📘 Question Bank – India’s Cultural Roots
A. Multiple Choice Questions (30)
(Correct answers marked in bold)
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The word “Veda” comes from the Sanskrit root “vid,” meaning:
a) Prayer
b) Knowledge
c) Power
d) Truth -
How many Vedas are there?
a) Three
b) Five
c) Four
d) Six -
Which is the oldest Veda?
a) Atharva Veda
b) Sama Veda
c) Yajur Veda
d) Rig Veda -
How were the Vedas preserved in early times?
a) Written on palm leaves
b) Printed books
c) Orally memorised and recited
d) Inscriptions on stone -
In which year did UNESCO recognise Vedic chanting as intangible heritage?
a) 2005
b) 2010
c) 2008
d) 2015 -
Who were the composers of Vedic hymns?
a) Kings
b) Common people
c) Rishis and Rishikas
d) Priests only -
The Vedic statement “Ekam sat viprā bahudhā vadanti” means:
a) Many gods are one
b) Truth is one, sages call it by many names
c) God is illusion
d) Knowledge is power -
Which value was central in the Rig Veda?
a) Wealth
b) Victory
c) Truth
d) War -
Early Vedic society was organised into:
a) States
b) Villages
c) Janas (clans)
d) Empires -
Which terms referred to assemblies in Vedic society?
a) Sabha and Sabha
b) Sabha and Gan
c) Sabha and Samiti
d) Raja and Sabha -
Which text introduced ideas like karma and rebirth?
a) Rig Veda
b) Upanishads
c) Arthashastra
d) Puranas -
“Aham Brahmasmi” means:
a) I am a king
b) I am pure
c) I am divine (Brahman)
d) I am powerful -
Who taught “Tat tvam asi” (You are that)?
a) Mahavira
b) Buddha
c) Upanishads
d) Charvaka -
Siddhartha Gautama was born in:
a) Bihar
b) Lumbini (Nepal)
c) Varanasi
d) Kapilavastu -
At what age did Siddhartha see old age, sickness, and death?
a) 21
b) 25
c) 29
d) 35 -
Where did Buddha attain enlightenment?
a) Sarnath
b) Lumbini
c) Bodh Gaya
d) Kushinagar -
What does “Ahimsa” originally mean in Buddhism?
a) Non-violence
b) Non-hurting / non-injuring
c) Peaceful talk
d) No war -
Who founded the Buddhist Sangha?
a) Mahavira
b) Buddha
c) Ashoka
d) Rishabha -
Who was the founder of Jainism?
a) Mahavira
b) Rishabhdev
c) Buddha
d) Shankaracharya -
What does the word “Jain” come from?
a) Jana
b) Jina (conqueror)
c) Jati
d) Jana Gana -
Mahavira achieved supreme knowledge after:
a) 6 years
b) 8 years
c) 12 years
d) 20 years -
Which principle means “many-sidedness of truth”?
a) Aparigraha
b) Anekantavada
c) Ahimsa
d) Karma -
Aparigraha means:
a) Non-violence
b) Non-possession
c) Non-attachment
d) Non-action -
Which school of thought believed only in the material world?
a) Vedanta
b) Buddhism
c) Jainism
d) Charvaka / Lokayata -
Tribal belief systems generally considered what sacred?
a) Gold and silver
b) Nature – rivers, mountains, trees, stones
c) Temples only
d) Kings -
Who is worshipped as Jagannath in Puri but originally a tribal deity?
a) Shiva
b) Jagannath
c) Vishnu
d) Surya -
Which tribes worship Singbonga as the supreme deity?
a) Todas
b) Munda and Santhal
c) Bhils
d) Nagas -
Which tribal group of Tamil Nadu consider peaks as sacred?
a) Santhal
b) Munda
c) Toda
d) Khasi -
According to census 2011, how many tribes exist in India?
a) 600
b) 650
c) 705
d) 750 -
Who said Hinduism has been influenced by tribal religions too?
a) Max Mueller
b) Radhakrishnan
c) André Béteille
d) Romila Thapar
B. Very Short Answer Questions (20)
(1–2 sentences)
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What does Veda mean? → Knowledge.
