Indian Philosophy and Aesthetics

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.

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.

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.

Correct Answer: Ashvamedha The Ashvamedha is a horse sacrifice ritual followed by the Śrauta tradition of Vedic religion.

Apabhramsha refers to the "corrupted" or "fallen" languages that evolved from Prakrits and were spoken by common people during medieval India (roughly 6th-13th centuries CE). It represents the transitional stage between Prakrits and modern Indo-Aryan languages like Hindi, Bengali, and Marathi. The term literally means "that which has fallen down" or "corrupted," referring to linguistic deviation from classical Sanskrit. Option C correctly identifies it as the common people's language.

Correct Answer: The pure

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.

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.

Correct Answer: Dohas

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.

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.

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.

In Christian tradition, Jesus Christ is referred to as the Good Shepherd who lays down his life for his sheep. This metaphor emphasizes his role as a protector and guide for his followers. The title appears in the New Testament (John 10:11-14) where Jesus describes himself as the good shepherd who knows his sheep and is known by them.

Sant Namadeva (or Nammdev) was a 13th-century Marathi Bhakti poet and saint from Maharashtra. He composed numerous abhangs (devotional songs) in Marathi, expressing devotion to Vitthal (Vishnu). He was part of the Varkari tradition and his poetry emphasizes personal devotion to God.

Daiva marriage is one of the eight classical forms of Hindu marriage where the father gifts his daughter to a priest (officiating at a sacrifice). This was considered a righteous form where the bride was given as a sacrificial offering. Gandharva marriage is by mutual consent, Arsha involves giving the bride to a sage in exchange for gifts.