The Nature of Dharma

Description: This quiz aims to test your understanding of the concept of Dharma, a central concept in Indian philosophy and ethics.
Number of Questions: 15
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Tags: indian philosophy ethics dharma
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What is the primary meaning of the Sanskrit word 'Dharma'?

  1. Law

  2. Justice

  3. Duty

  4. Morality


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Dharma primarily refers to the duties, obligations, and responsibilities that individuals have towards themselves, others, and society.

According to the ancient Indian text, the Bhagavad Gita, what is the ultimate goal of Dharma?

  1. Moksha (liberation)

  2. Artha (wealth)

  3. Kama (pleasure)

  4. Dharma (righteousness)


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The ultimate goal of Dharma is to achieve Moksha, which is liberation from the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth.

In the context of Dharma, what is the significance of the concept of 'Rta'?

  1. Cosmic order

  2. Moral principles

  3. Social harmony

  4. Individual freedom


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Rta refers to the cosmic order, balance, and harmony that governs the universe. Dharma is closely associated with Rta, as it is believed that following Dharma helps maintain cosmic order.

Which of the following is NOT considered a source of Dharma in ancient Indian thought?

  1. Vedas

  2. Upanishads

  3. Smritis

  4. Personal desires


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Personal desires are not considered a source of Dharma, as Dharma is based on objective principles and duties rather than individual preferences.

What is the central idea behind the concept of 'Ahimsa' in the context of Dharma?

  1. Non-violence

  2. Truthfulness

  3. Non-stealing

  4. Charity


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Ahimsa, or non-violence, is a fundamental principle of Dharma. It emphasizes the importance of refraining from causing harm to others, both physically and mentally.

Which of the following is NOT considered a virtue in the context of Dharma?

  1. Truthfulness

  2. Non-stealing

  3. Selfishness

  4. Charity


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Selfishness is not considered a virtue in the context of Dharma, as it contradicts the principle of selfless action and concern for others.

What is the significance of the concept of 'Karma' in relation to Dharma?

  1. Cause and effect

  2. Reincarnation

  3. Liberation

  4. Social justice


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Karma refers to the principle of cause and effect, where one's actions have consequences. In the context of Dharma, it is believed that performing righteous actions (Dharma) leads to positive outcomes, while unrighteous actions (Adharma) lead to negative consequences.

Which of the following is NOT considered a type of Dharma in ancient Indian thought?

  1. Svadharma (individual duty)

  2. Paradharma (duty towards others)

  3. Lokadharma (duty towards society)

  4. Svabhava (personal nature)


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Svabhava, or personal nature, is not considered a type of Dharma, as Dharma is based on objective principles and duties rather than individual inclinations.

What is the significance of the concept of 'Dharma-Yuddha' in the context of ancient Indian warfare?

  1. Righteous war

  2. Defensive war

  3. Holy war

  4. Aggressive war


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Dharma-Yuddha refers to the concept of righteous war in ancient Indian thought. It emphasizes the importance of fighting only when necessary and for just causes, while adhering to ethical principles during warfare.

Which of the following is NOT considered a component of Dharma in the context of ancient Indian thought?

  1. Righteousness

  2. Justice

  3. Truthfulness

  4. Expediency


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Expediency, or acting based on immediate convenience or self-interest, is not considered a component of Dharma, as Dharma is based on objective principles and duties rather than personal advantage.

What is the significance of the concept of 'Dharma-niti' in ancient Indian political thought?

  1. Righteous governance

  2. Economic policy

  3. Foreign policy

  4. Military strategy


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Dharma-niti refers to the concept of righteous governance in ancient Indian political thought. It emphasizes the importance of rulers adhering to Dharma and governing in a just and ethical manner.

Which of the following is NOT considered a source of Dharma in the context of ancient Indian thought?

  1. Vedas

  2. Upanishads

  3. Smritis

  4. Personal experience


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Personal experience is not considered a source of Dharma in ancient Indian thought, as Dharma is based on objective principles and duties rather than individual experiences.

What is the significance of the concept of 'Dharma-shastra' in ancient Indian legal thought?

  1. Religious law

  2. Civil law

  3. Criminal law

  4. Constitutional law


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Dharma-shastra refers to the body of religious law in ancient India. It encompasses a wide range of topics, including marriage, inheritance, property rights, and criminal offenses, and is based on the principles of Dharma.

Which of the following is NOT considered a virtue in the context of Dharma?

  1. Truthfulness

  2. Non-stealing

  3. Self-control

  4. Greed


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Greed is not considered a virtue in the context of Dharma, as it contradicts the principle of selfless action and concern for others.

What is the significance of the concept of 'Dharma-artha' in ancient Indian economic thought?

  1. Righteous wealth

  2. Material prosperity

  3. Economic growth

  4. Social welfare


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Dharma-artha refers to the concept of righteous wealth in ancient Indian economic thought. It emphasizes the importance of acquiring wealth through ethical means and using it for the benefit of society.

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