Religions & Philosophy — Set 4
Arts & Culture · धर्म और दर्शन · Questions 31–40 of 60
Which ancient university in India was a major center for the study of Buddhist philosophy and attracted scholars from across Asia?
Correct Answer: C. Nalanda
Nalanda was a world-renowned residential university in Magadha (modern Bihar) that flourished between the 5th and 12th centuries. It hosted thousands of students and teachers who studied Mahayana Buddhism, logic, and Sanskrit grammar. Its library was reportedly so vast that it burned for several months after being attacked.
The 'Sangha' in Buddhism refers to which of the following?
Correct Answer: D. The community of monks and nuns
The correct answer is 'The community of monks and nuns'. The Sangha is one of the Three Jewels (Triratna) of Buddhism, alongside the Buddha and the Dharma. It provides a disciplined environment for practitioners to follow the monastic code (Vinaya). Historically, it played a vital role in preserving and spreading the Buddha's message.
The 'Anuvratas' are a simplified version of the Jain vows designed for whom?
Correct Answer: D. Lay followers (Householders)
Anuvratas or 'Small Vows' allow householders to practice the core ethical principles of Jainism without the extreme rigor required of monks. They include modified versions of non-violence, truth, and non-possessiveness. This system ensures that the Jain lifestyle is accessible to ordinary members of society.
Which Sikh Guru compiled the 'Adi Granth', the first version of the Sikh holy scripture?
Correct Answer: D. Guru Arjan Dev
Guru Arjan Dev, the fifth Guru, collected the hymns of the previous Gurus and added his own to create the Adi Granth in 1604. He also included the writings of Hindu and Muslim saints like Kabir and Namdev. This text was later finalized as the Guru Granth Sahib by the tenth Guru.
The 'Tattvartha Sutra' is a major philosophical text accepted by which two Jain sects?
Correct Answer: B. Shvetambara and Digambara
The correct answer is 'Shvetambara and Digambara'. Written by Umaswati, the Tattvartha Sutra is unique because it is the first Jain text written in Sanskrit and is revered by both major sects. It provides a concise summary of the entire Jain philosophy in aphoristic style. It covers the seven fundamental realities (Tattvas) of the universe.
The 'Brahma Sutras' were written by which sage to summarize the teachings of the Upanishads?
Correct Answer: A. Badarayana
Badarayana's Brahma Sutras is the foundational text of the Vedanta school of philosophy. It attempts to resolve apparent contradictions between different Upanishadic statements. All major Vedanta philosophers like Shankara and Ramanuja wrote commentaries on this text to support their views.
The 'Lokayata' tradition is another name for which philosophical school?
Correct Answer: A. Charvaka
The correct answer is 'Charvaka'. Lokayata refers to the philosophical system that focuses on the 'world' (Loka) and sensory perception. It is characterized by its rejection of supernatural concepts and focus on material well-being. Most information about this school comes from the critical writings of opposing philosophical schools.
The concept of 'Ahura Mazda' as the supreme deity belongs to which religion?
Correct Answer: B. Zoroastrianism
The correct answer is 'Zoroastrianism'. Ahura Mazda is the Lord of Wisdom and the source of all good in Zoroastrian theology. This religion emphasizes a cosmic struggle between the forces of truth (Asha) and falsehood (Druj). It is one of the world's oldest monotheistic faiths and has significantly influenced later Abrahamic religions.
Which language was primarily used for the writing of the early Buddhist 'Tripitaka'?
Correct Answer: D. Pali
Pali is a Middle Indo-Aryan language that was widely understood in North India during the centuries following the Buddha's death. The preservation of the canon in Pali helped maintain a uniform tradition across different regions. It remains the liturgical language for Theravada Buddhism today.
The 'Srimad Bhagavad Gita' identifies how many primary paths (Yogas) for spiritual attainment?
Correct Answer: C. Three
The correct answer is 'Three'. The Gita describes Karma Yoga (the path of action), Jnana Yoga (the path of knowledge), and Bhakti Yoga (the path of devotion). Each path is designed to suit different human temperaments and life situations. This classification provides a comprehensive approach to spiritual life in Hinduism.