Ancient & Classical — Set 5
Books & Authors · प्राचीन और शास्त्रीय · Questions 41–50 of 60
The 'Rig Veda', the oldest of the four Vedas, is primarily a collection of?
Correct Answer: A. Hymns
The Rig Veda consists of 1,028 Suktas or hymns dedicated to various deities like Indra and Agni. It is the oldest known Indo-European text still in use today. These hymns were traditionally passed down through oral recitation.
Who is traditionally considered the author of the 'Ramayana'?
Correct Answer: D. Valmiki
Valmiki is known as the 'Adi Kavi' or the first poet for composing the Sanskrit Ramayana. He is said to have invented the 'Shloka' meter after witnessing the grief of a bird. The epic tells the life story of the prince Rama of Ayodhya.
Which ancient text is known for its teachings on statecraft, often compared to Machiavelli's The Prince?
Correct Answer: D. Arthashastra
Kautilya's Arthashastra is a profound work on political science, diplomacy, and military strategy. It advocates for a strong centralized state and practical approaches to governance. The text was lost for centuries before being rediscovered in 1905.
The 'Upanishads' are primarily concerned with which aspect of ancient knowledge?
Correct Answer: B. Philosophy and Spirituality
The correct answer is 'Philosophy and Spirituality'. The Upanishads are the concluding parts of the Vedas and discuss the nature of reality (Brahman) and the self (Atman). They form the philosophical basis of Vedanta. The name literally means 'sitting down near' a teacher.
Who is the author of the early Sanskrit dictionary 'Amarakosha'?
Correct Answer: B. Amarasimha
Amarasimha, a Buddhist scholar, compiled this thesaurus in the 4th century. It is the most commonly used reference for Sanskrit learners across the centuries. It organizes words into three Kandas or sections based on their meaning.
The play 'Mricchakatika', which provides a realistic look at ancient city life, was written by?
Correct Answer: B. Shudraka
Shudraka's drama is famous for its portrayal of diverse social characters like gamblers, thieves, and monks. It is set in the ancient commercial hub of Ujjain. The play stands out for its blend of humor, romance, and political intrigue.
Which work by Kalidasa is an epic poem describing the birth of the god Kartikeya?
Correct Answer: A. Kumarasambhava
Kumarasambhava literally means 'the birth of the Kumara' (the youth). It describes the marriage of Shiva and Parvati and the eventual birth of their son. The work is celebrated for its lush descriptions of the Himalayan mountains.
The 'Panchatantra' was originally written to teach which subject to young princes?
Correct Answer: B. Niti (Political Wisdom)
Vishnu Sharma used animal stories to teach 'Niti Shastra' or the art of intelligent living. The stories help in developing sharp decision-making and diplomatic skills. It is one of the most frequently translated secular texts in human history.
Who is the author of 'Ashtadhyayi', the foundational work on Sanskrit grammar?
Correct Answer: B. Panini
Panini's work is a masterpiece of logical structure and brevity. He lived around the 5th or 4th century BC and defined the rules of the language perfectly. His system of rules has often been compared to modern computer programming languages.
The 'Rajatarangini' is the earliest known history of which region of India?
Correct Answer: B. Kashmir
Kalhana's 12th-century work is a rare example of objective historiography in ancient India. It records the succession of kings and the social changes in the Kashmir valley. The book remains an indispensable source for the study of North Indian history.