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

Which of the following is NOT a major form of ancient Indian literature?

  1. Vedas

  2. Epics

  3. Dramas

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

Novels are a relatively modern form of literature, and did not exist in ancient India.

Multiple choice

What is the oldest known collection of hymns in ancient Indian literature?

  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 known collection of hymns in ancient Indian literature, and is considered to be one of the four Vedas.

Multiple choice

Which of the following epics is considered to be the greatest epic of ancient Indian literature?

  1. Ramayana

  2. Mahabharata

  3. Bhagavad Gita

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

The Mahabharata is considered to be the greatest epic of ancient Indian literature, and is one of the longest epic poems in the world.

Multiple choice

Which sacred text is considered the primary scripture of the Vishnu School?

  1. Bhagavad Gita

  2. Vishnu Purana

  3. Upanishads

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

The Vishnu Purana is the primary scripture of the Vishnu School. It contains stories, legends, and teachings related to Vishnu and his incarnations.

Multiple choice

The concept of (rasa) in Indian aesthetics is closely associated with which of the following?

  1. Natya Shastra

  2. Arthashastra

  3. Rig Veda

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

The concept of (rasa) is extensively discussed in the Natya Shastra, an ancient Indian treatise on performing arts.

Multiple choice

What is the name of the commentary written by Madhusudana Sarasvati on the astronomical text Surya Siddhānta?

  1. Bhāṣya on Surya Siddhānta

  2. Vivaraṇa on Surya Siddhānta

  3. Ṭīkā on Surya Siddhānta

  4. Vṛtti on Surya Siddhānta
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Madhusudana Sarasvati's commentary on the Surya Siddhānta is titled Bhāṣya on Surya Siddhānta.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is NOT one of the four Vedas?

  1. Rigveda

  2. Samaveda

  3. Yajurveda

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

The Atharvaveda is not one of the four Vedas, but it is considered a sacred text of Hinduism.

Multiple choice

Which Veda is primarily composed 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 primarily composed of hymns and prayers, and it is considered the oldest of the four Vedas.

Multiple choice

Which Veda is primarily composed of melodies and chants?

  1. Rigveda

  2. Samaveda

  3. Yajurveda

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

The Samaveda is primarily composed of melodies and chants, and it is used in rituals and ceremonies.

Multiple choice

Which Veda is primarily composed of sacrificial formulas and rituals?

  1. Rigveda

  2. Samaveda

  3. Yajurveda

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

The Yajurveda is primarily composed of sacrificial formulas and rituals, and it is used by priests during ceremonies.

Multiple choice

Which Veda is primarily composed of spells, charms, and incantations?

  1. Rigveda

  2. Samaveda

  3. Yajurveda

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

The Atharvaveda is primarily composed of spells, charms, and incantations, and it is used for healing, protection, and other practical purposes.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is NOT a type of Vedic literature?

  1. Samhitas

  2. Brahmanas

  3. Aranyakas

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

The Upanishads are not a type of Vedic literature, although they are closely associated with the Vedas and are considered to be part of the Hindu scriptures.

Multiple choice

Apabhramsha literature primarily consisted of:

  1. Religious Texts

  2. Historical Chronicles

  3. Epic Poems

  4. Romantic Narratives
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Apabhramsha literature is known for its epic poems and narrative works.

Multiple choice

Which Apabhramsha text is considered a masterpiece of medieval Indian literature?

  1. Prithviraj Raso

  2. Kumarapala Charita

  3. Harivaṃśa Purāṇa

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

Prithviraj Raso, an epic poem, is a notable work in Apabhramsha literature.

Multiple choice

What is the primary text of Mimamsa philosophy?

  1. The Vedas

  2. The Upanishads

  3. The Bhagavad Gita

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

The Mimamsa Sutras, composed by Jaimini, is the primary text of Mimamsa philosophy. It consists of aphorisms that provide guidance on the correct interpretation and application of the Vedas.