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 Buddhist sect Mahayana formally came into existence during the reign of

  1. Ashoka

  2. Dharmapala

  3. Ajatashatru

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

The Mahayana sect of Buddhism formally emerged during the reign of Emperor Kanishka of the Kushan Empire (1st-2nd century CE). The Fourth Buddhist Council held at Kundalvana (or Jalandhar) under Kanishka's patronage is traditionally associated with the formal division of Buddhism into Hinayana and Mahayana schools.

Multiple choice

Shravanabelagola is associated with

  1. Buddhism

  2. Jainism

  3. Ashoka's Dhamma

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

Shravanabelagola in Karnataka is most famous for the Gommateshwara statue (also called Bahubali), a 57-foot tall monolithic statue dedicated to the Jain figure Bahubali. It is one of the most important pilgrimage centers for Jains and is intimately associated with Jainism, not Buddhism or Ashoka's Dhamma.

Multiple choice

What was the first sermon of Buddha called?

  1. The Katuviya Sutta

  2. The Samaya Sutta

  3. The Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta

  4. The Saccavibhanga Sutta
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

The first sermon of Buddha was called the Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta.

Multiple choice

Directions: In the following question, five statements are provided. These statements form a coherent paragraph when properly arranged. Select the alternative representing the proper and logical sequencing of these statements.

A. The different phases merely represent differences in emphasis at different historical periods. B. For example, truth is dharma in Satyayuga, yajna (sacrifice) in Tratayuga, jnana (knowledge) in Dvaparayuga, and dana (alms) in Kaliyuga. C. It seeks to achieve homogeneity and harmony of thought.D. The Hindu's respect for tradition has a purpose. E. The Hindu philosophy believes in the continuity of the present with the past in which it is rooted, and its projection into the future.

  1. EDCAB

  2. DEACB

  3. ABEDC

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

AB link is most obvious from this para jumble as examples in B support the thought in A. Now, the point is that whether A begins the sequence or not. But on close scrutiny, it is E that begins the sequence as it introduces the subject - 'The Hindu Philosophy'. This leaves us with only one option i.e. (1) which is the answer.

Multiple choice

Which one of the following is true about classical dances?

  1. They are always superior to folk dances.

  2. There are eight recognised classical forms of dances.

  3. Kathakali is the classical form of Kathak.

  4. Kathak was recognised as a classical dance form only after independence.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

India officially recognizes eight classical dance forms: Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Kathakali, Kuchipudi, Manipuri, Mohiniyattam, Odissi, and Sattriya. Kathakali and Kathak are distinct forms (Kathak is from North India, Kathakali from Kerala), and Kathak was recognized as classical long before independence.

Multiple choice

The word "Satyameva Jayate" is taken from

  1. Mundaka Upanished

  2. Garud Purana

  3. Gita

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

Satyameva Jayate (meaning 'Truth alone triumphs') is a mantra from the ancient Indian scripture Mundaka Upanishad.

Multiple choice

Which of the following statements is/are correct?

  1. One of the most important contributions of the Vedic period was the composition of Vedangas.
  2. These Vedangas were regarded as less authoritative than Shruti.

  1. Only 1

  2. Only 2

  3. Both of these

  4. Neither of these
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect: Vedangas were composed in the later Vedic period, not in the Vedic period. Statement 2 is correct. Vedangas were regarded as less authoritative than Shruti or Vedas.

Multiple choice

Which of the following statements is/are correct?

  1. The standard unit of value in the Vedic period was necklets necklace of gold (nishka).
  2. Ramayana and Mahabharata were the two great epics of the later Vedic period.

  1. Only 1

  2. Only 2

  3. Both of these

  4. Neither of these
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect: The standard unit of value in Vedic period was a cow, but necklets necklace of gold (nishka) also served as a means of exchange.Statement 2 is also incorrect: Ramayana and Mahabharata were the two great epics of the early Vedic period.

Multiple choice

Which of the following statements is/are incorrect?

  1. An important characteristic of Vedic mythology is the pre-dominance of the male element.
  2. Sacrifices occupied a prominent place in Vedic rituals.

  1. Only 1

  2. Only 2

  3. Both of these

  4. Neither of these
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

An important characteristic of Vedic mythology is the pre-dominance of the male element. Thus, Vedic civilisation presents a contrast to the prehistoric culture of Indus Valley, where the mother goddess is coequal with her male partner. Sacrifices occupied a prominent place in Vedic rituals. These included offerings of milk, grain, ghee and juice of the Soma plant.

Multiple choice

Which of the following statements is/are correct?

  1. The Vedas consist of five different classes of literary compositions.
  2. The 'Mantra' constitutes the oldest division of Vedic literature.

  1. Only 1

  2. Only 2

  3. Both of these

  4. Neither of these
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect: The Vedas consist of four different classes of literary compositions: Mantra, Brahmanas, Aranyakas and Upanishads. Statement 2 is correct: The Mantra constitutes the oldest division of Vedic literature and is distributed in four Samhitas or collections known as the Rig, Sama, Yajur and the Atharva.

Multiple choice

The early Vedic religion has been designated by the name of henotheism or kathenotheism. What does this mean?

  1. Belief in the existence of only one god

  2. Belief in the powers of mother goddess

  3. Belief in one god without denying the existence of others

  4. Precedence of caste system over religion
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Henotheism was coined to describe the theology of Rigvedic religion. The Rigveda was the basis for Max Müller's description of henotheism in the sense of a polytheistic tradition striving towards a formulation of the One (ekam) Divinity aimed at by the worship of different cosmic principles.