General Awareness ยท 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

What is the name of the commentary that Parameshvara wrote on Aryabhata's Aryabhatiya?

  1. Vivarana

  2. Bhasya

  3. Tika

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

Parameshvara wrote a commentary on Aryabhata's Aryabhatiya called Vritti, which provides explanations and additional insights into the mathematical and astronomical concepts discussed in the original text.

Multiple choice

What is the name of the commentary that Parameshvara wrote on Madhava's Madhaviya?

  1. Vivarana

  2. Bhasya

  3. Tika

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

Parameshvara wrote a commentary on Madhava's Madhaviya called Tika, which provides explanations and additional insights into the mathematical concepts discussed in the original text.

Multiple choice

What is the name of the commentary that Parameshvara wrote on Nilakantha's Tantrasangraha?

  1. Vivarana

  2. Bhasya

  3. Tika

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

Parameshvara wrote a commentary on Nilakantha's Tantrasangraha called Vivarana, which provides explanations and additional insights into the mathematical and astronomical concepts discussed in the original text.

Multiple choice

What is the name of the commentary that Parameshvara wrote on Jyeshtadeva's Yuktibhasa?

  1. Vivarana

  2. Bhasya

  3. Tika

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

Parameshvara wrote a commentary on Jyeshtadeva's Yuktibhasa called Bhasya, which provides explanations and additional insights into the mathematical concepts discussed in the original text.

Multiple choice

What is the name of the hymn in the Atharva Veda that describes the movement of the moon?

  1. The Surya Sukta

  2. The Chandra Sukta

  3. The Nakshatra Sukta

  4. The Graha Sukta
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

The Chandra Sukta is a hymn to the moon god Chandra.

Multiple choice

Which of the following works is a treatise on architecture?

  1. Danasagara

  2. Padmavati

  3. Manasara

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

Manasara is a treatise on architecture written by Saraswati in the 12th century. It is considered to be one of the most important works on Indian architecture.

Multiple choice

Which ancient Indian text is considered a seminal work in mathematics and astronomy?

  1. Rig Veda

  2. Arthashastra

  3. Mahabharata

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

The Surya Siddhanta, an influential astronomical text from ancient India, is widely regarded as a foundational work in mathematics and astronomy. It contains detailed calculations and theories related to celestial bodies and their movements.

Multiple choice

Which classical language is used in the Hindu religious texts, such as the Vedas and Upanishads?

  1. Latin

  2. Greek

  3. Sanskrit

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

Sanskrit is the language of the Hindu religious texts and is considered a sacred language in Hinduism.

Multiple choice

Which ancient Indian text is known for its detailed descriptions of surveying techniques?

  1. Surya Siddhanta

  2. Arthashastra

  3. Rigveda

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

The Surya Siddhanta, an ancient Indian astronomical text, contains comprehensive descriptions of surveying techniques, including methods for measuring distances, angles, and elevations.

Multiple choice

Which ancient Indian text contains detailed instructions for constructing surveying instruments?

  1. Surya Siddhanta

  2. Arthashastra

  3. Rigveda

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

The Surya Siddhanta provides detailed instructions for constructing surveying instruments, including the plane table, quadrant, and measuring rods, essential for accurate surveying practices.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is not a Vedic text?

  1. Rigveda

  2. Yajurveda

  3. Samaveda

  4. Atharvaveda

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

The Panchatantra is a collection of fables and stories, not a Vedic text.

Multiple choice

What is the name of the earliest known Indian mathematical text?

  1. Sulba Sutras

  2. Vedas

  3. Upanishads

  4. Brahmanas

  5. Aranyakas
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The Sulba Sutras are a collection of mathematical rules and procedures, and are the earliest known Indian mathematical text.

Multiple choice

Which ancient Indian text mentions the concept of a black hole, describing it as a region of space where light cannot escape?

  1. Rigveda

  2. Yajurveda

  3. Atharvaveda

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

The Brahmanas, part of the Vedas, contain references to a region called 'Krishna-loka' or 'black world', which is believed to be a black hole.

Multiple choice

Which Upanishad is considered to be the oldest and most important?

  1. Brihadaranyaka Upanishad

  2. Chandogya Upanishad

  3. Katha Upanishad

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

The Brihadaranyaka Upanishad is considered to be the oldest and most important Upanishad, and it contains some of the most profound and influential teachings on Brahman, Atman, and the nature of reality.

Multiple choice

What is the name of the Upanishad that contains the famous line, 'Aham Brahmasmi' (I am Brahman)?

  1. Brihadaranyaka Upanishad

  2. Chandogya Upanishad

  3. Katha Upanishad

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

The Brihadaranyaka Upanishad contains the famous line, 'Aham Brahmasmi' (I am Brahman), which expresses the realization of the unity of the individual self with the universal Self.