General Awareness · Civics Polity

Indian Philosophy and Aesthetics

2,776 Questions

Indian philosophy spans diverse concepts from Buddhist teachings and practices to ancient aesthetics. This collection covers meditation rules, spiritual enlightenment, and cultural expressions like Odissi. These topics are vital for general awareness in civil services and state exams.

Buddhist philosophy practicesAesthetics treatisesTantra categoriesMoksha conceptsClassical dance movements

Indian Philosophy and Aesthetics Questions

Multiple choice

The Brahmanas are books that deal with

  1. the bhakti theory

  2. ritualism

  3. yoga

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

The Brahmanas are Vedic texts that primarily explain and elaborate on ritual procedures. They provide detailed instructions for performing Vedic sacrifices (yajnas), the symbolism behind rituals, and the priestly duties involved. They are not concerned with bhakti theory (devotion), yoga practices, or meditation techniques - those concepts gained prominence in later Hindu philosophy. The Brahmanas bridge the Vedic hymns (Samhitas) and the philosophical Upanishads.

Multiple choice

The word Buddha means

  1. a conqueror

  2. a liberator

  3. an enlightened one

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

The word Buddha comes from the Sanskrit root 'budh' meaning 'to awaken' or 'to understand'. Buddha literally means 'the awakened one' or 'the enlightened one' - someone who has attained enlightenment and is free from ignorance. It refers to Siddhartha Gautama's state of awakening.

Multiple choice

The Ajivika sect is based on

  1. Doctrine of Karma

  2. Doctrine of Destiny

  3. Advaitvada

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

Ajivika philosophy, founded by Makkhali Gosala, believed in Niyativada (Doctrine of Destiny/Determinism) - that everything is predetermined and souls must undergo their fixed destiny. Jainism believes in Karma, Advaita is Vedanta philosophy, and Syadavada is Jain logic.

Multiple choice

Vardhamana Mahavira's parents were followers of ________ order. He was the 23rd Jain Tirthankara, a historical figure who flourished 250 years before Mahavira.

  1. Adinatha's

  2. Parsvanatha's

  3. Rishabhanatha's

  4. Neminatha's
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Mahavira's parents (King Siddhartha and Queen Trishala) were followers of Parsvanatha's order. Parsvanatha was the 23rd Tirthankara who lived about 250 years before Mahavira (the 24th Tirthankara). This established the historical continuity of Jainism. Adinatha was the first Tirthankara, Rishabhanatha is another name for Adinatha, and Neminatha was the 22nd Tirthankara.

Multiple choice

The most important event on the death centenary (parinirvana) of Buddha was the

  1. calling of the second Buddhist Council

  2. despatch of the Buddhist mission to Sri Lanka

  3. compilation of the teachings and sermons of Buddha

  4. division of Buddhism into Hinayana and Mahayana sects
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

The death centenary (parinirvana) of Buddha around 483 BCE was commemorated by the most significant event in Buddhist history: the dispatch of Mahinda's mission to Sri Lanka by Emperor Ashoka. This mission established Buddhism in Sri Lanka, where it has flourished continuously ever since.

Multiple choice

Which heterodox sect gained lot of popularity among the mercantile community?

  1. Buddhism

  2. Bhagavatism

  3. Jainsim

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

Jainism gained immense popularity among the mercantile community because its emphasis on non-violence (ahimsa) suited traders who could not risk violence in their business. Jainism's ethical code, which prohibited practices that could harm living beings, aligned perfectly with commercial occupations.

Multiple choice

The main teachings of Vardhman Mahavir are called

  1. Pancha Sutra

  2. Pancha Vrathas

  3. Pancha Sila

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

Vardhman Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism, prescribed five main vows known as Pancha Vrathas or Pancha Mahavrata. These are Ahimsa (non-violence), Satya (truthfulness), Asteya (non-stealing), Brahmacharya (celibacy), and Aparigraha (non-possessiveness). Pancha Sila refers to Buddhist five precepts, not Jain teachings.

Multiple choice

Which of the following statements is/are correct?

a. None of the Buddha’s speeches was written down during his lifetime. b. After his death, his teachings were compiled by his disciples at a council of “elders” or senior monks at Vesali. c. The compilation of Buddha's teachings is known as Tipitaka.

  1. a, b and c

  2. a only

  3. b only

  4. c only

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

This is the correct answer as all the statements are correct.

Multiple choice

Texts from some ancient traditions have not survived, so we know about them only from the works of other traditions. Which of the following statements is/are incorrect in light of this information?

a. Sutta Pitaka mentions the traditions of "Ajivikas" and "Lokayatas" through conversations between Ajatsattu and Buddha. b. Lokayatas have often been described as fatalists: those who believe that everything is predetermined. c. Ajivikas were usually described as materialists.

  1. a, b and c

  2. a and b

  3. a and c

  4. b and c

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

This is the correct answer as both statements are incorrect. Ajivikas have often been described as fatalists: those who believe that everything is predetermined. Lokayatas were usually described as materialists.