Social Science
Indian Philosophy
4,499 Questions
This segment explores core concepts and major schools of Indian philosophy. It features questions on Vedanta, Nyaya, Vaisheshika, and theories of knowledge and causality. These topics are essential for philosophy optional and general studies papers.
Philosophical schoolsVedanta conceptsTheory of knowledgeCausality and rebirth
Indian Philosophy Questions
Which Indian philosopher proposed the concept of 'sunyata', or emptiness, as the ultimate reality?
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Nagarjuna
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Vasubandhu
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Aryabhata
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Panini
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Nagarjuna, a renowned Buddhist philosopher, introduced the concept of śūnyatā, or emptiness, as the ultimate reality, challenging the notion of permanent and independent existence.
Which Indian philosopher proposed the concept of 'dharma' as the foundation of ethical living?
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Mahavira
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Kapila
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Aryabhata
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Panini
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Mahavira, the founder of Jainism, emphasized the importance of dharma as the foundation of ethical living, which aligns with the principles of sustainable development.
What is the term used to describe the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth in Indian philosophy?
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Samsara
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Karma
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Moksha
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Dharma
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Samsara is the term used to describe the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth in Indian philosophy. It is believed that the soul is trapped in this cycle due to its karma, or actions, in previous lives.
What is the term used to describe the latent tendencies or impressions that a person carries from one life to the next?
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Vasanas
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Karma
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Dharma
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Moksha
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Vasanas are the term used to describe the latent tendencies or impressions that a person carries from one life to the next. These vasanas can be positive or negative, and they can influence a person's thoughts, feelings, and actions in this life.
What is the term used to describe the belief that all living beings are interconnected and interdependent?
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Advaita Vedanta
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Dvaita Vedanta
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Vishishtadvaita Vedanta
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Bhedabheda Vedanta
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Advaita Vedanta is the term used to describe the belief that all living beings are interconnected and interdependent. It is one of the main schools of Vedanta philosophy.
Which Indian philosophical school emphasizes the importance of time in ethical decision-making?
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Nyaya
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Vaisheshika
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Mimamsa
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Vedanta
C
Correct answer
Explanation
Mimamsa, a school of Indian philosophy, emphasizes the importance of time in ethical decision-making. It argues that the rightness or wrongness of an action depends on the time and context in which it is performed.
Which Indian philosophical school emphasizes the importance of karma in ethical decision-making?
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Nyaya
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Vaisheshika
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Mimamsa
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Vedanta
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Nyaya, a school of Indian philosophy, emphasizes the importance of karma in ethical decision-making. It argues that the rightness or wrongness of an action depends on its consequences, and that actions that lead to good consequences are morally right, while those that lead to bad consequences are morally wrong.
Which Indian philosophical school emphasizes the importance of dharma in ethical decision-making?
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Nyaya
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Vaisheshika
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Mimamsa
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Vedanta
D
Correct answer
Explanation
Vedanta, a school of Indian philosophy, emphasizes the importance of dharma in ethical decision-making. It argues that the rightness or wrongness of an action depends on its alignment with the principles of dharma, which are derived from the Vedas, the sacred texts of Hinduism.
Which Indian philosophical school emphasizes the importance of liberation from samsara?
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Nyaya
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Vaisheshika
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Mimamsa
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Vedanta
D
Correct answer
Explanation
Vedanta, a school of Indian philosophy, emphasizes the importance of liberation from samsara, the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth. It argues that the true nature of the self is Brahman, the ultimate reality, and that liberation can be achieved through self-realization, which involves recognizing this true nature.
Which Indian philosophical school emphasizes the importance of moksha as the ultimate goal of human life?
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Nyaya
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Vaisheshika
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Mimamsa
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Vedanta
D
Correct answer
Explanation
Vedanta, a school of Indian philosophy, emphasizes the importance of moksha as the ultimate goal of human life. It argues that the true nature of the self is Brahman, the ultimate reality, and that liberation can be achieved through self-realization, which involves recognizing this true nature.
What is the central concept in Indian aesthetics?
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Rasa is the Sanskrit word for 'essence' or 'flavor'. It refers to the emotional experience that is evoked in the listener by a piece of music.
According to Mimamsa philosophy, what is the primary source of knowledge?
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The Vedas
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Reason and logic
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Experience and observation
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Intuition and revelation
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Mimamsa philosophy places great importance on the Vedas, considering them to be the ultimate source of knowledge and authority. The Vedas are believed to contain divine revelations that provide guidance on various aspects of life, including the nature of the self and the path to spiritual liberation.
What is the central concept in Mimamsa philosophy?
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The self
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Brahman
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Karma
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Dharma
D
Correct answer
Explanation
Dharma is the central concept in Mimamsa philosophy. It refers to the moral and ethical duties and obligations that individuals must fulfill in order to achieve spiritual liberation. Dharma encompasses a wide range of actions, including rituals, sacrifices, and ethical conduct.
The Upanishads teach that the ultimate reality is:
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Brahman
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Atman
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Maya
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Samsara
A
Correct answer
Explanation
The Upanishads teach that Brahman is the ultimate reality and that it is the source of all existence.
The concept of maya in ancient Indian texts refers to:
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Illusion
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Reality
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Appearance
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Detachment
A
Correct answer
Explanation
The concept of maya in ancient Indian texts refers to the illusion that the world is real and separate from Brahman.