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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 considered to be the greatest work of Indian horror?

  1. The Ramayana

  2. The Mahabharata

  3. The Bhagavad Gita

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

The Exorcist is a horror novel that was written by William Peter Blatty in 1971. It is considered to be one of the greatest works of Indian horror.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is considered to be the greatest work of Indian mystery?

  1. The Ramayana

  2. The Mahabharata

  3. The Bhagavad Gita

  4. And Then There Were None
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

And Then There Were None is a mystery novel that was written by Agatha Christie in 1939. It is considered to be one of the greatest works of Indian mystery.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is considered to be the greatest work of Indian thriller?

  1. The Ramayana

  2. The Mahabharata

  3. The Bhagavad Gita

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

The Bourne Identity is a thriller novel that was written by Robert Ludlum in 1980. It is considered to be one of the greatest works of Indian thriller.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is considered to be the greatest work of Indian autobiography?

  1. The Ramayana

  2. The Mahabharata

  3. The Bhagavad Gita

  4. The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin is an autobiography that was written by Benjamin Franklin in the 18th century. It is considered to be one of the greatest works of Indian autobiography.

Multiple choice

What is the name of the ancient Indian text that contains mathematical and astronomical knowledge?

  1. Rigveda

  2. Yajurveda

  3. Samaveda

  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, and contains hymns and prayers. It also includes mathematical and astronomical knowledge, such as the concept of zero and the use of geometric shapes.

Multiple choice

Which of these is an adaptation of a Hindu epic?

  1. The Ramayana

  2. The Mahabharata

  3. The Bhagavad Gita

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

The Ramayana is a Hindu epic poem that tells the story of Rama, a prince who is exiled from his kingdom and must rescue his wife Sita from the demon king Ravana.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is not a Vedic text?

  1. Rigveda

  2. Yajurveda

  3. Samaveda

  4. Atharvaveda

  5. Brahmanas
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
E Correct answer
Explanation

The Brahmanas are a collection of ritual texts, while the Rigveda, Yajurveda, Samaveda, and Atharvaveda are all collections of hymns.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is not one of the 16 sutras of Vedic mathematics?

  1. Ekadhika

  2. Nikhilam

  3. Urdhva-tiryakbhyam

  4. Vyashtisamansam

  5. Sankalana-vyavakalanam
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
E Correct answer
Explanation

Sankalana-vyavakalanam is not one of the 16 sutras of Vedic mathematics.

Multiple choice

Which Indian astronomical text was translated into Khmer in the 13th century?

  1. Surya Siddhanta

  2. Brihat Samhita

  3. Pancasiddhantika

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

The Surya Siddhanta, an influential Indian astronomical text, was translated into Khmer in the 13th century and became known as the "Suryavarman Siddhanta".

Multiple choice

What is the name of the Laotian astronomical text that was based on Indian astronomical knowledge?

  1. Traibhumikatha

  2. Phra Lak Phra Lam

  3. Nithan Khun Borom

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

Traibhumikatha, a Laotian astronomical text, was based on Indian astronomical knowledge and contains information on cosmology, astrology, and astronomy.

Multiple choice

What is the most famous example of Indian religious literature?

  1. The Vedas

  2. The Upanishads

  3. The Bhagavad Gita

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

The Ramayana is the most famous example of Indian religious literature, as it is a beautiful and iconic epic poem that tells the story of the Hindu god Rama.

Multiple choice

What is the setting of The Kadambari?

  1. Ujjain

  2. Kannauj

  3. Pataliputra

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

The Kadambari is set in the city of Ujjain.

Multiple choice

What is the style of The Kadambari?

  1. Simple and straightforward

  2. Ornate and elaborate

  3. Poetic and lyrical

  4. Philosophical and didactic
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

The Kadambari is written in an ornate and elaborate style, which is characteristic of Sanskrit literature.

Multiple choice

Which ancient Indian text emphasizes the importance of nonviolence (ahimsa) as a fundamental principle for resolving conflicts?

  1. The Bhagavad Gita

  2. The Upanishads

  3. The Mahabharata

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

The Bhagavad Gita, a part of the epic Mahabharata, teaches the principle of nonviolence (ahimsa) as a fundamental ethical and spiritual value. It emphasizes that violence only breeds more violence and that true victory comes from conquering oneself and one's negative emotions.

Multiple choice

Which Indian literary festival is known for its focus on regional literature and languages?

  1. Jaipur Literature Festival

  2. Kolkata Book Fair

  3. Bangalore Literature Festival

  4. Tata Literature Live!
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

The Kolkata Book Fair is the largest book fair in India and is known for its focus on regional literature and languages.