature. Oru Theruvinte Kadha and Chemmeen are other works, while Randamoozham is by MT Vasudevan Nair.

Multiple choice general knowledge culture

An epic which is written by Thakazhi ,for which he got the Jnanpith award. Choose one option from below.

  1. Chemmeen

  2. Randidaganzhi

  3. Enippadikal

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

Thakazhi Sivasankara Pillai received the Jnanpith Award in 1975 primarily for his epic novel 'Kayar' (Coir), which spans multiple generations and explores the social fabric of Kerala. While 'Chemmeen' (Prawns) is his most internationally renowned work, the Jnanpith specifically honored 'Kayar' for its epic scale and literary achievement. 'Randidangazhi' and 'Enippadikal' are also his works but not the Jnanpith winner.

Multiple choice general knowledge history

The four religious books of the aryans of the vedic period are

  1. Rig Veda,Yajur veda,Sama Veda,Atharvana Veda

  2. Rig Veda,Yakur veda,Sanam Veda,Atharbina Veda

  3. Rig Veda,Yajur veda,Sama Veda,Atha Veda

  4. Rig Veda,Yajur veda,Tanga Veda,Atharvana Veda
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The four Vedas of the Vedic period are Rig Veda, Yajur Veda, Sama Veda, and Atharva Veda (also called Atharvana Veda). These are the most ancient Hindu scriptures and form the foundation of Hindu religious literature.

Multiple choice general knowledge

Heroine of Memories of mid night

  1. Mary Ashley

  2. Noelle Page

  3. Catherine Douglas

  4. Jill Castle
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Memories of Midnight by Sidney Sheldon features Catherine Douglas as the central character. The story continues from The Other Side of Midnight, focusing on her struggle to survive and rebuild her life after traumatic events.

Multiple choice general knowledge

Who gave the Paluvettarayar's ring to Vandhiyathevan by which he entered to Thanjur Palace?

  1. Elder Paluvettarayar

  2. Younger Paluvettarayar

  3. Nandini

  4. He stole it
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

In the novel 'Ponniyin Selvan' by Kalki, Nandini gives the Paluvettarayar's ring to Vandhiyathevan, which he uses to gain entry to the Thanjavur Palace. This ring serves as a crucial plot device that allows Vandhiyathevan to infiltrate the palace and advance the story. Options A and B are the two Paluvettarayar brothers themselves, and D would mean theft rather than being given the ring.

Multiple choice general knowledge

Where did Kundhavai met Vandhiyathevan for the first time?

  1. In Astrologer's house

  2. In a riverside

  3. In Temple

  4. In her palace
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Kundhavai and Vandhiyathevan first meet in the astrologer's house in Ponniyin Selvan. This is a significant scene in the novel where the protagonists encounter each other for the first time, setting up their relationship. Option D (her palace) might seem plausible for royalty, but that's not their first meeting location in the story.

Multiple choice general knowledge

What is the message sent by Kundhavai to Arulmozhivarman through Vandhiyathevan?

  1. To accept the throne of Lanka given by Buddhist Monks

  2. To comeback to Palaiyarai immediately

  3. To stay in Lanka itself

  4. None
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

In Ponniyin Selvan, Kundhavai sends a message through Vandhiyathevan telling Arulmozhivarman to return to Palaiyarai immediately. This message is crucial to the plot - it summons Arulmozhivarman back from Lanka, setting in motion key events. Option A (accepting Lanka's throne) and C (staying in Lanka) would mean continuing his stay there, which contradicts the message.

Multiple choice general knowledge

The only religious book ever printed in a shorthand scripts is:

  1. The ramayana

  2. The Mahabharata

  3. Guru Granth Sahib

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

The Bible has been translated and printed in many formats including shorthand scripts for transcription efficiency. While the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Guru Granth Sahib are sacred texts, they are not specifically known for shorthand editions.

Multiple choice general knowledge

The only religious book ever printed in a shorthand scripts is:

  1. The Ramayana

  2. The Mahabharata

  3. The Bible

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

The Bible holds the distinction of being the only religious book ever printed in shorthand script, specifically in the Gregg shorthand system. This 1917 publication demonstrated shorthand's versatility for rapid transcription of sacred texts.

Multiple choice general knowledge

The oldest printed work in the world, which dates back to AD 868 is:

  1. The Bible

  2. The Hirake Sutra

  3. The Ramayana

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

The Diamond Sutra (Vajracchedika Prajnaparamita Sutra), dated AD 868, is the oldest surviving printed book in the world. It was discovered in the Dunhuang caves in China and is now held in the British Library. This Buddhist text predates Gutenberg's printing press by nearly 600 years.

Multiple choice general knowledge

????????? ???????? ?????? ??????????????- ???????? ??????? ??. About what the above kural talks about?

  1. mercy of god

  2. woes of human birth

  3. wishes of humans

  4. greedy of humans
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

This question asks about the theme of a Thirukkural verse. Thirukkural is a classic Tamil text on ethics. The correct answer B 'woes of human birth' reflects the verse's contemplation of human suffering and the challenges of earthly existence. Option A incorrectly attributes this to divine mercy, while C and D do not capture the verse's philosophical depth about human condition.