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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 of the following is a text that is considered to be a commentary on the Bhagavad Gita by the Achintya Bheda Abheda School of Vedanta?

  1. The Bhagavad-gita As It Is

  2. The Bhagavad Gita Bhashya

  3. The Bhagavad Gita Rahasya

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

The Bhagavad Gita Rahasya is a commentary on the Bhagavad Gita by Bhaktivinoda Thakura, a prominent figure in the Achintya Bheda Abheda School of Vedanta.

Multiple choice

Which ancient Indian text is considered the foundation of economic thought in India?

  1. Rigveda

  2. Arthashastra

  3. Upanishads

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

The Arthashastra, written by Kautilya in the 4th century BCE, is an ancient Indian treatise on statecraft, economics, and military strategy. It is considered the foundation of economic thought in India and contains discussions on various aspects of economic justice, including taxation, public finance, and the role of the state in economic affairs.

Multiple choice

What is the sacred scripture of Sikhism?

  1. Guru Granth Sahib

  2. Bhagavad Gita

  3. Qur'an

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

The Guru Granth Sahib is the holy book of Sikhism and is considered the final and eternal Guru.

Multiple choice

What is the name of the 2018 Indian web series that follows the life of a young cricketer named Ranji?

  1. Inside Edge

  2. Sacred Games

  3. Mirzapur

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

Inside Edge is a 2018 Indian web series that follows the life of a young cricketer named Ranji. The series was directed by Karan Anshuman and stars Vivek Oberoi, Richa Chadha, and Angad Bedi.

Multiple choice

What is the name of the 2021 Indian web series that follows the life of a young cricketer named Arjun?

  1. Selection Day

  2. Sacred Games

  3. Mirzapur

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

Selection Day is a 2021 Indian web series that follows the life of a young cricketer named Arjun. The series was directed by Ujjwal Chatterjee and stars Yash Dholye, Mohammad Samad, and Rajesh Tailang.

Multiple choice

What is the name of the 2023 Indian web series that follows the life of a young cricketer named Rahul?

  1. Selection Day

  2. Sacred Games

  3. Mirzapur

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

Selection Day is a 2023 Indian web series that follows the life of a young cricketer named Rahul. The series was directed by Ujjwal Chatterjee and stars Yash Dholye, Mohammad Samad, and Rajesh Tailang.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is NOT considered one of the major Puranas?

  1. Bhagavata Purana

  2. Vishnu Purana

  3. Shiva Purana

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

The Ramayana is an epic poem, not a Purana.

Multiple choice

Which Purana is considered the most important and authoritative among the major Puranas?

  1. Bhagavata Purana

  2. Vishnu Purana

  3. Shiva Purana

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

The Bhagavata Purana is often regarded as the most important and authoritative among the major Puranas, and it is particularly revered by Vaishnavas, who consider it to be the supreme scripture.

Multiple choice

Which Purana is known for its detailed accounts of the creation of the universe and the various cosmic cycles?

  1. Bhagavata Purana

  2. Vishnu Purana

  3. Shiva Purana

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

The Brahma Purana is known for its detailed accounts of the creation of the universe, the various cosmic cycles, and the genealogies of gods and sages.

Multiple choice

Which Purana is known for its detailed descriptions of the various hells and heavens in the afterlife?

  1. Bhagavata Purana

  2. Vishnu Purana

  3. Shiva Purana

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

The Brahma Purana is known for its detailed descriptions of the various hells and heavens in the afterlife, providing insights into ancient Indian beliefs about the consequences of one's actions in this life.

Multiple choice

Which Purana is known for its detailed accounts of the various cosmic cycles and the destruction and recreation of the universe?

  1. Bhagavata Purana

  2. Vishnu Purana

  3. Shiva Purana

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

The Brahma Purana is known for its detailed accounts of the various cosmic cycles and the destruction and recreation of the universe, providing insights into ancient Indian beliefs about the cyclical nature of existence.

Multiple choice

Which Indian astronomical text was translated into German in the 18th century, sparking interest in Indian astronomy among European scholars?

  1. Rigveda

  2. Atharvaveda

  3. Yajurveda

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

The Yajurveda, one of the four Vedas, was translated into German in the 18th century by August Wilhelm Schlegel. This translation introduced European scholars to Indian astronomy and sparked interest in the field.

Multiple choice

In Indian literature, which epic poem describes a grand feast hosted by the Pandavas during their exile, where a variety of dishes are served to the guests?

  1. Ramayana

  2. Mahabharata

  3. Bhagavad Gita

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

The Mahabharata, one of the two major Indian epic poems, describes a grand feast hosted by the Pandavas during their exile, where a variety of dishes are served to the guests.

Multiple choice

In Indian literature, which famous collection of short stories by Rabindranath Tagore explores the lives of ordinary people and their relationship with food, poverty, and social injustice?

  1. Gitanjali

  2. The Home and the World

  3. Hungry Stones

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

Hungry Stones, a collection of short stories by Rabindranath Tagore, explores the lives of ordinary people and their relationship with food, poverty, and social injustice.

Multiple choice

Which Indian literary work is a collection of fables and parables that teaches moral lessons through animal characters and their interactions, often involving food and culinary themes?

  1. Panchatantra

  2. Hitopadesha

  3. Jataka Tales

  4. Aesop's Fables
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Panchatantra, a collection of fables and parables, teaches moral lessons through animal characters and their interactions, often involving food and culinary themes.