Social Science
Indian Philosophy
4,615 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
According to the Mimamsa school of Indian philosophy, the primary source of knowledge is:
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Perception
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Inference
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Testimony
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Vedas
D
Correct answer
Explanation
The Mimamsa school of Indian philosophy, founded by Jaimini, considers the Vedas as the primary source of knowledge. The Vedas are regarded as sacred texts that contain revealed knowledge about various aspects of life and the universe.
In Indian philosophy, the term 'sruti' refers to:
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Revealed knowledge
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Empirical knowledge
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Rational knowledge
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Intuitive knowledge
A
Correct answer
Explanation
In Indian philosophy, 'sruti' is a Sanskrit term that means 'heard' or 'revealed'. It refers to the knowledge that is believed to have been revealed by divine sources, such as the Vedas.
Which school of Indian philosophy emphasizes the role of intuition and direct experience as a source of knowledge?
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Nyaya
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Vaisheshika
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Mimamsa
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Advaita Vedanta
D
Correct answer
Explanation
Advaita Vedanta, a school of Indian philosophy founded by Adi Shankara, emphasizes the role of intuition and direct experience as a means of acquiring knowledge. According to Advaita Vedanta, the ultimate reality is Brahman, which can be directly experienced through meditation and self-inquiry.
In Indian philosophy, the term 'smriti' refers to:
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Revealed knowledge
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Empirical knowledge
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Rational knowledge
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Remembered knowledge
D
Correct answer
Explanation
In Indian philosophy, 'smriti' is a Sanskrit term that means 'remembered' or 'tradition'. It refers to the knowledge that is derived from memory, experience, or oral tradition, as opposed to revealed knowledge (sruti).
Which school of Indian philosophy advocates the theory of 'apoha' or 'negation' as a means of defining concepts?
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Nyaya
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Vaisheshika
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Mimamsa
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Advaita Vedanta
A
Correct answer
Explanation
The Nyaya school of Indian philosophy, founded by Gautama, employs the theory of 'apoha' or 'negation' as a means of defining concepts. According to this theory, a concept is defined by negating its opposite qualities.
In Indian philosophy, the term 'tarka' refers to:
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Logical reasoning
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Dialectical reasoning
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Meditation
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Self-inquiry
A
Correct answer
Explanation
In Indian philosophy, 'tarka' is a Sanskrit term that means 'logical reasoning' or 'argumentation'. It refers to the process of using logical principles and arguments to establish the validity of a claim or proposition.
Which school of Indian philosophy emphasizes the role of language and grammar in the acquisition of knowledge?
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Nyaya
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Vaisheshika
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Mimamsa
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Advaita Vedanta
C
Correct answer
Explanation
The Mimamsa school of Indian philosophy, founded by Jaimini, places great importance on language and grammar in the acquisition of knowledge. According to Mimamsa, the Vedas are composed in perfect language, and their interpretation requires a deep understanding of grammar and linguistics.
In Indian philosophy, the term 'anumana' refers to:
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Perception
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Inference
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Testimony
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Intuition
B
Correct answer
Explanation
In Indian philosophy, 'anumana' is a Sanskrit term that means 'inference' or 'deduction'. It refers to the process of deriving new knowledge from existing knowledge through logical reasoning.
Which school of Indian philosophy advocates the theory of 'satkaryavada' or 'the effect exists in the cause'?
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Nyaya
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Vaisheshika
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Mimamsa
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Advaita Vedanta
B
Correct answer
Explanation
The Vaisheshika school of Indian philosophy, founded by Kanada, propounds the theory of 'satkaryavada' or 'the effect exists in the cause'. According to this theory, the effect is pre-existent in the cause in a subtle form and is manifested under appropriate conditions.
In Indian philosophy, the term 'abhava' refers to:
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Existence
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Non-existence
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Negation
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Absence
B
Correct answer
Explanation
In Indian philosophy, 'abhava' is a Sanskrit term that means 'non-existence' or 'absence'. It refers to the state of something not existing or being absent.
Which school of Indian philosophy emphasizes the role of doubt and critical inquiry in the pursuit of knowledge?
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Nyaya
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Vaisheshika
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Mimamsa
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Advaita Vedanta
A
Correct answer
Explanation
The Nyaya school of Indian philosophy, founded by Gautama, places great importance on doubt and critical inquiry in the pursuit of knowledge. According to Nyaya, knowledge should be subjected to rigorous examination and scrutiny to ensure its validity.
In Indian philosophy, the term 'samaya' refers to:
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Agreement
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Convention
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Tradition
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Testimony
B
Correct answer
Explanation
In Indian philosophy, 'samaya' is a Sanskrit term that means 'convention' or 'agreement'. It refers to the knowledge that is derived from social conventions, customs, or traditions.
Which of the following is a major work of Ramanuja, a prominent philosopher of the Vishishtadvaita school of Vedanta?
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Bhagavad Gita Bhashya
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Brahma Sutra Bhashya
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Sri Bhashya
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Vedanta Sutras Bhashya
C
Correct answer
Explanation
Sri Bhashya is a major work of Ramanuja, a prominent philosopher of the Vishishtadvaita school of Vedanta, which emphasizes the qualified non-dual nature of reality.
Who is considered the founder of the Dvaita Vedanta school of thought?
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Adi Shankara
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Ramanuja
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Madhvacharya
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Vallabhacharya
C
Correct answer
Explanation
Madhvacharya is considered the founder of the Dvaita Vedanta school of thought, which emphasizes the dual nature of reality.
Which of the following is a major work of Swami Vivekananda, a prominent modern Vedanta philosopher?
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Raja Yoga
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Karma Yoga
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Bhakti Yoga
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Jnana Yoga
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Raja Yoga is a major work of Swami Vivekananda, a prominent modern Vedanta philosopher, which focuses on the practice of meditation and self-realization.