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

Multiple choice

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

  1. Impermanence

  2. Change

  3. Causality

  4. Timelessness
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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
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.

Multiple choice

According to the Nyaya school of Indian philosophy, what is the primary means of acquiring knowledge?

  1. Perception.

  2. Inference.

  3. Testimony.

  4. All of the above.
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D Correct answer
Explanation

The Nyaya school of Indian philosophy holds that there are three primary means of acquiring knowledge: perception, inference, and testimony.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is NOT a type of karma in Indian philosophy?

  1. Sanchita Karma.

  2. Prarabdha Karma.

  3. Kriyamana Karma.

  4. Agami Karma.
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Explanation

Agami Karma is not a type of karma in Indian philosophy. Sanchita Karma refers to the accumulated karma from past lives, Prarabdha Karma refers to the karma that is currently being experienced, and Kriyamana Karma refers to the karma that is being created in the present moment.

Multiple choice

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

  1. Atman.

  2. Brahman.

  3. Maya.

  4. Karma.
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Explanation

Atman, or the self, is a key concept in the philosophy of action in the Upanishads. It refers to the true nature of the self, which is believed to be identical with Brahman, the ultimate reality.

Multiple choice

According to the Advaita Vedanta school of Indian philosophy, what is the primary cause of suffering?

  1. Ignorance.

  2. Desire.

  3. Attachment.

  4. All of the above.
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D Correct answer
Explanation

The Advaita Vedanta school of Indian philosophy holds that the primary cause of suffering is ignorance, desire, and attachment.

Multiple choice

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

  1. Truthfulness.

  2. Non-violence.

  3. Stealing.

  4. Compassion.
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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

In Hinduism, what is the term for the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth?

  1. Samsara

  2. Karma

  3. Moksha

  4. Dharma
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A Correct answer
Explanation

Samsara is the Sanskrit word for the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth, which is a fundamental concept in Hinduism.

Multiple choice

According to the Samkhya school of Indian philosophy, the universe is composed of two fundamental principles:

  1. Purusha and Prakriti

  2. Atman and Brahman

  3. Dharma and Karma

  4. Maya and Avidya
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Explanation

Purusha is the conscious, unchanging principle, while Prakriti is the material, changing principle.

Multiple choice

The Advaita Vedanta school of Indian philosophy emphasizes the concept of:

  1. The unity of all existence

  2. The cycle of birth, death, and rebirth

  3. The law of karma and reincarnation

  4. The nature of the soul
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Explanation

Advaita Vedanta teaches that the ultimate reality is a single, unified consciousness, and that the individual self is an illusion.