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How many Vedas exist? → Four (Rig, Yajur, Sama, Atharva).
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Which is the oldest Veda? → Rig Veda.
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Who composed Vedic hymns? → Rishis and Rishikas.
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How were Vedas transmitted? → Orally memorised.
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Which UNESCO heritage includes Vedic chanting? → Oral Intangible Heritage (2008).
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Name two deities in the Vedas. → Indra, Agni.
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What value was central in Vedas? → Truth.
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What does “Ekam sat vipra bahudha vadanti” mean? → Truth is one, sages call it by many names.
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What is Brahman in Vedanta? → The divine essence of all existence.
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What is Atman? → The self, identical with Brahman.
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Who founded Buddhism? → Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha).
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Where did Buddha attain enlightenment? → Bodh Gaya.
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Who founded Jainism? → Mahavira.
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What does Ahimsa mean? → Non-hurting / non-violence.
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What does Anekantavada mean? → Many-sidedness of truth.
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What does Aparigraha mean? → Non-possession.
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Which school denied life after death? → Charvaka.
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How many tribes were officially recognised in India (2011)? → 705.
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Which deity of Odisha was originally tribal? → Jagannath.
C. Short Answer Questions with Answers (15)
(3–4 sentences each)
1. Describe how the Vedas were transmitted.
The Vedas were not originally written down but were memorised and transmitted orally from teacher to student. This oral tradition continued for over 100–200 generations with great accuracy. Because of this meticulous preservation, UNESCO recognised Vedic chanting in 2008 as a “masterpiece of oral heritage.”
2. Explain the meaning of “Ekam sat viprā bahudhā vadanti.”
This Vedic statement means “Truth is one, but sages call it by many names.” It shows that although gods and goddesses were worshipped separately, they were seen as different forms of the same reality. It reflects the inclusive worldview of Vedic culture.
3. What role did Janas play in Vedic society?
Vedic society was organised into groups called janas (clans). Each jana was linked with a region and had its own leadership and assemblies like sabhā and samiti. Some well-known janas were Bharatas, Purus, Kurus, and Yadus.
4. Mention the main teachings of the Upanishads.
The Upanishads taught ideas such as karma (actions and their results), rebirth, and the concept of Brahman, the ultimate reality. They introduced the idea of Atman (Self) as divine and identical to Brahman. They emphasised unity of all beings and the prayer “May all creatures be happy.”
5. What is meant by “Aham Brahmasmi”?
“Aham Brahmasmi” is a famous Upanishadic mantra which means “I am Brahman” or “I am divine.” It expresses the idea that the Self (Atman) within us is not separate from the divine essence of the universe (Brahman).
6. What is Buddhism’s main teaching about suffering?
Buddha taught that human suffering arises from ignorance (avidyā) and attachment (desire). By removing ignorance and attachment, suffering can end. This teaching became the basis of the Four Noble Truths and Eightfold Path.
7. What is the Sangha?
The Sangha was a community founded by Buddha for monks (bhikshus) and later nuns (bhikshunis). Members of the Sangha devoted themselves to discipline, meditation, and spreading Buddhist teachings. It became a powerful force in spreading Buddhism across Asia.
8. Who was Mahavira?
Mahavira was a prince from near Vaishali (Bihar) who renounced royal life at age 30. After 12 years of ascetic discipline, he attained supreme knowledge and became known as “Mahavira” (Great Hero). He was the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism.
9. Explain Anekantavada with an example.
Anekantavada means “many-sidedness of truth.” It teaches that reality cannot be described fully by any one view. For example, the famous story of blind men describing an elephant shows that each person’s perspective is partial, but the truth is greater than all views combined.
