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 history the development of regional culture development of regional culture during medieval period india in 18th century rise of independent states kings and kingdoms of the early medieval period

The Buddhist philosopher ______ was the spiritual preceptor of Dharmapala.

  1. Asvaghosha

  2. Haribhadra

  3. Aryadeva

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

Haribhadra was a renowned Buddhist scholar and philosopher who served as the spiritual preceptor to the Pala king Dharmapala.

Multiple choice history the development of regional culture development of regional culture during medieval period india in 18th century rise of independent states kings and kingdoms of the early medieval period

The Palas of Bengal patronised _______.

  1. Hinayana Buddhism

  2. Jainism

  3. Hinduism

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

The Pala dynasty of Bengal were great patrons of Buddhism, specifically the Tantrika or Vajrayana school, which flourished in their universities like Vikramashila.

Multiple choice history the development of regional culture development of regional culture during medieval period india in 18th century rise of independent states kings and kingdoms of the early medieval period

Hitopadesh is a collection of stories based on the _____________.

  1. Ramayana

  2. Panchtantra

  3. Mahabharata

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

The Hitopadesha composed by Pandit Narayana is a remarkable compilation of short stories. It is regarded more or less similar to the Panchatantra. It is a collection of tales that counsel and advice for the welfare and benefit of everyone. hitopadesh is an Indian text in Sanskrit language consisting of fables with animal and human characters.

Multiple choice history the development of regional culture development of regional culture during medieval period india in 18th century rise of independent states kings and kingdoms of the early medieval period

Consider the following statements:
I. The Ikshvaku rulers of southern India were antagonistic towards Buddhism.
II. The Pala rulers of eastern India were patrons of Buddhism.
Which of these statement (s) is/are correct?

  1. Only I

  2. Only II

  3. Both I and II

  4. Neither I nor II
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

The Ikshvaku dynasty ruled in the eastern Krishna River valley of India 3rd and 4th centuries CE. They were Shaivites and performed Vedic rites, but Buddhism also flourished during their reign. Therefore I statement is incorrect.

The Pala Empire was centered in the north and northeastern parts of India. The rulers were the patron of Buddhism and built important Buddhist centers of learning, such as Odantapura, Vikramashila, and Somapura. Therefore II statement is correct.              

Multiple choice current trends of indian history modern indian history general knowledge

Consider the following statements:
1. The 4th Buddhist Council led to the formation of Hinayana and Mahanaya sects.
2. The Hinayana sect believes in the worship of Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara.
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
A Correct answer
Explanation

The 4th Buddhist Council was held at Kashmir during the rule of Kanishka. At this Council, Buddhists again broke into two schools i.e Theravadi became Hinayana and Sarvastivadin or Mahasanghik became Mahayana schools. Hinayana school saw Buddha as a great soul but not God. They did not believe in Bhakti and idol worship. Mahayana school attaches importance to the role of Bodhisattvas who delay their own salvation in order to help others to its path.

Multiple choice current trends of indian history modern indian history general knowledge

With respect to religious philosophy of Jainism consider the following statements:
1. Jain texts condemn the practice of caste system.
2. The practice of Sallekhana was popular among Jain monks and nuns.
Which of the statements given above is/are incorrect?

  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

Jainism believe in Triratnas i.e. Right Knowledge, Right faith and Right action. Jains texts condemn the sanctity of Vedas and were against animal sacrifices in yagyas, etc. Jainism recognized the existence of the gods but placed them lower than the Jina and did not condemn the Varna system as Buddhism did. Jainism principally aims at the attainment of freedom from worldly bonds. Jain monks and nuns practiced Sallekhana i.e fasting until death.

Multiple choice current trends of indian history modern indian history general knowledge

Terai pillar inscriptions talks about which of the following?

  1. Kalinga war episode

  2. Ashoka's dhamma

  3. Ashoka's respect for earlier Buddhas

  4. Ban on animal sacrifice
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Terai pillar is located in Nigali Sagar and Rummindei (birth place of Buddha). The inscriptions explain Ashoka’s respect for earlier Buddhas. Ashokan pillars are broad at base and taper towards the top but this one is of uniform girth from top to bottom and is without the bell shaped top.

Multiple choice current trends of indian history modern indian history general knowledge

Consider the following statements regarding Chaitanya Mahaprabhu:
1. He popularized Kirtana.
2. He was the contemporary of Vallabhacharya.
Which of the following statements 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

Chaitanya Mahaprabhu established Gaudiya Vaishnava dharma in Bengal and believed in advaita or non-dualism. He was a contemporary of Vallabhacharya. He was among the few saints who did not oppose idol worship. He popularized the medium of Kirtana in Bhakti.

Multiple choice current trends of indian history modern indian history general knowledge

Consider the following statements:
1. Ashoka Chakra has 24 spokes.
2. Ashokan edicts are written in Sanskrit.
3. Devanam Piyadasi was a title adopted by Chandragupta Maurya.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 

  1. 1 and 2

  2. 2 and 3

  3. 1 and 3

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

Ashoka is referred to as Devanam Piyadasi in his edicts. Ashokan edicts were composed in Prakrit, they were written in Brahmi script in the greater part of the Indian subcontinent. Ashoka Chakra, a wheel made of 24 spokes is part of our national flag. It is so called because it appears on a number of edicts of Ashoka, most prominent among which is the Lion Capital of Ashoka.

Multiple choice history devotion towards the almighty bhakti movement bhakti movement : south and north india bhakti saints

Bhakti means pure _______ to God.

  1. Dedication

  2. Attention

  3. Devotion

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

Bhakti movement that began in India from AD 7th Century is based on total devotion to God and complete surrender to God without any rituals and sacrifices. In Bhakti movement, we observe different saints spreading this message of devotion in the language that could be understood by the common man. Thus, Bhakti believed that devotion to God is a path that can be followed by any individual.

Multiple choice history devotion towards the almighty bhakti movement bhakti movement : south and north india bhakti saints

Chaitanya Mahaprabhu's philosophical thoughts and teachings are collected in a book called  ______.

  1. Chaitanya Charitamrita

  2. Guru Grantha Sahib

  3. Bijak

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

Chaitanya Mahaprabhu was a 14th century saint who played an important role in promoting the idea of Krishna Bhakti. His ideas and thoughts are collected in a book 'Chaitanya Charitamrita' by Krishna Das Kaviraja in Bengali Language with Sanskrit verses.  It also describes the life journey of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu in different phases.

Multiple choice history devotion towards the almighty bhakti movement bhakti movement : south and north india bhakti saints

Teaching of Dadu Dayal is stored in ______.

  1. Dadu Dayal Ri Vani

  2. Dadu Dayal Ra Doha

  3. Both A and B

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

Dadu Dayal was a saint from northern India. "Dadu" means brother, and "Dayal" means "the compassionate one". All of his teachings are recorded and composed by his disciples into two books namely "Dadu Dayal Ri Vani" and "Dadu Dayal Ra Doha". 

Multiple choice history devotion towards the almighty bhakti movement bhakti movement : south and north india bhakti saints

Saint Ravidas' devotional songs are included in the ________.

  1. Bhagavad Geeta

  2. Guru Granth Sahib

  3. Quran

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

Guru Ravidas was a north Indian mystic in the 15th century. his devotional songs and poems are included in the Sikh Scriptures, Guru Granth Sahib. Sikh scriptures are recited and prayers take place in the temples devoted to Ravidas.