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All questions of Religion in India for BPSC (Bihar) Exam

Consider the following statements.
1. Majority of the Muslims in India are Shia
2. Christians and Muslims share Abraham as a common ancestor
Which of these statements are correct?
  • a)
    1 only
  • b)
    2 only
  • c)
    Both of them
  • d)
    Neither of them
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Deepak Kapoor answered
  • Although most Muslims in India are Sunni, Shia's presence is made known on Muharram when they reenact the gruesome death of Ali.
  • There were some moments in history when the religion went through changes and movements, which affected Islam's shape in the subcontinent.
Clear all your doubts with EduRev

Arya Samaj was a North Indian Hindu reform organisation of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly active in Punjab. Consider the following statements about Arya Samaj:
1. Arya Samaj was founded by M. G. Ranade in 1875.
2. It sought to revive Vedic learning and combine it with modem education in the sciences.
3. It regards the Vedas as infallible.
4. Arya Samaj professed 'Shuddhi' to bring back to the Hindu fold those who had recently converted to Islam.
Which of the above is/are incorrect?
  • a)
    1 only
  • b)
    2 and 4
  • c)
    1 and 2
  • d)
    1 and 4
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Suyash Unni answered
Arya Samaj: A Hindu Reform Organisation


  • Incorrect Statement 1: Arya Samaj was founded by M. G. Ranade in 1875.



The first statement is incorrect. Arya Samaj was actually founded by Swami Dayananda Saraswati on 7 April 1875 in Bombay (now Mumbai), Maharashtra. M. G. Ranade, on the other hand, was a prominent social reformer and activist in the late 19th century, but he was not involved in the founding of Arya Samaj.


  • Statement 2: It sought to revive Vedic learning and combine it with modern education in the sciences.



This statement is correct. Arya Samaj aimed to reform Hindu society by promoting Vedic learning and combining it with modern education in the sciences. Swami Dayananda Saraswati believed in the importance of education and advocated for a harmonious blend of traditional Vedic knowledge and modern scientific knowledge.


  • Statement 3: It regards the Vedas as infallible.



The statement does not provide any information about Arya Samaj's perspective on the infallibility of the Vedas. However, it is important to note that Arya Samaj considers the Vedas as the highest authority in matters of religious and moral guidance. They emphasize the importance of Vedic texts and teachings in their reformist ideology.


  • Incorrect Statement 4: Arya Samaj professed 'Shuddhi' to bring back to the Hindu fold those who had recently converted to Islam.



The fourth statement is incorrect. While Arya Samaj did engage in the practice of 'Shuddhi', it primarily aimed to bring back those Hindus who had converted to other religions, such as Christianity or Islam, rather than focusing on recent converts to Islam specifically.

In conclusion, the correct answers are:
a) 1 only

Consider the following statements about Baba Guru Nanak.
1. Baba Guru Nanak did not believe in Hinduism and Islam, so he wished to establish a new religion, which he named Sikhism.
2. He rejected sacrifices, ritual baths, image worship, austerities and the scriptures.
3. He defined five symbols: uncut hair, a dagger, a pair of shorts, a comb and a steel bangle, which need to be worn by his followers.
Which of the above is/are correct?
  • a)
    1 only
  • b)
    2 only
  • c)
    1 and 3
  • d)
    2 and 3
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Jyoti Mehta answered
Explanation:

The correct answer is option 'B' - 2 only.

Explanation of each statement:

1. Baba Guru Nanak did not believe in Hinduism and Islam, so he wished to establish a new religion, which he named Sikhism.
This statement is incorrect. Baba Guru Nanak did not reject either Hinduism or Islam. Instead, he sought to bridge the gap between the two religions and promote religious harmony. He emphasized the belief in one God and taught that all individuals, regardless of their religious background, could attain spiritual enlightenment through devotion and righteousness.

2. He rejected sacrifices, ritual baths, image worship, austerities and the scriptures.
This statement is correct. Baba Guru Nanak criticized the ritualistic practices and external forms of worship prevalent in his time. He emphasized the importance of inner devotion and the purity of heart over external rituals and ceremonies. He rejected the idea of sacrifices, ritual baths, idol worship, and excessive austerities as necessary for spiritual growth. Instead, he advocated for a direct and personal connection with God through meditation, selfless service, and living a righteous life.

