Overview of Hindu Literature and India's Topography

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Questions and Answers

What percentage of the Indian population speaks Hindi?

30% (correct)

10%

70%

50%

Which language group primarily comprises the languages spoken in southern India?

Sino-Tibetan

Austroasiatic

Indo-European

Dravidian (correct)

Which religion has the highest percentage of adherents in India?

Hinduism (correct)

Jainism

Islam

Buddhism

What is the Indian caste system primarily associated with?

Birth and social classification Signup and view all the answers

What has been the trend in literacy rates in India between 1950 and 1988?

Increased steadily over time Signup and view all the answers

What role does the central government play in India's education system?

It sets major policies while states implement them. Signup and view all the answers

Which group traditionally occupies the lowest social status in the Indian caste system?

Harijans Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following languages is part of the Indo-Aryan language group?

Punjabi Signup and view all the answers

What is the southernmost of the three main topographic regions of India?

Peninsular India Signup and view all the answers

Which mountain range contains the highest peaks in India?

Karakoram Range Signup and view all the answers

The Northern Plains of India are primarily drained by which rivers?

Indus, Ganges, Brahmaputra Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following regions is not part of the Himalayan mountain system?

Khasi Hills Signup and view all the answers

The main ethnic and cultural diversity in India has resulted from what historical process?

Mass migrations of various groups Signup and view all the answers

Which is the highest peak in the Great Himalayas?

Nanda Devi Signup and view all the answers

What factor has become more important than racial criteria in classifying the diverse population of India?

Linguistic and cultural practices Signup and view all the answers

From which regions do most groups that migrated into the Indian subcontinent originate?

Australia and South Pacific islands Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary influence on Gandhi's moral behavior during his childhood?

His mother's adherence to Jainism Signup and view all the answers

Which years did Gandhi work for an Indian firm in South Africa?

1893 to 1914 Signup and view all the answers

What term did Gandhi use to describe the lowest classes in society?

Harijans Signup and view all the answers

What significant event turned Gandhi towards direct political protest?

The massacre of Amritsar Signup and view all the answers

What was Gandhi’s philosophy of nonviolent resistance called?

Satyagraha Signup and view all the answers

How did Gandhi feel about industrialization in India?

He disagreed with the idea of industrialization. Signup and view all the answers

At what age did Gandhi arrange his marriage?

13 Signup and view all the answers

What are the Vedic holy texts associated with?

Sanskrit literature Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT one of the four Vedas?

Mahabharata Signup and view all the answers

What is the central theme of the Rig-Veda?

Hymns to nature deities and the pantheon of Hindu gods Signup and view all the answers

Which Veda is known as the 'Book of Chants'?

Sama-Veda Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of the Upanishads?

Philosophical concepts related to the Brahman religion Signup and view all the answers

How many lines does the Mahabharata contain?

Over 200,000 Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following texts is considered the oldest sacred literature of India?

The Rig-Veda Signup and view all the answers

What are the Brahmanas primarily understood as?

Commentaries on Vedic hymns and rituals Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following literary forms does NOT belong to the categories of literature during the Sanskrit period?

Scientific treatises Signup and view all the answers

What role did Thomas Babington Macaulay play in the cultural renaissance in India?

He established English-language schooling for Indians. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following writers is known for introducing blank verse and the sonnet into Indian poetry?

Jayashankar Prasad Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following authors is credited with pioneering the novel in India?

Hari Narayan Apte Signup and view all the answers

What significant shift occurred in Indian literature during the 20th century?

An emphasis on introspection and psychology. Signup and view all the answers

Which literary styles emerged as a reaction to the figureheads of the Indian renaissance?

Surrealism and Symbolism Signup and view all the answers

Who among the following introduced the short story to vernacular writing in India?

Rabindranath Tagore Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant influence on the development of social realism in Indian literature?

Nationalist leaders such as Mahatma Gandhi Signup and view all the answers

During which period was the majority of ancient Indian literature written in Sanskrit?

Vedic period Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary theme in the poem that features Rama and Sita?

Rama's exile and Sita's faithfulness Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about Indian drama is most accurate?

The first Indian dramas likely arose from ceremonies for Vishnu-Krishna. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the endings of Indian dramas?

They consistently have happy endings. Signup and view all the answers

What was a common feature of the structure of Indian plays?

Plays are divided into scenes and acts, often with a prologue. Signup and view all the answers

What theme is explored in 'Sakuntala or the Fatal Ring'?

A curse leading to memory loss and eventual reunion. Signup and view all the answers

What impact did the use of both Sanskrit and Prakrit have on Indian drama?

It likely contributed to the decline of drama. Signup and view all the answers

What do the collections of ancient Indian tales represent in literature?

Foundational stories that influenced global folklore. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes 'The Toy Clay Cart'?

A romantic tale emphasizing human emotions. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Hindu Literature

India's civilization has deep roots, originating in the Indus Valley (4000-2500 BCE).
Aryan invaders arrived around 1500 BCE, mixing with Dravidians, shaping Hindu society and the caste system.
Buddhism and Jainism emerged in ancient India, influencing its culture.
The 11th century onwards saw strong Islamic influences, culminating in the Mughal Empire.
The British Empire gradually absorbed the subcontinent from 1750 onwards, though local rulers retained some autonomy.

India's Topography

India is divided into three main topographical regions: the Himalayas, the Northern Plains, and the Peninsular Plateau.
The Himalayas form parts of India's borders with several countries; The Karakoram Range with over 30 peaks above 7300 meters is the highest, including Nanda Devi, the highest peak in the country (7817/25645 feet).
The Northern Plains, drained by the Indus, Ganges, and Brahmaputra rivers are in north-central India.

People and Languages

India has a diverse population with numerous tribal groups and migrant groups.
Over 200 languages are spoken in India, demonstrating linguistic diversity crucial to understanding the civilization.
The most prominent language families are Indo-Aryan (including Hindi, the fourth most widely spoken in the world) and Dravidian. Languages like Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada are spoken predominantly in the south.

Religion

India is a secular state, constitutionally guaranteeing religious freedom, with 83% followers of Hinduism.
Islam is the second largest religion, following by Jainism and Buddhism.
The Indian caste system, while not formally part of the constitution, is a major social structure reflected in labour participation, and economic activities. The former "untouchables" are now known as Harijans.

Government

India has a federal system of government with shared sovereignty between central and state governments.
The national government has greater powers; the national government has real authority, while the president's role is largely ceremonial.
The president has constitutional authority to invoke special provisions under certain conditions, including emergency rule.
Parliament is composed of the Raiya Sabha and Lok Sabha, whose members are elected directly, by all eligible voters, with their mandates lasting for five years, barring earlier dissolution of Parliament.
The Indian National Congress has dominated the central government since independence.

History

India's history, as recognised as a sovereign state, began on August 15,1947, with its partition into two states - India and Pakistan
The partition led to significant population movements and inter-religious violence, resulting in substantial casualties.

Literature

Literature in India has ancient origins in Sanskrit, and later evolved in various regional languages.
Religious works like the Vedas, Upanishads, and Epics like Mahabharata and the Ramayana are prominent.
Secular works like tales and plays emerged, drawing influences from oral traditions and local cultures.

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Description

Explore the rich history of Hindu literature, tracing its roots from the Indus Valley civilization to the influences of Buddhism, Jainism, and Islam. Learn about India's diverse topographical regions, including the majestic Himalayas and fertile Northern Plains, and their significance in shaping the country's culture and society.