Ancient Indian Philosophy

Description: This quiz is designed to test your knowledge of Ancient Indian Philosophy, covering various schools of thought, key concepts, and influential philosophers.
Number of Questions: 15
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Tags: ancient philosophy indian philosophy hinduism buddhism jainism
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Which of the following is NOT one of the six orthodox schools of Indian philosophy?

  1. Nyaya

  2. Vaisheshika

  3. Samkhya

  4. Yoga

  5. Mimamsa

  6. Vedanta


Correct Option: F
Explanation:

Vedanta is not considered one of the six orthodox schools of Indian philosophy, but rather a sub-school of the Upanishads.

The concept of Brahman, the ultimate reality in Hinduism, is central to which school of Indian philosophy?

  1. Nyaya

  2. Vaisheshika

  3. Samkhya

  4. Yoga

  5. Mimamsa

  6. Vedanta


Correct Option: F
Explanation:

Vedanta, particularly the Advaita Vedanta school, emphasizes the concept of Brahman as the underlying unity of all existence.

The Buddhist concept of Anatta, or non-self, is associated with which school of Indian philosophy?

  1. Nyaya

  2. Vaisheshika

  3. Samkhya

  4. Yoga

  5. Mimamsa

  6. Buddhism


Correct Option: F
Explanation:

Anatta is a fundamental concept in Buddhism, emphasizing the impermanence and lack of inherent self in all phenomena.

The Jain concept of Ahimsa, or non-violence, is a core principle of which school of Indian philosophy?

  1. Nyaya

  2. Vaisheshika

  3. Samkhya

  4. Yoga

  5. Mimamsa

  6. Jainism


Correct Option: F
Explanation:

Ahimsa is a central tenet of Jainism, emphasizing the importance of compassion and respect for all living beings.

The Samkhya school of Indian philosophy posits the existence of two fundamental principles, Purusha and Prakriti. What do these terms represent?

  1. Consciousness and matter

  2. Soul and body

  3. Spirit and nature

  4. Mind and intellect

  5. Action and knowledge


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

In Samkhya philosophy, Purusha represents consciousness, while Prakriti represents matter or the material world.

Which of the following is NOT a key concept in the Nyaya school of Indian philosophy?

  1. Perception

  2. Inference

  3. Comparison

  4. Testimony

  5. Postulation


Correct Option: E
Explanation:

Postulation is not a key concept in Nyaya philosophy, which focuses on the four pramanas (sources of knowledge): perception, inference, comparison, and testimony.

The Vaisheshika school of Indian philosophy is known for its theory of Padarthas, or categories of existence. How many Padarthas does Vaisheshika posit?

  1. 5

  2. 6

  3. 7

  4. 8

  5. 9


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Vaisheshika posits six Padarthas: substance, quality, action, generality, particularity, and inherence.

The Yoga school of Indian philosophy emphasizes the practice of Ashtanga Yoga, or the eight limbs of yoga. What is the ultimate goal of Ashtanga Yoga?

  1. Moksha (liberation)

  2. Samadhi (enlightenment)

  3. Nirvana (extinction of suffering)

  4. Brahman realization

  5. Atman realization


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

The ultimate goal of Ashtanga Yoga is to achieve Samadhi, a state of deep meditation and spiritual enlightenment.

Which of the following is NOT a type of Moksha, or liberation, in Indian philosophy?

  1. Jivanmukti (liberation while living)

  2. Videhamukti (liberation after death)

  3. Kaivalya (isolation)

  4. Brahmavidya (knowledge of Brahman)

  5. Atmavidya (knowledge of the self)


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Brahmavidya is not a type of Moksha, but rather a means to achieve it through the knowledge of Brahman.

The Mimamsa school of Indian philosophy focuses on the interpretation of which sacred text?

  1. Vedas

  2. Upanishads

  3. Bhagavad Gita

  4. Yoga Sutras

  5. Nyaya Sutras


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Mimamsa primarily focuses on the interpretation and understanding of the Vedas, particularly the ritualistic aspects.

Who is considered the founder of the Advaita Vedanta school of Indian philosophy?

  1. Adi Shankara

  2. Ramanuja

  3. Madhvacharya

  4. Nimbarka

  5. Vallabhacharya


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Adi Shankara is widely regarded as the founder of the Advaita Vedanta school, which emphasizes the non-duality of Brahman and Atman.

Which of the following is NOT a key concept in the Buddhist philosophy of Pratītyasamutpāda, or dependent origination?

  1. Ignorance

  2. Craving

  3. Attachment

  4. Dukkha (suffering)

  5. Anicca (impermanence)


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Dukkha is not a part of Pratītyasamutpāda, which focuses on the causal chain leading to suffering and its cessation.

The Jain concept of Anekantavada, or manifoldness of reality, emphasizes the existence of multiple perspectives and viewpoints. What is the central idea behind Anekantavada?

  1. Truth is relative and multifaceted.

  2. Reality is absolute and unchanging.

  3. Knowledge is limited and subjective.

  4. Perception is unreliable and deceptive.

  5. Language is inadequate to express reality.


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Anekantavada asserts that truth is not singular and absolute, but rather relative and multifaceted, depending on the perspective and context.

Which of the following is NOT a key concept in the Nyaya school of Indian philosophy?

  1. Perception

  2. Inference

  3. Comparison

  4. Testimony

  5. Postulation


Correct Option: E
Explanation:

Postulation is not a key concept in Nyaya philosophy, which focuses on the four pramanas (sources of knowledge): perception, inference, comparison, and testimony.

The Vaisheshika school of Indian philosophy is known for its theory of Padarthas, or categories of existence. How many Padarthas does Vaisheshika posit?

  1. 5

  2. 6

  3. 7

  4. 8

  5. 9


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Vaisheshika posits six Padarthas: substance, quality, action, generality, particularity, and inherence.

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