Religions & Philosophy — Set 3
Arts & Culture · धर्म और दर्शन · Questions 21–30 of 60
Which of the following describes the 'Shvetambara' sect of Jainism?
Correct Answer: B. White-clad or wearing white clothes
The Shvetambara sect believes that wearing simple white clothes does not hinder spiritual liberation. They also believe that women are capable of attaining liberation in their current lifetime. This is one of the two major branches of Jainism, the other being Digambara.
The 'Avesta' is the primary religious text of which community?
Correct Answer: A. Parsis
The Avesta contains the sacred scriptures of Zoroastrianism, founded by the prophet Zoroaster in ancient Persia. It includes hymns known as Gathas and various liturgical texts. Most practitioners of this faith in India are known as Parsis.
The 'Vishishtadvaita' or 'qualified non-dualism' school was pioneered by which philosopher?
Correct Answer: B. Ramanuja
Ramanuja argued that while the supreme reality is one, it possesses distinct qualities and individual souls are real parts of that reality. He emphasized Bhakti (devotion) to Vishnu as the means to achieve liberation. His philosophy bridged the gap between dry intellectualism and emotional devotion.
Which Buddhist council resulted in the split between the Hinayana and Mahayana sects?
Correct Answer: D. Fourth Council
The Fourth Buddhist Council was held in Kashmir under the patronage of King Kanishka. It was here that the formal division between the traditional Hinayana and the reformist Mahayana schools took place. This event was crucial for the spread of Buddhism to Central and East Asia.
The concept of 'Karma' is common to which of the following religions?
Correct Answer: A. Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism
The correct answer is 'Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism'. Karma refers to the law of cause and effect where one's actions determine their future experiences and rebirth. While the specific interpretations differ, it is a foundational concept in all major Dharmic religions. It provides an ethical framework for personal conduct and spiritual evolution.
The 'Navya-Nyaya' or 'New Logic' school was established in which region during the medieval period?
Correct Answer: B. Bengal
Gangesha Upadhyaya founded the Navya-Nyaya school in Mithila, but it later flourished significantly in Nadia, Bengal. It introduced a highly sophisticated technical language for logical analysis. This school influenced many other fields of Indian scholarship for centuries.
The 'Digambara' sect of Jainism is primarily characterized by?
Correct Answer: B. Monks not wearing any clothes
Digambara monks practice total nudity as a sign of complete detachment from worldly possessions. They follow a stricter code of conduct compared to the Shvetambara sect. This tradition is more prevalent in the southern parts of India.
Which of the following Upanishads contains the famous phrase 'Satyameva Jayate'?
Correct Answer: B. Mundaka Upanishad
The correct answer is 'Mundaka Upanishad'. The phrase 'Satyameva Jayate', meaning 'Truth alone triumphs', is the national motto of India. It is inscribed in Devanagari script at the base of the national emblem. It highlights the high value placed on truth in Indian philosophical heritage.
The 'Siddhant Shastras' are the primary texts for which sect of Hinduism?
Correct Answer: A. Shaivism
Shaiva Siddhanta is a prominent school of Shaivism that relies on 28 core Agamas and their commentaries. It emphasizes the relationship between Pati (Lord Shiva), Pashu (soul), and Pasha (bondage). It is particularly influential in the Tamil-speaking regions of South India.
The philosopher Madhvacharya is the founder of which theological school?
Correct Answer: B. Dvaita
Madhvacharya's Dvaita school advocates strict dualism between God (Vishnu) and the individual souls. He argued that the world is real and God is independent while souls are dependent. His teachings led to the establishment of the Udupi Krishna Matha.