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
Which Upanishad introduces the concept of 'Maya'?
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Brihadaranyaka Upanishad
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Chandogya Upanishad
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Mandukya Upanishad
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Kena Upanishad
C
Correct answer
Explanation
The Mandukya Upanishad introduces the concept of 'Maya', which refers to the illusion or veil that conceals the true nature of reality. Maya is described as the power of Brahman that creates the phenomenal world and the sense of duality.
Which Upanishad explores the concept of 'neti neti' (not this, not this)?
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Brihadaranyaka Upanishad
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Chandogya Upanishad
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Kena Upanishad
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Katha Upanishad
C
Correct answer
Explanation
The Kena Upanishad delves into the concept of 'neti neti' (not this, not this), emphasizing that the true nature of Brahman cannot be described or defined through negation. It suggests that Brahman transcends all limitations and cannot be grasped by the intellect.
Which Upanishad discusses the concept of 'Prana' (life force) and its role in the universe?
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Brihadaranyaka Upanishad
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Chandogya Upanishad
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Prashna Upanishad
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Mundaka Upanishad
C
Correct answer
Explanation
The Prashna Upanishad explores the concept of 'Prana' (life force) and its significance in the universe. It delves into the nature of Prana, its relationship with the senses, and its role in maintaining the balance and harmony of the cosmos.
Which Upanishad is known for its emphasis on the importance of meditation and self-inquiry?
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Brihadaranyaka Upanishad
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Chandogya Upanishad
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Mandukya Upanishad
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Katha Upanishad
C
Correct answer
Explanation
The Mandukya Upanishad places great emphasis on the significance of meditation and self-inquiry as paths to spiritual realization. It explores the four states of consciousness and the nature of the self through contemplative practices.
Which Upanishad is known for its discussion of the concept of 'Karma' (action) and its consequences?
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Brihadaranyaka Upanishad
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Chandogya Upanishad
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Katha Upanishad
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Mundaka Upanishad
C
Correct answer
Explanation
The Katha Upanishad explores the concept of 'Karma' (action) and its consequences in great detail. It emphasizes the importance of ethical conduct and the law of cause and effect, highlighting the interconnectedness of actions and their outcomes.
Which Indian political thinker argued for the need to balance economic development with environmental protection?
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Mahatma Gandhi
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Rabindranath Tagore
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B.R. Ambedkar
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Jiddu Krishnamurti
C
Correct answer
Explanation
B.R. Ambedkar was a prominent Indian political thinker who argued for the need to balance economic development with environmental protection.
What is the term used in Indian philosophy to describe the principle of non-violence?
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Ahimsa
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Satya
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Asteya
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Brahmacharya
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Ahimsa is the term used in Indian philosophy to describe the principle of non-violence. It is considered one of the highest virtues and is often translated as 'non-injury' or 'non-harming'.
What is the term used in Indian philosophy to describe the concept of truth and non-violence?
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Satya
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Ahimsa
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Aparigraha
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Brahmacharya
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Satya, meaning 'truth', is the term used in Indian philosophy to describe the concept of truth and non-violence. It is considered one of the highest virtues and is often associated with the principle of ahimsa.
Which Indian spiritual leader and social reformer is known for his teachings on non-violence and love?
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Swami Vivekananda
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Sri Aurobindo
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Jiddu Krishnamurti
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Paramahansa Yogananda
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Swami Vivekananda, a prominent spiritual leader and social reformer, is known for his teachings on non-violence and love. He emphasized the importance of self-realization and the unity of all religions.
What is the term used in Indian philosophy to describe the concept of non-possessiveness and non-attachment?
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Aparigraha
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Satya
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Ahimsa
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Brahmacharya
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Aparigraha, meaning 'non-possessiveness' or 'non-attachment', is the term used in Indian philosophy to describe the concept of non-possessiveness and non-attachment. It is considered one of the highest virtues and is often associated with the principle of ahimsa.
Which Indian philosopher and social reformer is known for his advocacy of non-violence and the importance of education?
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Vinoba Bhave
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Jayaprakash Narayan
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Ram Manohar Lohia
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Acharya Narendra Deva
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Vinoba Bhave, a prominent philosopher and social reformer, is known for his advocacy of non-violence and the importance of education. He led the Bhoodan movement, which aimed to redistribute land to the landless poor.
What is the term used in Indian philosophy to describe the concept of celibacy and self-restraint?
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Brahmacharya
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Satya
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Ahimsa
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Aparigraha
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Brahmacharya, meaning 'celibacy' or 'self-restraint', is the term used in Indian philosophy to describe the concept of celibacy and self-restraint. It is considered one of the highest virtues and is often associated with the principle of ahimsa.
What is the nature of Purusha in Samkhya philosophy?
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Consciousness
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Matter
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Spirit
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Energy
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Purusha in Samkhya philosophy is pure consciousness, the unchanging and eternal principle that is the experiencer of reality.
What is the nature of Prakriti in Samkhya philosophy?
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Consciousness
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Matter
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Spirit
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Energy
B
Correct answer
Explanation
Prakriti in Samkhya philosophy is the material principle, the changing and evolving principle that is the object of experience.
What are the three gunas in Samkhya philosophy?
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Sattva, Rajas, and Tamas
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Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva
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Purusha, Prakriti, and Mahat
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Buddhi, Ahamkara, and Manas
A
Correct answer
Explanation
The three gunas in Samkhya philosophy are Sattva, Rajas, and Tamas, which are the three fundamental qualities of Prakriti.