Civics Polity · History

Indian Philosophical Concepts

3,578 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

Mahatma Gandhi said that some of his deepest convictions were reflected in a book titled, “Unto this Last” and the book transformed his life. What was the message from the book that transformed Mahatma Gandhi?

  1. Uplifting the oppressed and poor is the moral responsibility of an educated man.

  2. The good of individual is contained in the good of all.

  3. The life of celibacy and spiritual pursuit are essential for a noble life.

  4. All the statements (1), (2) and (3) are correct in this context.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Mahatma Gandhi gives us a summary of the teachings of Unto This Last as he understood it:

  1. The good of the individual is contained in the good of all.
  2. A lawyer\'s work has the same value as the barber\'s, as all have the same right of earning their livelihood from their work.
  3. A life of labour, i.e. the life of the tiller of the soil and the handicraftsman is the life worth living.
Multiple choice

Consider the following statements with respect to the Jain Philosophy:

1.         It is the oldest Indian philosophy that connects body to soul completely. 2.         All living beings are really soul, intrinsically perfect and immortal. 3.         Soul is imprisoned in the body therefore non-violence and self-control are the means to moksha

Which of the statements given above are correct?

  1. 1 and 2 only

  2. 1 and 3 only

  3. 2 and 3 only

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

Statement 1: It is incorrect. Jain philosophy is the oldest Indian philosophy that separates body (matter) from the soul (consciousness) completely. Statement 2: It is correct. Jains believe that Jainism is eternal and maintain that all living beings are really soul, intrinsically perfect and immortal. Statement 3: It is correct. Souls in samsara (i.e. liability to repeated births and deaths) are said to be imprisoned in the body. Practitioners believe non-violence and self-control are the means to moksha (liberation).  Hence, the correct option is 3.

Multiple choice history towards a new kerala society reformation in kerala applied history challenging the caste system

What was the primary aim of Narayana Guru's social activities?

  1. Well being of human society

  2. Secure temple entry to all the people

  3. Elimination of the caste system

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

Many social evils like the denial of equal opportunity and exploitation prevailed in Kerala due to rigid caste hierarchy. Discrimination was apparent in clothing, occupation, dwellings, language and even names. Women were denied equal opportunities. It is this social condition that prompted Swami Vivekananda to describe Kerala as a 'lunatic asylum'.

During this period, several social reform movements were formed in Kerala to tackle them. Sree Narayana Guru who was one of the social reformers in Kerala. Elimination of the caste system was the primary aim of Gurus social activities. He toiled for communal harmony.

Multiple choice east asia in the middle ages china: two different phases the middle ages national liberation movements in the colonies history

A follower of the Chinese philosophy of Daoism would most agree with which statement?

  1. Government intrusiveness should be kept to a minimum.

  2. Government works best when run by well-educated men.

  3. Government should be focused on strengthening the state.

  4. Governments that allow too much freedom are doomed to fail.

  5. Governments have an obligation to suppress independent thought.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

A follower of the Chinese philosophy of Daoism would most agree with government intrusiveness should be kept to a minimum. The teachings of Daoism state that since people are generally incapable of self-governance, the least government is the best government. As a result, followers of Daoism would be most likely to agree with the statement "Government intrusiveness should be kept to a minimum”.

Multiple choice history jainism, buddhism and ajivika philosophy in tamil nadu growth of unorthodox religious movements religion in the sixth century bce rise of territorial kingdoms and heterodox religions

Which of the following are the main principle of Parsi religion?

  1. Good thoughts

  2. Good words

  3. Good deeds

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

Zarathushtra or Zoroaster was the founder of Parse religion. 'Ahur Mazda' is the name of their God. The elements of fire and water are very important in their religion. The sacred fire burns in the temples which are known as Agyaris. At the core of Parsee thinking are three main principles of conduct, namely, good thoughts, good words and good deeds.

Multiple choice history jainism, buddhism and ajivika philosophy in tamil nadu growth of unorthodox religious movements religion in the sixth century bce rise of territorial kingdoms and heterodox religions

What is Tao Teh Ching all about?

  1. Guide to live a happy life

  2. Guide to a rich life

  3. Guide to the conduct of life

  4. Guide to a spiritual life
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Lao-Tse wrote a book in two parts, running into 5,000 words. He then disappeared from the place and no one knew where he died. His book Tao Teh Ching is a guide to the conduct of life. He was born in 604 BCE. Disgusted with the intrigues of politicians and the prevailing corruption of his time, he left China to live in a peaceful abode.

Multiple choice history guru nanak dev ji and his contemporary society guru nanak dev ji and his teachings political and social conditions of punjab before guru nanak dev ji sufism in india

What was the main aim behind the Udasis of Guru Nanak Dev Ji?

  1. To gain the spiritual knowledge

  2. To show the true path of life to the misled souls

  3. To explore the world

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

Travels or Divine Journeys of Guru Nanak Ji called Udasis. During these Udasis(religious tours), he visited holy places of different faith, met people of various faiths, professed his newfound path. He was moved by the plight of the people of world and wanted to tell them about the "real message of God". So he set out in 1499 on his mission for the regeneration of humanity on this earth.

Multiple choice civics impact of the british rule contribution of revolutionary organisation in freedom movement revolutionary movement and important revolutionaries revolutionary movement in india

The idea of Satyagraha emphasised on the need and search for __________.

  1. Truth

  2. Love

  3. Passion

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

It suggested that if the cause was true, if the struggle was against injustice, then physical force was not necessary to fight the oppressor.

Multiple choice history amalgamation of peace and non violence jainism jainism jainism, buddhism and ajivika philosophy in tamil nadu

In Jainism the aim of life is to attain Nirvana or Moksha for which one has to ____.

  1. follow three jewels and five vows

  2. practice, non-violence and non-injury to all living beings

  3. renounce the world and attain right knowledge

  4. believe in the Jains and absolute non-violence
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Vardhamana Mahavira was the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism. The Jains believe that the basic aim of life is to attain salvation (Salvation means freedom from the cycle of birth and death). According to Jain religion, Salvation can be achieved by following three jewels and five vows. 

Three jewels of Jainism are:
(1) Right Faith 
(2) Right Knowledge
(3) Right Conduct

Five Vows of Jainism are:
(1) Not to injure life (Ahimsa)
(2) Not to steal (Asteya)
(3) Not to tell lies (Stya)
(4) Not to own property (Aparigraha)
(5) Observe Celibacy (Brahmacharya)

Multiple choice

What is the Dharma of a student?

  1. To be happy

  2. To get good grades

  3. To learn

  4. To be a good Hindu
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

In the context of Vedic philosophy, the dharma (duty) of a student is to acquire knowledge and pursue learning with dedication.

Multiple choice

What is the ultimate goal of Hinduism?

  1. Samsara

  2. Moksha

  3. Reincarnation

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

Moksha is the ultimate goal in Hinduism, representing liberation from the cycle of samsara (rebirth). Nirvana is the corresponding goal in Buddhism.

Multiple choice

Buddhism says by following _____ and _____ you can reach Nirvana

  1. Samsara

  2. The 4 Noble Truths and The 8 fold path

  3. Moksha

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

The Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path are the foundational teachings of Buddhism that guide practitioners toward the end of suffering and the attainment of Nirvana.