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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.

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Indian Philosophy and Aesthetics Questions

Multiple choice history amalgamation of peace and non violence jainism jainism jainism, buddhism and ajivika philosophy in tamil nadu

________ made the first serious attempt to mitigate the evils of the varna order and the ritualistic Vedic religion.

  1. Buddhism

  2. Jainism

  3. Sikhism

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

Mahavira, the 24th and the last Tirthankara of Jainism, opposed all forms of religious rituals and sacrifices. He was also against the Varna system. In his opinion, through pure and meritorious life members of the lower castes can attain Moksha. Jainism was, in general, against dividing people on the basis of caste or Varna.

Multiple choice history amalgamation of peace and non violence jainism jainism jainism, buddhism and ajivika philosophy in tamil nadu

The early Jainas discarded Sanskrit Language and adopted _________ language to preach their doctrines.

  1. Hindi

  2. Prakrit

  3. Marathi

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

Jainism grew during the second urbanization phase when the trade was increasing and Vaishyas were also rising both economically and socially and wanted to challenge Brahmana supremacy. Early Jainas thus discarded Sanskrit which was the language of the elite and used Ardhamagadhi (an eastern dialect of Prakrit) and Prakrit to reach out to the common masses.

Multiple choice history amalgamation of peace and non violence jainism jainism jainism, buddhism and ajivika philosophy in tamil nadu

Of the five vows (Panch Anuvratas) of Jainism, four existed before Mahavira. The one which he added was _____.

  1. not to kill (non-injury)

  2. not to steal

  3. non-attachment to worldly things

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

Five vows of Jainism: 1. Non–Violence, 2. Not to Steal, 3. Not to Accumulate, 4. Not to tell A lie, 5. Celibacy.

Only 5th doctrine was added by Mahavira, the other 4 were taken over by him from previous teachers.

Multiple choice history amalgamation of peace and non violence jainism jainism jainism, buddhism and ajivika philosophy in tamil nadu

Vardhamana Mahavira the $24^{th}$ Tirthankar of Jainism was born at ______ and died at ______.

  1. Vaishali and Rajagriha

  2. Kusinagara and Pavapuri

  3. Kundagrama and Pavapuri

  4. Kashi and Champa
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation
Vardhamana Mahavira  was born in 540 B.C. at Kundagram (now Basokund) near Vaisali in Bihar. At the age of 72 in 468 BC, he attained Nirvana at Pavapuri (Nalanda).
Multiple choice history amalgamation of peace and non violence jainism jainism jainism, buddhism and ajivika philosophy in tamil nadu

The 'Three Jewels' (Triratnas) of Jainism are _____.

  1. right faith or intentions, right knowledge and right conduct

  2. right action, right livelihood and right effort

  3. right thoughts, non-violence and non-attachment

  4. right speech, right thinking and right behaviour
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The path that Mahavira advocated was one of the strict asceticism, renunciation and moral cultivation. He instructed his followers to implement three jewels: 1. Right faith, 2. Right knowledge, 3. Right conduct. 

Multiple choice history amalgamation of peace and non violence jainism jainism jainism, buddhism and ajivika philosophy in tamil nadu

Jainism was divided into two sects, Swetambaras (White-clad) and Digambaras (Sky-clad or naked), during the reign of the ______.

  1. Nandas

  2. Mauryas

  3. Kushanas

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

Jainism was divided into two sects named as Shvetambara and Digambaras during the reign of Chandragupta Maurya. 

Shvetambaras - The monks of this sect wear whites clothes and do not follow rules of Jainism strictly. They consider Mahavir Swami as married.
Digamabara - The monks of this sect do not wear clothes and follow the rules of Jainism strictly. They consider Mahavir Swami as Balbrahamachari.

Multiple choice history amalgamation of peace and non violence jainism jainism jainism, buddhism and ajivika philosophy in tamil nadu

Kharavela of Kalinga was a follower of ____.

  1. Jainism

  2. Buddhism

  3. Hinduism

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

Kharvela was a descendant of Meghavarmana. The latter was the founder of the royal house of Chedi. Kharvela was a Jain and despite his fervor for Jainism, he was addicted to military conquests. Kalinga rose to power under his rule. Information regarding his life, rule, religion, and conquests can be gained from Hathigumpha Inscription.

Multiple choice history amalgamation of peace and non violence jainism jainism jainism, buddhism and ajivika philosophy in tamil nadu

Which of the following is not included in triratna of Jainism? 

  1. Right Knowledge

  2. Right Conduct

  3. Right Faith

  4. Creator
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation
Lord Mahavira's main teachings in Jainism are three jewels and five vows. These three jewels are known as Triratna. Triratna includes:
(1) Right Faith
(2) Right Knowledge
(3) Right Conduct
Multiple choice history amalgamation of peace and non violence jainism jainism jainism, buddhism and ajivika philosophy in tamil nadu
The concept of Anuvrata was advocated by _____.

  1. Mahayana Buddhism

  2. Jainism

  3. Lokayata School

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

Anuvratas are the "little vows" in Jain religion which are to be followed by the followers of this religion. Along with this, there are "Mahavrats " which are to be followed by the saints of this religion. There are five anuvratas which are :

(1) Ahimsa (to abstain from violence)
(2) Satya (to abstain from falsehood)
(3) Astya (to abstain from stealing)
(4) Brahamcharya ( to be content with one's own wife) 
(5) Aparigraha (to limit one's possessions)

Multiple choice history amalgamation of peace and non violence jainism jainism jainism, buddhism and ajivika philosophy in tamil nadu

The Svetambaras and Digambaras refer to two sects of ____.

  1. Saivism

  2. Buddhism

  3. Vaishnavism

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

Acharya Bhadrabahu was the last acharya of United Jainism. During the reign of Chandragupta Maurya, Bhadrabahu predicted 12 years of famine in Magada. As it was impossible to follow the rules of Jainism strictly during the famine, he with his disciples moved to Karnataka. Then Sthulabhadra who was also the disciple of Bhadrabahu decided to stay in Magadha and follow Jainism by making its rule simple and easier. This next sect was known as Shvetamabara. Thus Jainism was divided into two sects: Sevtambara and Digambara.  

Multiple choice history amalgamation of peace and non violence jainism jainism jainism, buddhism and ajivika philosophy in tamil nadu

The oldest Jain scriptures are regarded to be the _____.

  1. Fourteen Purvas

  2. Twelve Upangas

  3. Twelve Angas

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

Angas are also known as "Agamas". The canonical text of Jainism is known as Agamas. Agamas contain those lectures which were given by Tirthankara after getting Kevalayajana. Out of these twelve Angas 12th Anga have been destroyed completely. Earlier versions of Jain Agamas were written in Ardhamagadhi Prakrit language but later on, different languages were used for writing agamas.

Multiple choice history amalgamation of peace and non violence jainism jainism jainism, buddhism and ajivika philosophy in tamil nadu

The original teachings of Mahavira are contained in the _____.

  1. Jatakas

  2. Tripitakas

  3. Purvas

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

The traditions of Lord Pasharvanath, Mahavira Swami and even from before that were compiled as "Purvas." The word 'Purva' itself means 'before'. There are 14 Purvas. These 14 Purvas are described in the 12th anga of Jinvani which is called as 'Drishtivaad anga'. Many of these 'Purvas' were dedicated to the description of secret magical knowledge and supernatural powers.