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 Upanishads are

  1. a source of Hindu philosophy

  2. books of ancient Hindu laws

  3. books on social behaviour of man

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

The Upanishads are ancient Sanskrit texts that explore the deep philosophical foundations of Hinduism. They discuss concepts like the nature of the universe, the soul, and the path to spiritual enlightenment. They are often referred to as Vedanta, meaning the end of the Vedas.

Multiple choice

Sanchi portrays the art and sculpture of the

  1. Jains

  2. Buddhists

  3. Muslims

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

Sanchi is home to several Buddhist monuments, most notably the Great Stupa commissioned by Emperor Ashoka. The intricate carvings and sculptures on the gateways depict scenes from the life of Buddha and Jataka tales. It is a premier example of early Buddhist architecture and art in India.

Multiple choice

Parva Payushan is the holy month of the _______.

  1. Buddhists

  2. Parsis

  3. Sikhs

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

Paryushana is the most significant annual holy festival for Jains, focused on fasting and repentance. It is observed for eight days by Svetambara Jains and ten days by Digambara Jains.

Multiple choice

The term 'Hindu' denotes the persons

(i) professing Hindu religion (ii) professing Buddhism, Jain or Sikh religion (iii) who are not professing Muslim, Christian, Parsi or Jain religion.

In respect of the aforesaid propositions, which is correct?

  1. (i) and (ii) are correct and (iii) is incorrect.

  2. (ii) and (iii) are correct and (i) is incorrect.

  3. (i) and (iii) are incorrect, but (ii) is correct.

  4. All (i), (ii) and (iii) are correct.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Option (4) is correct. The term 'Hindu' denotes the persons who are professing Hindu religion or who are professing Buddhism, Jain or Sikh religion or who are not professing Muslim, Christian, Parsi or Jew religion.

Multiple choice

Consider the following statement :

  1. Rg Veda gives elaborate details of the king's administration of justice.
  2. Atharva Veda mentions garments (dursa) and goat-skin (ajina) as articles to trade Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. 1 only

  2. 2 only

  3. Both 1 and 2

  4. Neither 1 nor 2
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

The Rig Veda does not provide elaborate details of a formal judicial administration. The Atharva Veda does mention various items of trade, including garments and skins.

Multiple choice

How were Upadesa sastras and Vibhashsastras, the elaborate commentaries on the Buddhist sacred texts, prepared?

  1. They were pre prepared under the leadership of Moggaliputta Tissa in the Buddhist Council held under Asok patronage.

  2. They were prepared in the four Buddhist Council held under the patronage of Kanishka.

  3. Nagasena prepared them under patronage of Milinda.

  4. Vattagamani Abhaya organised conference of great monks and got the prepared.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

The Vibhasha-shastras were compiled during the Fourth Buddhist Council held in Kashmir under the patronage of Kanishka, primarily by the Sarvastivada school.

Multiple choice

Consider the following statements :

  1. The epic Mahabharata has a supplement called Harivamsa.
  2. Markandeya Purana is one of the oldest Puranas and gives attention to Vedic deities like Indra, Agni and Surya. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. 1 only

  2. 2 only

  3. Both 1 and 2

  4. Neither 1 nor 2
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

The Harivamsa is indeed considered a khila (supplement) to the Mahabharata. The Markandeya Purana is one of the oldest and contains significant sections related to Vedic deities.

Multiple choice

The text “kalila wa Dimna” relates to which of the following?

  1. Systems of Hindu philosophy

  2. Art of Government

  3. Sayings of the Sufi saint

  4. Systems of Arabic science
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Kalila wa Dimna is an Arabic translation of the Panchatantra, a collection of fables that provide moral and political advice, often used to instruct rulers on the art of government.

Multiple choice
List I (Mystic order)
List II (Mystic leader)
A. Chisti silsilah

B. Naqshbandi silsilah C. Qadiri silsilah D. Suhrawardi silsilah | 1. Shaikh Ahmad Sirhandi 2. Shaikh Bahaud-din Zakariya 3. Shaikh Hamidu'd-din 4. Syed Makhdum Muhammad Gilani |

  1. A3 B4 C1 D2

  2. A1 B4 C3 D2

  3. A3 B1 C4 D2

  4. A1 B3 C2 D4
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

The Chisti silsilah is associated with Shaikh Hamidu'd-din Nagauri, a prominent disciple of Muinuddin Chishti. Shaikh Ahmad Sirhandi was the leading figure of the Naqshbandi order, while Syed Makhdum Muhammad Gilani and Bahaud-din Zakariya led the Qadiri and Suhrawardi orders respectively.

Multiple choice

Ajanta paintings depict scenes from the?

  1. Ramayana

  2. Mahabharata

  3. Jatakas

  4. None of these.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

The paintings in the Ajanta caves primarily depict scenes from the Jataka tales, which are stories about the previous lives of the Buddha.

Multiple choice

Which of the following was/were responsible for the rapid spread of Buddhism in India after its origin?

  1. Teachings of the Buddha
  2. Use of Pali language
  3. Dislike for the Brahmanas
  4. Monastic organization

  1. 1 only

  2. 1 and 2 only

  3. 2, 3 and 4

  4. 1, 3 and 4

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

Buddhism spread due to the simplicity of Buddha's teachings, the use of the vernacular Pali language, and the strong monastic organization (Sangha). Dislike for Brahmanas was a factor, but the core reasons were the accessibility and organization of the faith.