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Which of these options are correct? (Select all that apply)
Which of these options are correct? (Select all that apply)
The Hitopdesa or "Book of Good Counsels" is a large collection of tales, with a significant number taken from the Panchatantra?
The Hitopdesa or "Book of Good Counsels" is a large collection of tales, with a significant number taken from the Panchatantra?
True
Which of these languages is the fourth most spoken language in the world?
Which of these languages is the fourth most spoken language in the world?
Which of India's religions is primarily practiced by 83% of the population?
Which of India's religions is primarily practiced by 83% of the population?
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What is the name of the longest poem in the world according to the text?
What is the name of the longest poem in the world according to the text?
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Which of these figures is considered to be the "greatest national leaders of the twentieth century" according to the text?
Which of these figures is considered to be the "greatest national leaders of the twentieth century" according to the text?
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What does "satyagraha" literally mean in English?
What does "satyagraha" literally mean in English?
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The play "Shakuntala" or "The Fatal Ring" is attributed to King Sundra, a Hindu sage?
The play "Shakuntala" or "The Fatal Ring" is attributed to King Sundra, a Hindu sage?
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The early, medieval period in India was characterized by a strong focus on a singular language, Sanskrit, and a widespread appreciation for its use in artistic and religious expression?
The early, medieval period in India was characterized by a strong focus on a singular language, Sanskrit, and a widespread appreciation for its use in artistic and religious expression?
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The author of "The Cloud Messenger", a poem by the same name, is KALIDASA?
The author of "The Cloud Messenger", a poem by the same name, is KALIDASA?
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The author of "The Gitagovinda" was JAVADEVA?
The author of "The Gitagovinda" was JAVADEVA?
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The text states that "The Panchatantra" or "Five Books" is a series of tales that can be understood as a manual of instructions for whom?
The text states that "The Panchatantra" or "Five Books" is a series of tales that can be understood as a manual of instructions for whom?
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Which of these is NOT a key characteristic of most ancient Indian dramas, according to the text?
Which of these is NOT a key characteristic of most ancient Indian dramas, according to the text?
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Which play is described in the text as superior in terms of its plot construction and characterization?
Which play is described in the text as superior in terms of its plot construction and characterization?
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The author of the play "The Toy Clay Cart" is described as a "Hindu Shakespeare"?
The author of the play "The Toy Clay Cart" is described as a "Hindu Shakespeare"?
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What is the primary way in which the stories of the Mahabharata and the Ramayana differ in terms of their storytelling?
What is the primary way in which the stories of the Mahabharata and the Ramayana differ in terms of their storytelling?
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The origins of India's indigenous drama are speculated to be rooted in ceremonies centered around the worship of Vishnu-Krishna?
The origins of India's indigenous drama are speculated to be rooted in ceremonies centered around the worship of Vishnu-Krishna?
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Which of these figures is NOT a pioneer in the development of the prose style in Indian literature?
Which of these figures is NOT a pioneer in the development of the prose style in Indian literature?
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The earliest surviving Sanskrit literary works are considered to be from the Vedic period?
The earliest surviving Sanskrit literary works are considered to be from the Vedic period?
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What is the "chief object of worship" in the Rig-Veda?
What is the "chief object of worship" in the Rig-Veda?
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What is the name of the earliest extant pieces of Indo-European prose, according to the text?
What is the name of the earliest extant pieces of Indo-European prose, according to the text?
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The Upanishads fail to provide a cohesive structure for philosophical beliefs?
The Upanishads fail to provide a cohesive structure for philosophical beliefs?
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Which influential figures are mentioned as being influenced by "The Upanishads"?
Which influential figures are mentioned as being influenced by "The Upanishads"?
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How many books are contained in the Mahabharata?
How many books are contained in the Mahabharata?
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What is the name of the poem contained within the Mahabharata that discusses philosophy and the good life with Arjuna?
What is the name of the poem contained within the Mahabharata that discusses philosophy and the good life with Arjuna?
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Identify the two prominent epics that serve as primary sources for Hindu tradition.
Identify the two prominent epics that serve as primary sources for Hindu tradition.
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Who is considered to be the "Hindu Shakespeare"?
Who is considered to be the "Hindu Shakespeare"?
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The "Toy Clay Cart" is a play that features a significant amount of romantic elements, and even highlights the theme of a courtesan saving the life of a merchant due to his past kindness?
The "Toy Clay Cart" is a play that features a significant amount of romantic elements, and even highlights the theme of a courtesan saving the life of a merchant due to his past kindness?
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Study Notes
India
- India is the world's second most populous nation and seventh largest in area, located in South Asia.
- It's approximately 3,000 km wide with a coastline of about 7,000 km.
- India shares a land border of about 5,700 km with Pakistan, China, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and Burma, and Sri Lanka.
- The regions of India include the Himalayan mountain system, Northern Plains (Indus, Ganges, and Brahmaputra river systems), and Peninsular India.
- The highest mountains are in the Karakoram Range, with peaks exceeding 7,300m. Nanda Devi is the highest peak in India (7,817m).
Indian Culture
- Early Indian civilization developed around the Indus Valley (4000-2500 BCE).
- Around 1500 BCE Aryan invaders migrated to India.
- Hinduism, the caste system, Buddhism, and Jainism began in ancient India.
- India was associated with vast influence of the Islamic cultures from 11th century onwards.
- The British Empire absorbed India starting in the early 1700s.
- Indian culture is very ancient and varied.
Indian People
- India has a diverse population, containing vast ethnic, racial, and cultural groups.
- Migrating groups and indigenous people resulted in a complex and rich culture.
- Languages are a significant factor for classifying the different ethnic groups.
- More than 200 languages are spoken, including the important Indo-Aryan languages (e.g. Hindi) and Dravidian languages (e.g., Tamil, Telugu).
Indian Religion
- Hinduism is a major religion in India (about 83%).
- Islam also has significant followers.
- Jainism and Buddhism are other important religions
- The Indian Caste System is also an intricate part of the Hindu tradition, although not exclusively tied to any one religion.
Indian Government
- India's constitution (adopted in 1950) established a federal parliamentary system.
- Sovereignty is shared between the Central government and state governments.
- The national government in India holds greater powers than state governments.
- The prime minister and council of ministers are accountable to Parliament.
Indian History
- India became a sovereign state in August 1947.
- Partition into India and Pakistan resulted in significant turmoil and migration.
- India became a secular state
- Important figures include Mahatma Gandhi.
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Description
Explore the rich geography and cultural heritage of India, the world's second most populous nation. Learn about India's diverse regions, its historical civilizations, and the influence of various cultures over centuries. This quiz covers important geographical features and cultural aspects that define India today.