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
  1. Money

  2. Devotion

  3. Family

  4. Desire

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

According to Buddha's teachings, the Four Noble Truths identify desire and craving as the root cause of suffering. The second noble truth states that the origin of suffering is attachment or craving, which must be overcome to achieve liberation from the cycle of rebirth.

Multiple choice
  1. right conduct

  2. right intentions

  3. right knowledge

  4. right living

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

The Three Jewels (Triratna) of Jainism are: Right Faith (Samyak Darshana), Right Knowledge (Samyak Jnana), and Right Conduct (Samyak Charitra). 'Right intentions' is a Buddhist concept, not Jain. The question correctly identifies the option that doesn't belong to the Jain trinity. Right conduct (A) and right knowledge (C) ARE among the three jewels, making them incorrect answers to the 'except' question.

Multiple choice
  1. knowledge

  2. wisdom

  3. skill

  4. power

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The Sanskrit word 'Veda' is derived from the root 'vid' which means 'to know'. Therefore, Veda literally means knowledge or sacred knowledge. The Vedas are the oldest scriptures of Hinduism and contain spiritual and philosophical knowledge. While wisdom (B) is related, the literal meaning is specifically knowledge.

Multiple choice
  1. Saka Era

  2. Christian Era

  3. Budhist Era

  4. Vedic Era

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

India's national calendar, the Saka Calendar, is based on the Saka Era. It was officially adopted in March 1957 and began with Saka Era 1879. The calendar runs from Chaitra (March-April) to Phalguna. The Christian Era (Gregorian calendar) is used alongside it for official purposes. Buddhist and Vedic Eras are different chronological systems.

Multiple choice
  1. Grihyasutra

  2. Kalpa-Sutra

  3. Dharmashastra

  4. Shrautasutra

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

The Kalpa-Sutra is the most sacred text of the Svetambara Jains, containing biographies of Tirthankaras. It is ceremoniously taken out in procession during the annual Paryushana festival. Grihyasutra, Dharmashastra, and Shrautasutra are Hindu texts, not specifically honored in Jain processions.

Multiple choice
  1. Svetambra

  2. Srivaishnava

  3. Vairagin

  4. Dasnami

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Ramanuja, the 11th-12th century Hindu philosopher, founded the Srivaishnava sect which is based on Vishishtadvaita (qualified non-dualism) philosophy. This sect emphasizes devotion (bhakti) to Lord Vishnu, particularly in his forms as Narayana and Lakshmi. The other options are different Jain or Hindu ascetic traditions - Svetambra is a Jain sect, while Dasnami and Vairagin are Hindu ascetic orders unrelated to Ramanuja's teachings.

Multiple choice
  1. Nanded Sahib

  2. Bid Saheb

  3. Sri-Granth

  4. Adi Granth

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

The Adi Granth (also called Guru Granth Sahib) is the central religious scripture of Sikhism, containing the teachings of Guru Nanak and subsequent Sikh Gurus in verse form. Compiled by Guru Arjan Dev in 1604 CE, it became the eternal Guru of Sikhism. Nanded Sahib is a historical gurdwara site, not a book. "Bid Saheb" appears to be a misspelling and "Sri-Granth" is incomplete - the full and correct name is Adi Granth.

Multiple choice
  1. Pirs

  2. Panj Pyaras

  3. Mohammad

  4. Pyaras

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Pirs were Sufi religious teachers and spiritual guides who mentored disciples in mystical Islamic practices. They played a crucial role in spreading Islam in South Asia through their teachings and the institution of Silsila (spiritual lineages). Panj Pyaras were the five beloved ones in Sikh tradition (not Sufi), Mohammad is the Prophet (not a teacher category), and "Pyaras" alone refers to beloved ones in Sikh context, not Sufi teachers.

Multiple choice
  1. Vedas

  2. Bhagwad Gita

  3. Mundaka Upanishada

  4. Mahanharata

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Satyameva Jayate is taken from the Mundaka Upanishad. It means 'Truth alone triumphs' and was adopted as India's national motto. The Mundaka Upanishad is one of the primary Upanishads, containing philosophical teachings about knowledge and truth.

Multiple choice
  1. Guru Granth Sahib

  2. Ramayan

  3. Mahabharat

  4. None of these

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Ek Onkar is the opening phrase of the Mool Mantar, the first hymn in the Guru Granth Sahib, which is the central religious scripture of Sikhism. This phrase represents the concept of the unity of God in Sikh philosophy. The Ramayan and Mahabharat are Hindu epics, making them incorrect answers for this question about Sikh religious texts.

Multiple choice
  1. I and III only

  2. II and IV only

  3. I and II only

  4. I, II and III only

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Mahatma Gandhi's core teachings were Truth (Satya) and Non-violence (Ahimsa). These formed the foundation of his philosophy and political movement. While he did speak about religion and Satyagraha was his method, Truth and Non-violence were his fundamental principles. Religion was a personal matter for him, and Satyagraha was the technique, not the teaching itself.