Civics Polity · History

Indian Philosophical Concepts

3,610 Questions

Delve into questions assessing core Indian philosophical concepts, ancient schools of thought, and related global philosophies. The topics cover the Bhagavad Gita, Nyaya, Mimamsa, Karma, and the pursuit of Moksha. This content is highly suitable for UPSC civil services preparation and other liberal arts entrance examinations.

Schools of philosophyVedic traditionsConcepts of KarmaPaths to Moksha

Indian Philosophical Concepts Questions

Multiple choice

According to Janinsm, one of the ‘Great Vows’ that help attain enlightenment is Asteya. What does Asteya mean?

  1. To observe detachment from people, places and material things

  2. To exercise control over senses

  3. To cause "no harm" to living beings

  4. Not to take into possession of anything that is not willingly offered
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Jains believe that to attain enlightenment and ultimately liberation from all karmic bonding, one must practice the following ethical principles not only in thought, but also in words (speech) and action. Such a practice through lifelong work towards oneself is called observing the Mahavrata ("Great Vows"). These vows are: Ahimsa (Non-violence): To cause "no harm" to living beings Satya (Truthfulness): To always speak truth such that no harm is caused to others Asteya (Non-stealing): Not to take into possession anything that is not willingly offered Brahmacharya (Celibacy): To exercise control over senses (including mind) from indulgence Aparigraha (Non-possession, non-materialism): To observe detachment from people, places and material things

Multiple choice

What are the three ways of attaining salvation as per the philosophy expounded in the 'Bhagvad Gita'?

  1. The way of knowledge through speculation and ascetic discipline
  2. The way of self sacrifice
  3. The way of faith and devotion
  4. The way of action

  1. 1, 2 and 3

  2. 2, 3 and 4

  3. 1, 2 and 4

  4. 1, 3 and 4

  5. None of these
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Bhagvad Gita is a part of the epic Mahabharata. The Bhagvad Gita is a supplement to the Upanishads. It has tried to make a synthesis of the three ways of attaining salvation: the way of knowledge through speculation and ascetic discipline, the way of faith and devotion, and the way of action.

Multiple choice

Which of the following statements best describes the concept of Nirvana in Buddhism?

  1. The extinction of the flame of desire

  2. The complete annihilation of self

  3. A state of bliss and rest

  4. A mental stage beyond all comprehension
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

The concept of Nirvana was originally explained by Lord Buddha (566-486 BC). The word 'Nirvana' comes from the root meaning 'to blow out' and refers to the extinguishing of the fires of greed, hatred and delusion. When these emotional and psychological defilements are destroyed by wisdom, the mind becomes free, radiant and joyful and he who has realised the Truth (Nirvana) is the happiest being in the world. He is free from all complexes and obsessions. He does not repent the past nor does he brood over the future. He lives fully in present. He appreciates and enjoys things in life in the purest sense without self projections. Buddhism explained Nirvana as a state of bliss or peace.

Multiple choice

Which of the following statements is/are applicable to Jain doctrine?

  1. The surest way of annihilating Karma is to practice penance.
  2. Every object, even the smallest particle, has a soul.
  3. Karma is the bane of the soul and must be ended.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

  1. 1 only

  2. 2 and 3

  3. 1 and 3

  4. 1, 2 and 3
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

The surest way of annihilating Karma is to practice penance. Karma is the bane of the soul and must be ended. According to Jain doctrine, penance washes away all the blemishes and purges the soul off all Karmic matter. Also, according to Jainism, Karma is the bane of the soul. Karma not only encompasses the causality of transmigration, but it is also conceived as an extremely subtle matter, which infiltrates the soul, obscuring its natural, transparent and pure qualities. Karma is thought of as a kind of pollution that taints the soul with various colours. Based on its karma, a soul undergoes transmigration and reincarnation in various states of existence like heavens or hells, or as humans or animals.

Multiple choice

“Brahmachaya” means

  1. Mastery over carnal desires

  2. Penance

  3. Self discipline

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

Brahmacharya (often spelled Brahmacharya) is a concept in Hindu philosophy referring to celibacy and control over all senses. While it encompasses self-control and self-discipline, its specific meaning in Gandhi's context and in traditional understanding is mastery over carnal desires and sexual impulses. Gandhi viewed Brahmacharya not merely as celibacy but as complete control over all senses and thoughts. Option A 'Mastery over carnal desires' most directly captures the essence of Brahmacharya in this context. While 'Self Control' (D) is related, it's more general - Brahmacharya specifically refers to mastery over sensual/sexual desires.

Multiple choice

What is Samsara?

