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

Multiple choice

Which of the following is a key concept in Advaita Vedanta?

  1. Brahman

  2. Atman

  3. Maya

  4. All of the above
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Brahman, Atman, and Maya are all key concepts in Advaita Vedanta. Brahman is the ultimate reality, Atman is the individual self, and Maya is the illusion that separates the individual self from Brahman.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is a key concept in the work of Sri Aurobindo?

  1. Integral yoga

  2. Supermind

  3. Evolution

  4. All of the above
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Integral yoga, Supermind, and Evolution are all key concepts in the work of Sri Aurobindo. Integral yoga is a spiritual practice that aims to integrate all aspects of the human being, Supermind is a higher state of consciousness, and Evolution is the process by which the universe is unfolding.

Multiple choice

Which ancient Indian school of philosophy proposed the concept of 'kalachakra', or the wheel of time?

  1. Nyaya

  2. Vaisheshika

  3. Samkhya

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

The concept of 'kalachakra' is associated with the Buddhist tradition, particularly the Kalachakra Tantra.

Multiple choice

Which school of Indian philosophy asserts that time is an illusion and that the past, present, and future exist simultaneously?

  1. Advaita Vedanta

  2. Dvaita Vedanta

  3. Visistadvaita Vedanta

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

Advaita Vedanta, particularly as propounded by Adi Shankara, holds that time is an illusion and that reality is timeless and unchanging.

Multiple choice

Which Indian philosopher argued that time is a mental construct and that it does not exist independently of the mind?

  1. Vasubandhu

  2. Nagarjuna

  3. Chandrakirti

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

Vasubandhu, a prominent Buddhist philosopher, held the view that time is a mental construct and that it does not exist objectively.

Multiple choice

In the context of Indian philosophy, the concept of 'kshana' refers to:

  1. A moment of time

  2. A unit of time

  3. The flow of time

  4. The perception of time
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

'Kshana' in Indian philosophy signifies a moment of time, an indivisible unit of temporal duration.

Multiple choice

Which Indian philosopher argued that time is a real entity and that it is distinct from both matter and consciousness?

  1. Prabhakara

  2. Kumarila Bhatta

  3. Udayana

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

Udayana, a renowned Nyaya philosopher, defended the position that time is a real entity that is distinct from both matter and consciousness.

Multiple choice

Which Indian philosopher argued that time is a product of the interaction between Brahman and Maya?

  1. Shankara

  2. Ramanuja

  3. Madhvacharya

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

Ramanuja, the founder of Visistadvaita Vedanta, held the view that time is a product of the interaction between Brahman and Maya, the cosmic illusion.

Multiple choice

In the context of Indian philosophy, the concept of 'anitya' refers to:

  1. Impermanence

  2. Change

  3. Causality

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

'Anitya' in Indian philosophy signifies impermanence, the idea that all things are subject to change and decay.

Multiple choice

Which Indian philosopher argued that time is an illusion created by the mind?

  1. Nagarjuna

  2. Vasubandhu

  3. Chandrakirti

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

Nagarjuna, a prominent Buddhist philosopher, argued that time is an illusion created by the mind and that it does not exist objectively.

Multiple choice

Which Indian philosopher argued that time is a fundamental principle of reality that is distinct from both matter and consciousness?

  1. Prabhakara

  2. Kumarila Bhatta

  3. Udayana

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

Jayanta Bhatta, a renowned Nyaya philosopher, defended the position that time is a fundamental principle of reality that is distinct from both matter and consciousness.

Multiple choice

What is the central concept of the Nyaya school of Indian philosophy?

  1. The law of karma.

  2. The concept of dharma.

  3. The theory of atomism.

  4. The doctrine of liberation.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The Nyaya school of Indian philosophy is known for its emphasis on the law of karma, which states that every action has a corresponding reaction.

Multiple choice

According to the Mimamsa school of Indian philosophy, what is the primary source of dharma?

  1. The Vedas.

  2. The Upanishads.

  3. The Bhagavad Gita.

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

The Mimamsa school of Indian philosophy holds that the Vedas are the primary source of dharma, or moral duty.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is NOT a virtue in Indian philosophy?

  1. Truthfulness.

  2. Non-violence.

  3. Stealing.

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

Stealing is considered to be a vice in Indian philosophy, as it is a violation of the principle of ahimsa (non-violence).

Multiple choice

Which of the following is a key concept in the philosophy of action in the Bhagavad Gita?

  1. Nishkama Karma.

  2. Dharma.

  3. Moksha.

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

Nishkama Karma, or selfless action, is a key concept in the philosophy of action in the Bhagavad Gita. It refers to the idea of performing actions without attachment to the fruits of those actions.