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
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Money
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Devotion
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Family
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Desire
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.
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right conduct
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right intentions
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right knowledge
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right living
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.
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Mundaka Upnishad
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Katha Upnishad
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Samveda
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Yajurveda
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none
A
Correct answer
Explanation
'Satyameva Jayate' is a mantra from the Mundaka Upanishad, meaning 'Truth alone triumphs.' It was adopted as India's national motto and appears below the State Emblem (adapted from the Lion Capital of Ashoka at Sarnath).
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knowledge
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wisdom
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skill
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power
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.
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Saka Era
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Christian Era
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Budhist Era
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Vedic Era
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.
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Grihyasutra
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Kalpa-Sutra
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Dharmashastra
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Shrautasutra
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.
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Svetambra
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Srivaishnava
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Vairagin
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Dasnami
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.
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Ashvamedha
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Dharani
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Abhisheka
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Agnyadheya
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Correct Answer: Ashvamedha
The Ashvamedha is a horse sacrifice ritual followed by the Śrauta tradition of Vedic religion.
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The pure
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The lovers of guru
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The pious
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The fire men
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Nanded Sahib
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Bid Saheb
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Sri-Granth
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Adi Granth
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.
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Pirs
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Panj Pyaras
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Mohammad
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Pyaras
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.
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Thumri
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Shlokas
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Chaupai
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Dohas
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Vedas
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Bhagwad Gita
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Mundaka Upanishada
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Mahanharata
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.
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Guru Granth Sahib
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Ramayan
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Mahabharat
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None of these
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.
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I and III only
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II and IV only
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I and II only
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I, II and III only
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.