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 Kusumagraj National Poetry Award, instituted in 1991, is presented annually to poets writing in which language?

  1. Marathi

  2. Hindi

  3. Bengali

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

The Kusumagraj National Poetry Award is specifically dedicated to honoring poets who have made significant contributions to Marathi literature, recognizing their exceptional poetic talent.

Multiple choice

Which of these plays is NOT based on a novel?

  1. Tamasha

  2. Kanyadaan

  3. Evam Indrajit

  4. Jis Lahore Nai Dekhya
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Evam Indrajit is an original play, while the other three plays are based on novels.

Multiple choice

Who wrote the play "Kanyadaan"?

  1. Vijay Tendulkar

  2. Badal Sircar

  3. Girish Karnad

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

Kanyadaan is a play written by Vijay Tendulkar, a renowned Indian playwright.

Multiple choice

Which of these plays is NOT written by Mohan Rakesh?

  1. Ashadh Ka Ek Din

  2. Lehron Ke Rajhans

  3. Lahrerein

  4. Mitti Ki Gadi
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Mitti Ki Gadi is written by Badal Sircar, not Mohan Rakesh.

Multiple choice

Which of these plays is NOT based on a short story?

  1. Court Martial

  2. Jis Lahore Nai Dekhya

  3. Ghashiram Kotwal

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

Ghashiram Kotwal is based on a novel, while the other three plays are based on short stories.

Multiple choice

Who wrote the play "Lehron Ke Rajhans"?

  1. Mohan Rakesh

  2. Vijay Tendulkar

  3. Badal Sircar

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

Lehron Ke Rajhans is a play written by Mohan Rakesh, a renowned Indian playwright.

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.