  1. Deepest form of meditation

  2. Endless cycle of suffering caused by birth, death and rebirth

  3. Karmic effect

  4. One of the three jewels
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Samsara refers to the endless cycle of birth, death, and rebirth that beings are trapped in due to ignorance and desire. It is characterized by suffering (dukkha) that Buddhism seeks to escape. The Three Jewels are Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha, while karmic effect refers to karma itself.

Multiple choice

What is meant by the Middle way, discovered by Gautam Buddha?

  1. Practice of non-extremism

  2. Division of years into family and monastic life

  3. Follow half of the eight fold path

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

The Middle Way (Majjhima Patipada) refers to Buddha's teaching of avoiding extremes - neither sensual indulgence nor severe self-mortification. It is the path of moderation that leads to enlightenment. It is not about dividing life into family and monastic phases, nor following only half of the Eightfold Path (the Middle Way encompasses the complete path).

Multiple choice

According to Gandhiji, which of the following is an essential principle of satyagraha?

  1. Infinite capacity for suffering

  2. Non violence

  3. Truth

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

Satyagraha, Gandhi's philosophy of nonviolent resistance, is built on three pillars: truth (satya), non-violence (ahimsa), and the infinite capacity for suffering without retaliation. All three work together - truth grounds the movement, non-violence is the method, and suffering for truth demonstrates moral courage.

Multiple choice

Penance refers to an act of self-punishment or devotion performed voluntarily to show sorrow for a sin or other wrongdoing. Which of the following doesn't refer to penance?

  1. A saint living alone in forests for 100 years

  2. A priest not having food to impress God

  3. A drug addict attending rehabilitation centre on his own

  4. Meditating in order to free oneself from evils
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

It is not a punishment, it is working towards a better drug-free life.

Multiple choice

What is the purpose of the passage?

Answer the question is based on the following passage.

            The people who advocate universal brotherhood often feel
            non violence to be the essence of life. They consider it as
            much a means to achieve success and win over the evil-doer,
            as an end in itself because of its ultimate virtue. They believe
(5)        it to be their moral duty to respect every individual irrespective
            of his social status or his socio-political leanings or even his evil
            deeds. Every human being should be treated with love and
            care, whatever evil he must have committed or threatened the
            other with. A pacifist can in no way deny respect and love to a
(10)      person who does evil. A pacifist has no belief though, in
            indulgence in violence or destructive activities. There is complete
            line of demarcation between the deed and the doer. Love is for
            the doer and the aim is conversion of the force of the deed.
            This respect for the evil doer can only lend strength to the
(15)      feeling of brotherhood. Mahatma Gandhi stands out as a
            leader of this philosophy of pacifism and non violence. He
            propagated this and achieved success in gaining freedom
            for India from the British yoke. Non violence does not yield
            quick results though. The purpose would be achieved slowly
(20)      and the great victory attained. This moral force is powerful
            enough to bring out the goodness finally. Gandhi’s movement
            in India is a living evidence of this.

�����������

  1. To seek end of violence from the entire social system.

  2. To showcase Mahatma Gandhi as an embodiment of non violence.

  3. To show the power of non-violence as a potent weapon to achieve the greatest victory i.e. goodness in all.

  4. To discuss the role of non violence in Indian freedom struggle.

  5. To discuss the pacifists ideology with a positive tone.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
E Correct answer
Explanation

The main purpose of the passage is to discuss the pacifist ideology.

Multiple choice

The passage can be categorized as

Answer the question is based on the following passage.

            The people who advocate universal brotherhood often feel
            non violence to be the essence of life. They consider it as
            much a means to achieve success and win over the evil-doer,
            as an end in itself because of its ultimate virtue. They believe
(5)        it to be their moral duty to respect every individual irrespective
            of his social status or his socio-political leanings or even his evil
            deeds. Every human being should be treated with love and
            care, whatever evil he must have committed or threatened the
            other with. A pacifist can in no way deny respect and love to a
(10)      person who does evil. A pacifist has no belief though, in
            indulgence in violence or destructive activities. There is complete
            line of demarcation between the deed and the doer. Love is for
            the doer and the aim is conversion of the force of the deed.
            This respect for the evil doer can only lend strength to the
(15)      feeling of brotherhood. Mahatma Gandhi stands out as a
            leader of this philosophy of pacifism and non violence. He
            propagated this and achieved success in gaining freedom
            for India from the British yoke. Non violence does not yield
            quick results though. The purpose would be achieved slowly
(20)      and the great victory attained. This moral force is powerful
            enough to bring out the goodness finally. Gandhi’s movement
            in India is a living evidence of this.

�����������

  1. dogmatic

  2. nostalgic

  3. ambivalent

  4. descriptive

  5. sarcastic
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

The passage describes the pacifist ideology and states the principle of non violence.