10. What is Aparigraha and why is it important?
Aparigraha means non-possession or avoiding unnecessary material attachments. Mahavira taught that one should limit possessions to what is necessary. This reduces greed, promotes simplicity, and encourages focus on spiritual growth.
11. What was the Charvaka belief?
The Charvaka or Lokayata school believed only in the material world. They denied the existence of life after death and rejected ideas like karma or rebirth. According to them, enjoyment of the present life was the ultimate goal.
12. What do tribal religions consider sacred?
Tribal religions often consider natural elements like rivers, mountains, forests, trees, animals, and even stones as sacred. They believe these natural features have consciousness and divine presence.
13. Explain the significance of Jagannath in tribal-Hindu connection.
Jagannath, worshipped at Puri in Odisha, was originally a tribal deity. Over time, this tribal god was absorbed into Hindu traditions. This shows how Hinduism and tribal traditions influenced and enriched each other.
14. Who is Singbonga?
Singbonga is a supreme deity worshipped by the Munda and Santhal tribes in eastern India. He is regarded as the creator of the world. This belief reflects the tribal idea of a higher divinity beyond many local deities.
15. What did André Béteille say about caste and tribes?
The sociologist André Béteille said that caste and tribal groups have influenced each other’s beliefs and practices throughout history. Tribal religions have shaped Hinduism, and Hinduism has shaped tribal traditions. This long interaction led to mutual enrichment.
D. Long Answer Questions with Answers (15)
(6–8 sentences each)
1. Explain the Vedas and their importance in Indian culture.
The Vedas are India’s oldest texts and among the world’s most ancient scriptures. There are four Vedas — Rig, Yajur, Sama, and Atharva. They consist of hymns composed by rishis and rishikas and passed orally for generations. The Vedas worshipped many deities like Indra, Agni, and Varuna but taught that truth is one. They emphasised values like truth, unity, and order in society and the cosmos. UNESCO recognised Vedic chanting as an intangible heritage in 2008. The Vedas became the foundation of Indian culture, philosophy, and spirituality.
2. Describe Vedic society and its features.
Early Vedic society was organised into janas (clans) such as Bharatas, Purus, and Yadus. Leadership was exercised by kings (rajas) with assemblies like sabhā and samiti. Professions mentioned in the Vedas include farmers, weavers, healers, carpenters, and priests. People performed yajñas and rituals to please gods for prosperity. The society valued truth, unity, and collective wellbeing. Thus, Vedic society laid the roots of Indian social and political systems.
3. What are the Upanishads? Discuss their key ideas.
The Upanishads are philosophical texts that build upon Vedic thought. They introduced concepts like karma (action), rebirth, Atman (soul), and Brahman (universal essence). They taught that the Atman in each being is ultimately one with Brahman. Famous sayings like “Tat tvam asi” (You are that) and “Aham Brahmasmi” (I am Brahman) reflect this. They encouraged seeking knowledge through questioning, as seen in the stories of Nachiketa, Shvetaketu, and Gargi. Their ideas shaped later Indian philosophy and spirituality.
4. Explain the teachings of Vedanta and the concept of Brahman.
Vedanta, a school of thought from the Upanishads, taught that all existence is one divine essence called Brahman. The Atman, or individual self, is not different from Brahman. Sayings like “Aham Brahmasmi” and “Tat tvam asi” express this unity. Vedanta emphasised interconnection of all beings and universal compassion. Its values promoted tolerance, harmony, and spirituality. It remains a central philosophy in Hindu thought.
5. Write about Siddhartha Gautama’s life and enlightenment.
Siddhartha Gautama was born a prince in Lumbini around 560 BCE. At age 29, he saw suffering in the form of old age, sickness, and death, which deeply affected him. He left his palace life and became an ascetic, searching for the cause of suffering. After meditating under a pipal tree at Bodh Gaya, he attained enlightenment. He realised that ignorance and attachment cause suffering. He became the Buddha (Enlightened One) and devoted his life to teaching.
