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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 NOT a Mandala of the Rigveda?

  1. Mandala 1

  2. Mandala 10

  3. Mandala 11

  4. Mandala 9
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

The Rigveda consists of 10 Mandalas, numbered from 1 to 10. There is no Mandala 11.

Multiple choice

Which hymn of the Rigveda is known as the 'Gayatri Mantra'?

  1. Hymn 3.62.10

  2. Hymn 1.1.1

  3. Hymn 10.121.1

  4. Hymn 7.76.3
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Hymn 3.62.10 of the Rigveda is known as the 'Gayatri Mantra'. It is a sacred verse that is often recited during religious rituals and ceremonies.

Multiple choice

What is the name of the Rigvedic hymn that describes the creation of the universe?

  1. Nasadiya Sukta

  2. Hiranyagarbha Sukta

  3. Purusha Sukta

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

The Nasadiya Sukta is a hymn of the Rigveda that speculates on the origins of the universe. It is one of the most famous and enigmatic hymns in the Rigveda.

Multiple choice

Which Rigvedic hymn is dedicated to the god Agni?

  1. Hymn 1.1

  2. Hymn 10.121

  3. Hymn 7.76

  4. Hymn 3.62
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Hymn 1.1 of the Rigveda is dedicated to the god Agni, the god of fire. It is the first hymn of the Rigveda, and is often recited at the beginning of religious ceremonies.

Multiple choice

What is the name of the Rigvedic hymn that describes the wedding of Surya and Soma?

  1. Surya-Soma Sukta

  2. Soma-Surya Sukta

  3. Surya-Chandra Sukta

  4. Chandra-Surya Sukta
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The Surya-Soma Sukta is a hymn of the Rigveda that describes the wedding of Surya, the sun god, and Soma, the moon god. It is a beautiful and poetic hymn that celebrates the union of these two deities.

Multiple choice

Which Rigvedic hymn is dedicated to the god Varuna?

  1. Hymn 7.86

  2. Hymn 1.24

  3. Hymn 10.125

  4. Hymn 3.54
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Hymn 7.86 of the Rigveda is dedicated to the god Varuna, the god of the sky and the waters. It is a powerful and majestic hymn that praises Varuna's wisdom, justice, and mercy.

Multiple choice

What is the name of the Rigvedic hymn that describes the battle between Indra and Vritra?

  1. Indra-Vritra Sukta

  2. Vritra-Indra Sukta

  3. Indra-Ahi Sukta

  4. Ahi-Indra Sukta
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The Indra-Vritra Sukta is a hymn of the Rigveda that describes the battle between Indra, the god of thunder, and Vritra, the serpent who holds back the waters of the sky. It is a dramatic and exciting hymn that celebrates Indra's victory over Vritra.

Multiple choice

Which Rigvedic hymn is dedicated to the god Vishnu?

  1. Hymn 1.154

  2. Hymn 7.99

  3. Hymn 10.113

  4. Hymn 3.55
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Hymn 1.154 of the Rigveda is dedicated to the god Vishnu, the god of the sun and the preserver of the universe. It is a beautiful and poetic hymn that praises Vishnu's power, wisdom, and benevolence.

Multiple choice

What is the name of the Rigvedic hymn that describes the creation of the world from the cosmic egg?

  1. Hiranyagarbha Sukta

  2. Nasadiya Sukta

  3. Purusha Sukta

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

The Hiranyagarbha Sukta is a hymn of the Rigveda that describes the creation of the world from the cosmic egg. It is a beautiful and poetic hymn that celebrates the birth of the universe.

Multiple choice

Which Rigvedic hymn is dedicated to the god Rudra?

  1. Hymn 1.114

  2. Hymn 7.59

  3. Hymn 10.122

  4. Hymn 3.61
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Hymn 1.114 of the Rigveda is dedicated to the god Rudra, the god of storms and destruction. It is a powerful and awe-inspiring hymn that praises Rudra's might and majesty.

Multiple choice

What is the name of the Rigvedic hymn that describes the marriage of Ushas and Surya?

  1. Ushas-Surya Sukta

  2. Surya-Ushas Sukta

  3. Ushas-Chandra Sukta

  4. Chandra-Ushas Sukta
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The Ushas-Surya Sukta is a hymn of the Rigveda that describes the marriage of Ushas, the goddess of dawn, and Surya, the sun god. It is a beautiful and poetic hymn that celebrates the union of these two deities.

Multiple choice

Which Rigvedic hymn is dedicated to the god Mitra?

  1. Hymn 3.59

  2. Hymn 7.61

  3. Hymn 10.114

  4. Hymn 1.122
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Hymn 3.59 of the Rigveda is dedicated to the god Mitra, the god of friendship and contracts. It is a beautiful and poetic hymn that praises Mitra's loyalty, faithfulness, and justice.

Multiple choice

What is the name of the Rigvedic hymn that describes the battle between Indra and Ahi?

  1. Indra-Ahi Sukta

  2. Ahi-Indra Sukta

  3. Indra-Vritra Sukta

  4. Vritra-Indra Sukta
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The Indra-Ahi Sukta is a hymn of the Rigveda that describes the battle between Indra, the god of thunder, and Ahi, the serpent who holds back the waters of the sky. It is a dramatic and exciting hymn that celebrates Indra's victory over Ahi.

Multiple choice

Which ancient Indian text is considered to be the foundation of Vedic mathematics?

  1. The Vedas

  2. The Upanishads

  3. The Bhagavad Gita

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

The Sulba Sutras are a collection of ancient Indian texts that contain geometric and mathematical rules for constructing altars and performing religious rituals.

Multiple choice

Which Jain text is considered the most authoritative scripture?

  1. Agama Sutras

  2. Tattvartha Sutra

  3. Bhagavati Sutra

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

The Agama Sutras are considered the most authoritative scriptures in Jainism. They are a collection of ancient texts that contain the teachings of the Jain Tirthankaras, the enlightened beings who guide the path to liberation.