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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

Paumachariyam deals with which one of the following?

  1. An exposition of the Indian flora and fauna

  2. A Jain version of Ramayana

  3. A love-lore enacted between a slave man & a woman

  4. A Buddhist exposition of the question of nirvana
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Paumachariyam is a Jain version of the Ramayana written by Vimalasuri in Prakrit. It is one of the earliest versions of the epic in the Jain tradition.

Multiple choice

Which of the following groups of Nalanda scholars spread Buddhism in Tibet?

  1. Kumarajiva, Paramartha, Shubhakarasimha, Dharmadeva

  2. Santarakshita, Padmasambhava, Kamalashila, Sthiramati

  3. Vasubandhu, Dinnaga, Dharmapala, Chandrapala

  4. Archadeva, Anga, Nagarjuna, Jinnamitra
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Santarakshita and Padmasambhava were instrumental in establishing Buddhism in Tibet during the 8th century. Kamalashila was a student of Santarakshita who also traveled to Tibet.

Multiple choice

Consider the following statements:

  1. Senguttuvan, the son of Imayavaramban was the contemporary of Yajna Sri Satakarni.
  2. The Silappadikaram given a detailed account of the exploits of Senguttuvan. 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

Senguttuvan is a Chera king mentioned in the Silappadikaram, and historical records place him as a contemporary of Gajabahu I of Sri Lanka, often linked to the Satavahana era. The Silappadikaram provides a detailed account of his military expeditions.

Multiple choice

Which one of the following statements is not correct?

  1. The word gotra first appears in the Atharvaveda with the meaning of 'a clan

  2. Due to pravara, the matrimonial choice was much restricted

  3. The practice of Sraddha was started in North India during the rule of Gupta dynasty

  4. Sraddha defines the family, as the Sapinda are the members of the family group who are entitled to participate in it
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

The definition of Sapinda and the practice of Sraddha are ancient concepts in Hindu law and tradition, not originating in the Gupta period. The statement claiming it defines the family group in this specific way is historically inaccurate.

Multiple choice

Consider the following statements:

  1. The XII Rock Edict of Asoka mentions Satavahanas.
  2. According to the Jaina tradition, Simuka built both Jaina and Buddhist temples. 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 XIII (not XII) Rock Edict of Asoka mentions the Satavahanas (Andhras). The Jaina tradition attributes the building of temples to Simuka, the founder of the Satavahana dynasty.

Multiple choice

Which one of the following statements is not correct?

  1. Bhadrabahu wrote kalpasutras during the time of king Udayan of Magadha

  2. Mahavira attained Kaivalya-jnana on the bank of the river Rijupalika

  3. Jainism became the state religion of Lichchhavis

  4. Haribhadra was a Jain scholar who lived in the 9th century A.D.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Bhadrabahu lived during the time of Chandragupta Maurya, not King Udayan of Magadha. The other statements regarding Mahavira's enlightenment, the Lichchhavis, and the scholar Haribhadra are historically accurate.

Multiple choice

Which two among the following scholars participated in the Buddhist Council held during the time of Kanishka?

  1. Vasumitra
  2. Asvaghosa
  3. Upali
  4. Katyayana Select the correct answer using the code given below:

  1. 1 and 2

  2. 1 and 3

  3. 2 and 3

  4. 2 and 4
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The Fourth Buddhist Council was held at Kundalvana in Kashmir under the patronage of King Kanishka. Vasumitra presided over the council, and Asvaghosa was a prominent scholar who participated in it.

Multiple choice

What is false of Buddhist Mahayana?

  1. They believed in numerous Bodhisattvas.

  2. They believed in images.

  3. Prakrit was their language.

  4. It rose under Kanishka.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Mahayana Buddhism primarily used Sanskrit for its scriptures and liturgy, whereas early Buddhism and the Hinayana tradition utilized Pali and Prakrit. The other options correctly describe features of Mahayana, such as the veneration of Bodhisattvas, the use of icons, and its expansion under the Kushan ruler Kanishka.

Multiple choice

The word Yoga comes from

  1. English language

  2. Ancient Sanksrit

  3. Voodoo gods

  4. Hippie Language Dicitionary
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

The word 'Yoga' is derived from the ancient Sanskrit root 'yuj', meaning to yoke or unite.

Multiple choice

Dharana is said to be concentration.

  1. True

  2. False
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Dharana is the sixth limb of the eight limbs of yoga, defined specifically as focused concentration or holding the mind on a single point.

Multiple choice

Dhyana is meditation

  1. True

  2. False
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Dhyana is the seventh limb of the eight limbs of yoga, which is defined as the state of meditation or uninterrupted flow of concentration.

Multiple choice

Self observations...

  1. Pratyahara

  2. Niyamas

  3. Asana

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

Niyamas are the second limb of yoga, focusing on internal observances and self-discipline.