6. What are the central teachings of Buddhism?
Buddhism taught the Four Noble Truths — that life involves suffering, suffering arises from desire, it can end, and the Eightfold Path is the way to end it. Buddha also taught Ahimsa (non-hurting) and inner discipline. He rejected rituals and caste divisions, stressing sincerity and compassion. His teachings influenced all of Asia. Buddhism remains one of the most important spiritual traditions in the world.
7. Describe the role of the Sangha in Buddhism.
The Sangha was a community of monks (bhikshus) and later nuns (bhikshunis) founded by Buddha. Members renounced worldly life and dedicated themselves to discipline, meditation, and spreading the teachings. They travelled widely, built monasteries, and preserved Buddhist philosophy. The Sangha played a central role in the expansion of Buddhism across India and Asia. It became a model of disciplined, collective spiritual life.
8. Who was Mahavira and what are the principles of Jainism?
Mahavira, born near Vaishali, was a prince who renounced luxury at 30. After 12 years of ascetic life, he attained supreme knowledge and became the 24th Tirthankara. Jainism teaches Ahimsa (non-violence), Anekantavada (many-sided truth), and Aparigraha (non-possession). These principles stress compassion, tolerance, and detachment from materialism. Mahavira’s teachings contributed greatly to Indian culture and ethics.
9. Explain Ahimsa, Anekantavada, and Aparigraha.
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Ahimsa: Non-violence and non-hurting in thought, word, and deed.
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Anekantavada: Truth has many aspects and cannot be described fully from one perspective.
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Aparigraha: Non-possession and limiting desires to what is necessary.
Together, these principles promote tolerance, peace, and harmony. They shaped Indian values and continue to inspire society.
10. Compare Buddhism and Jainism in terms of their teachings.
Both Buddhism and Jainism rejected the authority of the Vedas and focused on ending suffering and ignorance. Both emphasised Ahimsa, discipline, and compassion. Buddhism taught the Eightfold Path and stressed inner transformation, while Jainism focused on Anekantavada and Aparigraha. Both traditions created monastic communities and spread across India and Asia. Despite differences, they shared a common search for truth.
11. Explain the Charvaka or Lokayata school of thought.
The Charvaka school believed only in the material world. They rejected karma, rebirth, and life after death. For them, the purpose of life was to enjoy the present, as nothing existed beyond it. This school did not last long but shows the diversity of Indian thought. It stood in contrast to spiritual schools like Vedanta, Buddhism, and Jainism.
12. Describe the role of folk and tribal traditions in Indian culture.
Folk and tribal traditions are transmitted orally through stories, rituals, songs, and practices. They regard nature — rivers, forests, mountains — as sacred. Tribal deities like Jagannath, later absorbed into Hinduism, show cultural exchange. These traditions enriched mainstream schools of thought and kept India’s culture diverse and dynamic.
13. How did Hinduism and tribal traditions influence each other?
Tribal deities and practices were often absorbed into Hinduism, such as Jagannath at Puri. At the same time, many tribes adopted Hindu gods and versions of the Mahabharata and Ramayana. Both traditions respected nature as sacred. The interaction led to mutual enrichment and cultural unity.
14. Discuss the worship practices of Toda, Santhal, and Munda tribes.
The Toda tribals of Tamil Nadu regard mountain peaks as sacred and avoid pointing at them. The Santhal and Munda tribes worship Singbonga, a supreme deity who created the world. These practices show reverence for nature and belief in a higher divinity. They highlight the spiritual richness of India’s tribal cultures.
15. Why are India’s cultural roots compared to a banyan tree?
Like a banyan tree with deep roots and spreading branches, Indian culture has ancient roots and diverse branches. The Vedas, Buddhism, Jainism, and tribal traditions are its roots. The branches include art, science, philosophy, and religion. All are united by a common cultural trunk but grow in diverse directions. This makes Indian culture strong, adaptable, and enduring.
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