1. With respect to Bathouism, which of the following statements is/are correct?
- Bathouism is exclusively a monotheistic faith with a single deity worshipped.
- The five elements in Bathouism are linked to the principles of Panchatatva in Hinduism.
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 2
[C] Both 1 & 2
[D] Neither 1 nor 2
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Neither 1 nor 2]
Notes:- Bathouism is not exclusively monotheistic (Incorrect): While it emphasizes a supreme god, Bathoubwrai, it also encompasses the worship of multiple elements and principles, indicating a more complex belief system.
- The five elements in Bathouism are indeed linked to Panchatatva (Correct): The five elements of Bathouism (Air, Sun, Earth, Fire, Sky) resonate with the Panchatatva concept in Hinduism, highlighting a shared philosophical foundation.
2. Which of the following sects in Hinduism is known for its philosophy influenced by both Sankara and Ramanuja?
[A] Alvars
[B] Nayanars
[C] Lingayats
[D] Vaishnavas
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Lingayats]
Notes:
The Lingayats, also known as Virasaivas, emerged as a prominent sect in South India and are characterized by their unique philosophy that draws upon the teachings of both Sankara, who emphasized non-dualism, and Ramanuja, who advocated for qualified non-dualism. This synthesis allowed the Lingayats to develop a distinct religious identity that emphasized devotion to Lord Shiva and rejected the caste system. The movement gained traction under the leadership of Basava, a key figure in its history, who served as the Prime Minister of the Kalachuri king Bijjala during the 12th century, promoting social reform and spiritual devotion.
3. Consider the following statements:
- The concept of “Samsara” refers to the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth in Hinduism and Buddhism.
- Moksha represents the ultimate goal of life in both Hinduism and Buddhism.
- Nirvana is synonymous with Moksha in the context of Buddhist philosophy.
Which of the above is/are correct statements?
[A] Only 1 and 3
[B] Only 2 and 3
[C] 1, 2, and 3
[D] Only 1
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Only 1 and 3]
Notes:
The concept of “Samsara” indeed denotes the continuous cycle of birth, death, and rebirth in both Hinduism and Buddhism, emphasizing the transient nature of life. “Moksha,” while a significant goal in Hinduism representing liberation from this cycle, is not a defining aim in Buddhism, which focuses on “Nirvana.” Although Nirvana is often described as the cessation of suffering and analogous to Moksha, the two differ in context and connotation. Thus, statements 1 and 3 are correct, while statement 2 is incorrect in its generalization across both religions.
4. Identify the tribe from the statements given below:
- They follow Hinduism and Sanamahi religion.
- Lai Haroba dance form is associated with this tribe.
- Martial art thang-ta is associated with them.
Choose the correct answer using the codes given below:
[A] Kuki
[B] Angami
[C] Meitei
[D] Mikir
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Meitei]
Notes:- The Meitei people are the dominant ethnic group in Manipur. The Meitei ethnic group represents about 53% of Manipur’s population.
- They speak the Meitei language (officially called Manipuri), which is one of the 22 official languages under the 8th schedule of the Indian Constitution.
- It is the sole official language of Manipur.
- The famous Manipuri dance form had its roots in the Lai Haraoba dance form.
- The Manipuri martial art ‘Thang-ta’ is a combative sport which had its origin in the Meitei knights during the king’s rule. It involves various fighting techniques with swords and spears.
- According to the 2011 census, Meiteis follow only two religions, with the majority of Meiteis practising variants of Hinduism. Around 16% of Meiteis traditionally believe in the Sanamahi religion named after the god Sanamahi.
5. Which of the following pairs of religious texts and associated religions is/are matched correctly?
- Milind Panha – Buddhism
- Tanakh – Islamism
- Agamas – Jainism
- Aranyakas – Hinduism
Choose the correct answer using the codes given below:
[A] Only 1, 2 & 3
[B] Only 1, 3 & 4
[C] Only 2 & 4
[D] 1, 2, 3 & 4
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Only 1, 3 & 4]
Notes:
The Milinda Pañha, a Buddhist text from 100 BC to 200 AD, records a dialogue between sage Nagasena and Indo-Greek king Menander I. The Tanakh, or Hebrew Bible, is the Jewish sacred text, with the Torah outlining Jewish laws. The Agamas are the canonical scriptures of Svetambara Jainism, compiled from the teachings of Mahavira by his disciples. Aranyakas are the concluding portions of Brahmanas, named for their association with forest reading, contrasting with the village-focused Brahmanas.
