About the Topic: Ancient Indian Literature covers Vedic, Buddhist, Jain and classical Sanskrit literature along with important authors and texts frequently asked in UPSC and State PCS examinations. Practice MCQ Questions with answers and explanations.
Which one of the following statements about Sangam literature in ancient South India is correct?
Correct Answer:
(B) The social classification of varna was known to sangam poets,
Sangam literature represents the earliest known works in the Tamil language and is believed to have been composed during three literary gatherings, or sangams, held in Madurai, India, between the 1st and 4th centuries CE.
Statement a is incorrect. Sangam poetry frequently includes incidental references to material aspects of life, often as part of the setting or through similes and imagery. These texts mention activities such as rice and barley cultivation, cattle herding, and fishing. There are also multiple references to iron. For instance, Kuruntokai 16 mentions iron-tipped arrows, while Akananuru 72 compares a bear digging into a termite mound glowing with fireflies to a blacksmith hammering iron, highlighting the use of vivid metaphors rooted in everyday experiences.
Statement b is correct. Sangam poets were familiar with the concept of varna, the social classification system. They mention groups like the Arashar (kings), Vaishiyar (traders), and Velalar (farmers), and also refer to Brahmanas, some of whom were closely linked with royal courts and received patronage. However, the formal four-fold varna system had limited influence in the Tamil region during that time, and the jati system did not yet exist in that society.
Statement c is incorrect. A strong warrior ethos runs through Sangam poetry. The Puram poems, which focus on the external aspects of life, often recount battles and heroic deeds. These poems celebrate public recognition of bravery, including the commemoration of warriors who died in combat.
Statement d is also incorrect. Sangam literature conveys a belief in mystical or sacred forces known as ananku, believed to inhabit certain objects. Specific social groups—such as the pariyans, tutiyans, panas, and velans—were responsible for performing rituals to manage or appease these forces. Their roles included conducting ceremonies, ritual singing and dancing, entering trance states, lighting funeral pyres, and venerating memorial stones.
Ques: 2
Which of the following are the nine gems of the court of Chandragupta II?1. Dhanvantri2. Kalidasa3. Ghatakarapara4. VarahamihiraSelect the correct option from the codes given below:
Correct Answer:
(B) Only 2 & 3
The nine gems or the Navratnas of the court of Chandragupta II are as follows: Kalidasa, Varahamihrira, Dhanvantri, Ghatakarapara, Shanku, Kahapanaka, Vararuchi, Vetala Bhatta.
Ques: 3
Charvaka philosophical system was also called:
Correct Answer:
(A) Lokayata system
Charvaka philosophical system was also called Lokayata system. It is a past vedic ancient school of Indian materialism which rejects concepts like God and soul, afterlife and moksha.
Ques: 4
Who is the propounder of Nyaya Philosophy?
Correct Answer:
(A) Gautam
Nyaya Akspada Gautam is the propounder of Nyaya philosophy.
Ques: 5
Who among the following continued the Rajtarangini of Kalhana:
Correct Answer:
(D)
Jonaraja and Srivara
Rajatarangini, a metrical historical chronicle of the north- western Indian subcontinent, particularly the kings of Kashmir, was written in Sanskrit by Kashmiri Brahmin Kalhana in the 12th century. Jonaraja continued the narration down to the reign of Sultan Zainul Abedin and called it, like Kalhana, Rajtarangini (Rajavali). After the death of Jonaraja, his pupil Srivara continued the history of Kashmir.
Ques: 6
Among the four works mentioned below which one is encyclopedic in nature?
Correct Answer:
(C) Brihat Samhita
Brihat Samhita of Varaha Mihira is an encyclopedic work written during the Gupta period.