Religions & Philosophy — Set 1
Arts & Culture · धर्म और दर्शन · Questions 1–10 of 60
Which school of ancient Indian philosophy is considered the oldest and was founded by Sage Kapila?
Correct Answer: B. Samkhya
Samkhya is regarded as one of the oldest systematic philosophies in India. It is a dualistic philosophy that divides the universe into Purusha (consciousness) and Prakriti (matter). This school serves as the theoretical foundation for the practical system of Yoga.
The concept of 'Ashtangika Marga' or the Eightfold Path is a core teaching of which religion?
Correct Answer: C. Buddhism
The correct answer is 'Buddhism'. The Eightfold Path was taught by Gautama Buddha to end human suffering and achieve Nirvana. It includes components like Right View, Right Conduct, and Right Mindfulness. This path is the fourth of the Four Noble Truths in Buddhist doctrine.
Which Indian philosopher is the primary proponent of the 'Advaita Vedanta' school of non-dualism?
Correct Answer: C. Adi Shankara
Adi Shankara established the Advaita Vedanta school, which posits that the soul (Atman) and the supreme reality (Brahman) are identical. He consolidated the doctrine by writing commentaries on the Upanishads and Bhagavad Gita. His travels across India helped revitalize the Vedic tradition through the establishment of four mathas.
The 'Nyaya' school of philosophy focuses primarily on which of the following aspects?
Correct Answer: A. Logic and Epistemology
Founded by Sage Gautama, the Nyaya school provides a systematic framework for logic and the means of obtaining valid knowledge. It identifies four sources of knowledge: perception, inference, comparison, and testimony. This school is often paired with Vaisheshika due to their shared metaphysical outlook.
Which major religion is associated with the 'Five Great Vows' known as Mahavratas?
Correct Answer: B. Jainism
Jainism prescribes the Mahavratas for monks, which include Ahimsa (non-violence) and Satya (truth). These vows aim to purify the soul and stop the accumulation of karma. Ahimsa is considered the highest ethical virtue in this religious tradition.
The 'Vaisheshika' school of philosophy is credited with introducing which foundational concept?
Correct Answer: C. The theory of atoms
Sage Kanada, the founder of Vaisheshika, proposed that the physical universe is composed of indivisible particles called atoms (Parmanu). This school classifies all objects into six categories or Padarthas to understand the nature of reality. It is one of the six orthodox (Astika) schools of Indian philosophy.
The philosophical dialogue between Krishna and Arjuna in the Bhagavad Gita is a part of which major epic?
Correct Answer: D. Mahabharata
The Bhagavad Gita is situated within the Bhishma Parva of the Mahabharata. It addresses themes of duty (Dharma), path to liberation, and the nature of the self. It remains one of the most influential texts in Hindu religious and philosophical life.
Who is the first Tirthankara of Jainism according to religious tradition?
Correct Answer: B. Rishabhanatha
Rishabhanatha, also known as Adinatha, is believed to be the first of the twenty-four spiritual teachers in Jainism. He is traditionally credited with laying the foundations for human civilization. The bull is the symbolic animal associated with him in Jain iconography.
Which of the following is a heterodox (Nastika) school of Indian philosophy that rejects the authority of the Vedas?
Correct Answer: B. Charvaka
Charvaka is a materialistic and atheistic school that accepts only direct perception as a valid source of knowledge. It denies the existence of an afterlife, God, or the soul. In ancient texts, it is often referred to as Lokayata, meaning 'prevalent among the people'.
The 'Dhammapada' is a famous collection of sayings belonging to which religious scripture?
Correct Answer: C. The Tripitaka
The correct answer is 'The Tripitaka'. The Dhammapada is part of the Sutta Pitaka within the Pali Canon of Buddhism. It contains 423 verses that provide moral guidance and philosophical insights attributed to the Buddha. It is one of the most widely read and translated Buddhist texts in the world.