General Awareness · Civics Polity

Indian Philosophy and Aesthetics

2,971 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 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.

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.