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

Consider the following statements:

  1. The Theosophical Society allied itself to the Hindu revival from the very beginning.
  2. The Theosophical Society’s activities were confined to Southern India only.
  3. The Theosophical Society supported the belief in occult mysticism.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

  1. 1, 2 and 3

  2. 1 and 2 only

  3. 2 and 3 only

  4. 1 and 3 only
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

The Theosophical Society supported the Hindu revival and occult mysticism, but its activities were not confined to Southern India; it had a national and international presence.

Multiple choice

Sravanabelgola is associated with

  1. Buddhism

  2. Jainism

  3. Asoka dhamma

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

Sravanabelgola is a major pilgrimage site for Jains, famous for the monolithic statue of Bahubali.

Multiple choice

Vamana is an exponent of the school of

  1. Dhvani

  2. Riti

  3. Vakrokti

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

Vamana is the primary proponent of the Riti school of Indian poetics, which emphasizes 'riti' (style or diction) as the soul of poetry.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is not an aspect of Dhvani?

  1. Laksana

  2. Abhidha

  3. Angika

  4. Vyanjana
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Dhvani theory involves the power of suggestion in language. Abhidha (denotation), Laksana (indication), and Vyanjana (suggestion) are the three powers of words. Angika is a type of 'abhinaya' (acting) in performance, not a linguistic aspect of Dhvani.

Multiple choice

The word 'Veda' means

  1. knowledge

  2. wisdom

  3. skill

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

The word Veda is derived from the Sanskrit root 'vid', which means to know. Therefore, Veda literally means knowledge.

Multiple choice

The earliest seeds of the Bhakti movement in India are found in

  1. the Vedas

  2. Jain philosophy

  3. Sufi philosophy

  4. Buddhist philosophy
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

The Bhakti movement, while rooted in Hindu traditions, was significantly influenced by the Sufi tradition of mysticism and devotion, which emphasized a personal relationship with the divine.

Multiple choice

The Buddhist sect Mahayana formally came into existence during the reign of

  1. Ajatashatru

  2. Ashoka

  3. Kanishka

  4. Dharmapala
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

The Mahayana sect of Buddhism emerged and gained significant state patronage during the reign of the Kushan emperor Kanishka. The Fourth Buddhist Council was also held during his reign in Kashmir, marking the formal split into Mahayana and Hinayana branches.