6. Consider the following statements regarding temples in India:
- Nanjundeshwara temple was built by the Chola kings.
- Nanjangudu is known as the “Prayag of South”.
- Sri Bhaktavatsala Perumal Temple and Padmanabhaswamy Temple belong to Vaishnavism cult of Hinduism.
- Jakhu temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Which of the above is correct?
[A] 1 and 3
[B] 1, 3 and 4
[C] 1, 2 and 3
[D] 2 and 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [1, 2 and 3]
Notes:
Jakhu Temple in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, is dedicated to Lord Hanuman. Nanjundeshwara Temple, also known as Srikanteshwara Temple, is an ancient site in Nanjanagudu, Karnataka, built by Chola kings in the 11th-12th century and later renovated by Hoysala, Vijayanagar, and Wadiyar kings. Nanjangudu is referred to as “Dakshina Prayaga.” Sri Bhaktavatsala Perumal Temple in Tamil Nadu and Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Kerala are dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
7. Consider the following statements about the Adivasis:
- Scheduled Tribes is the term used for Adivasis used by the Indian Government in various official documents.
- Adivasis practise a range of tribal religions that are different from Islam, Hinduism and Christianity.
- Adivasis are particularly numerous in states like Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, etc.
Which of the above is / are correct?
[A] Only 1 and 2
[B] Only 2 and 3
[C] Only 1 and 3
[D] All of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [All of the above ]
Notes:
Scheduled Tribes is the term used for Adivasis used by the Indian Government in various official documents. There is an official list of tribes. Scheduled Tribes are often grouped together with Scheduled Castes in the category Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. Adivasis are not a homogeneous population: there are over 500 different Adivasi groups in India. Adivasis are particularly numerous in states like Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal and in the North-eastern states of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland and Tripura. Adivasis practise a range of tribal religions that are different from Islam, Hinduism and Christianity. These often involve the worship of ancestors, village and nature spirits, the last is a ssociated with those residing in various sites in the landscape – ‘mountain-spirits’, ‘river-spirits’, ‘animal-spirits’, etc.
8. Consider the following statements with respect to Raja Ram Mohan Roy:
- He was a rationalist.
- His rational critique of Hinduism brought him closer to Christianity.
Which of the above is / are correct?
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 2
[C] Both 1 and 2
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Only 1]
Notes:
While citing ancient authority for his philosophical views, Rammohan Roy relied ultimately on the power of human reason. In his view, human reason was the final touchstone of the truth of any doctrine, Eastern or Western. He believed that one should depart from the teachings of holy books if human reason so dictates that its message is harmful to the human society. So, statement 1 is correct. Many believed that Rammohan Roy’s rational critique of Hinduism would lead him to embrace Christianity. But, he applied rationalism to Christianity too. He published his Percepts of Jesus in which he tried to separate the moral and philosophical message, which he praised, from its miracle stories. Thus, statement 2 is incorrect.
9. Consider the following statements with respect to Raja Ram Mohan Roy:
- He wrote ‘Gift to Monotheists’ in Persian language.
- He started ‘Atmiya Sabha’ for social and religious reforms.
- He argued that the important ancient texts of Hinduism preached monotheism.
Which of the above is / are correct?
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 1 and 2
[C] All of the above
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [All of the above ]
Notes:
Raja Ram Mohan Roy knew many languages. In 1809, he wrote in Persian his famous work ‘Gift to Monotheists’ in which he put forward weight arguments against belief in many Gods and for the worship of a simple God. So, statement 1 is correct. He started Atmiya Sabha in Calcutta with the cooperation of a band of young men. It was in order to carry out a struggle against the religious and social evils which were widely prevalent among the Hindus in Bengal. So, statement 2 is correct. He held a view that all the principal ancient texts of the Hindus preached monotheism or worship of one God. He published the Bengali translation of the Vedas and five of the principal Upanishads to prove his point. So, statement 3 is correct.
10. Identify the correct statements:
- The Bhakti and Sufi saints gradually brought about a better understanding of the fundamental tenets of Hinduism and Islam.
- The Bhakti and Sufi saints also contributed to the growth of religious languages and literature.
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 2
[C] Both 1 and 2
[D] Neither 1 nor 2
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Both 1 and 2]
Notes:
The Bhakti and Sufi saints gradually brought about a better understanding of the fundamental tenets of Hinduism and Islam.
The Bhakti and Sufi saints also contributed to the growth of religious languages and literature. The Bhakti and Sufi saints also brought about important changes in the approach to religious, lying greater emphasis on true faith than the formal observances.
