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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 considered the first major work of Indian literature?

  1. The Rigveda

  2. The Mahabharata

  3. The Ramayana

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

The Rigveda is a collection of hymns that were composed in ancient India between 1500 and 1000 BCE. It is the oldest of the four Vedas, which are the sacred texts of Hinduism.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is a Tantric text?

  1. The Bhagavad Gita

  2. The Upanishads

  3. The Tantras

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

The Tantras are a collection of sacred texts that are central to the Tantric tradition.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is a notable work by Girish Karnad?

  1. Tughlaq

  2. Hayavadana

  3. The Fire and the Rain

  4. Naga-Mandala
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Girish Karnad's play 'Tughlaq' is a historical drama that explores the life and reign of the Delhi Sultan, Muhammad bin Tughluq. It delves into themes of power, ambition, and the consequences of political decisions.

Multiple choice

Which ancient Indian text is considered a seminal work on aesthetics and the role of art?

  1. The Vedas

  2. The Upanishads

  3. The Mahabharata

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

The Natya Shastra, attributed to the sage Bharata, is an ancient Indian treatise on the performing arts, aesthetics, and dramaturgy. It is considered a foundational text in Indian aesthetics and provides insights into the role of art in Indian culture.

Multiple choice

What is the primary source of information about ancient Indian logic?

  1. The Vedas

  2. The Upanishads

  3. The Nyaya Sutras

  4. The Buddhist Abhidharma texts
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

The Nyaya Sutras are the primary source of information about ancient Indian logic. They were written by the sage Gautama and are considered to be the foundation of the Nyaya school of logic.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is considered the earliest extant chronicle in Sanskrit literature?

  1. Rajatarangini

  2. Prithviraj Raso

  3. Hammira Mahakavya

  4. Ain-i-Akbari
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Rajatarangini, written by Kalhana in the 12th century, is the earliest extant chronicle in Sanskrit literature.

Multiple choice

The ancient Indian text that extensively covers astronomy, mathematics, and astrology is known as:

  1. Rigveda

  2. Yajurveda

  3. Samaveda

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

The Rigveda, one of the four Vedas, contains hymns and verses that touch upon various aspects of astronomy and cosmology. It mentions celestial bodies, constellations, and astronomical phenomena.

Multiple choice

In what language is The Harshacharita written?

  1. Sanskrit

  2. Prakrit

  3. Pali

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

The Harshacharita is written in Sanskrit, which was the literary language of India at the time.

Multiple choice

Which Indian philosophical text is considered one of the most influential works in world literature, known for its profound insights into the nature of reality?

  1. Bhagavad Gita

  2. Upanishads

  3. Ramayana

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

The Bhagavad Gita, part of the epic Mahabharata, is a philosophical and spiritual text that explores the nature of reality, dharma, and the path to liberation.

Multiple choice

Which ancient Indian medical text is considered the foundation of Ayurveda?

  1. The Charaka Samhita

  2. The Sushruta Samhita

  3. The Bhagavad Gita

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

The Charaka Samhita is a foundational text in Ayurveda, providing insights into the principles of doshas, diet, and herbal remedies.

Multiple choice

What is the significance of the Upanishads?

  1. They are the oldest scriptures of Hinduism

  2. They contain the teachings of the ancient sages

  3. They are the foundation of Indian philosophy

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

The Upanishads are significant because they are the oldest scriptures of Hinduism, they contain the teachings of the ancient sages, and they are the foundation of Indian philosophy.

Multiple choice

Which Rigvedic hymn is dedicated to the sun?

  1. Hymn 1.50

  2. Hymn 1.115

  3. Hymn 1.164

  4. Hymn 1.165
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Hymn 1.50 of the Rig Veda is dedicated to the sun. It is known as the Surya Sukta and is one of the most famous hymns in the Rig Veda.

Multiple choice

Which Rigvedic hymn is dedicated to the stars?

  1. Hymn 1.24

  2. Hymn 1.115

  3. Hymn 1.164

  4. Hymn 1.165
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Hymn 1.24 of the Rig Veda is dedicated to the stars. It is known as the Nakshatra Sukta and is one of the most famous hymns in the Rig Veda.

Multiple choice

Which Rigvedic hymn is dedicated to the Milky Way?

  1. Hymn 1.24

  2. Hymn 1.115

  3. Hymn 1.164

  4. Hymn 1.165
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Hymn 1.164 of the Rig Veda is dedicated to the Milky Way. It is known as the Akasha Sukta and is one of the most famous hymns in the Rig Veda.

Multiple choice

Which Rigvedic hymn is dedicated to the equinoxes?

  1. Hymn 1.24

  2. Hymn 1.115

  3. Hymn 1.164

  4. Hymn 1.165
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Hymn 1.115 of the Rig Veda is dedicated to the equinoxes. It is known as the Vishuva Sukta and is one of the most famous hymns in the Rig Veda.