3. He defined five symbols: uncut hair, a dagger, a pair of shorts, a comb and a steel bangle, which need to be worn by his followers.
This statement is incorrect. Baba Guru Nanak did not define these five symbols. The five symbols, also known as the Five Ks or Five Articles of Faith, were later established by Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth and final Sikh Guru. These symbols include Kesh (uncut hair), Kara (steel bangle), Kanga (comb), Kachera (a pair of shorts), and Kirpan (dagger). These symbols hold significant religious and cultural importance for Sikhs and are worn as a visible representation of their faith and commitment to Sikh values.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, statement 2 is correct as Baba Guru Nanak did reject certain ritualistic practices and external forms of worship. However, statements 1 and 3 are incorrect as he did not reject Hinduism and Islam or define the five symbols (Five Ks) himself.

Which of the following statement/s is/are correct about Paramahansa Mandali?
1. Founders of this Mandali propagated the idea of polytheism.
2. They were primarily interested in breaking caste rules.
Select the correct answer using the codes below.
  • a)
    Only 1
  • b)
    Only 2
  • c)
    Both 1 and 2
  • d)
    Neither 1 nor 2
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Sanvi Kapoor answered
  • Paramahansa Mandali was a secret socio-religious group in Bombay and was closely related to Manav Dharma Sabha, found in 1844 in Surat. It was started by Mehtaji Durgaram, Dadoba Pandurang and a group of his friends.
  • Dadoba Pandurang assumed leadership of this organisation after he left Manav Dharma Sabha. He outlined his principles in Dharma Vivechan in 1848 for Manav Dharma Sabha and 'Paramhansik Bramhyadharma' for Paramahansa Mandali.
  • It was the first socio-religious organisation of Maharashtra. Founded in 1849 in Maharashtra, the founders of this Mandali believed in one god. Hence, Statement 1 is incorrect.
  • They were primarily interested in breaking caste rules. At their meetings, food cooked by lower caste people was taken by the members.
  • This Mandali also advocated women's education and widow remarriage.

Regarding the Sramana movements in Ancient Northern India, consider the following statements.
1. Purana Kassapa taught that there is no virtue or sin, no merit or demerit, whatever one does.
2. Ajita Kesakambali taught a form of materialism, that there is no future life for us let alone repeated rebirth.
3. Pakudha Kaccayana believed that earth, water, fire, air, joy, sorrow, and life are stable and unproductive, independent primordial substances.
Select the correct answer using the codes below.
  • a)
    2 only
  • b)
    1 and 2 only
  • c)
    1, 2 and 3
  • d)
    1 and 3 only
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Suyash Unni answered
Purana Kassapa
- Purana Kassapa was a prominent teacher in the Sramana movement in ancient Northern India.
- He taught that there is no virtue or sin, no merit or demerit, whatever one does.
- This philosophy suggests that actions do not have moral consequences or karmic implications.
- According to Purana Kassapa, there is no inherent value in any action, and individuals are free to do as they please without any ethical considerations.

Ajita Kesakambali
- Ajita Kesakambali was another influential figure in the Sramana movement.
- He taught a form of materialism, denying the existence of a future life or the concept of repeated rebirth.
- According to Ajita Kesakambali, there is no afterlife or continuation of consciousness beyond death.
- This viewpoint rejects the idea of karma and the cycle of birth and death, emphasizing the importance of living in the present and seeking enjoyment and pleasure in the material world.

Pakudha Kaccayana
- Pakudha Kaccayana was yet another teacher in the Sramana movement.
- He believed in the existence of stable and unproductive, independent primordial substances.
- These substances include earth, water, fire, air, joy, sorrow, and life.
- According to Pakudha Kaccayana, these substances are eternal and do not undergo any transformation or change.

Correct Answer
- The correct answer is option 'C' - 1, 2, and 3.
- All three statements are accurate representations of the teachings of Purana Kassapa, Ajita Kesakambali, and Pakudha Kaccayana, respectively.
- These teachings reflect the diversity of philosophical perspectives within the Sramana movement, which challenged orthodox Hindu beliefs and practices during ancient Northern India.

Consider the following statements.
1. Brahmanism emphasises on the rites performed by, and the status of, the priestly class.
2. Brahmanism emerged from Vedanta principles.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
  • a)
    1 only
  • b)
    2 only
  • c)
    Both 1 and 2
  • d)
    Neither 1 nor 2
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Amrita Saha answered
Understanding Brahmanism
Brahmanism is a term used to describe the early form of Hinduism that emphasizes the Vedic texts and the rituals performed by the priestly class. Let's break down the two statements to understand the correctness of each.
Statement 1: Brahmanism emphasizes the rites performed by, and the status of, the priestly class.
- This statement is correct.
- Brahmanism is deeply rooted in the rituals and ceremonies conducted by Brahmins, the priestly class in ancient India.
- The Vedas, which are the foundational texts of Brahmanism, lay out various rituals and sacrifices that are crucial for spiritual and social order.
- The status of Brahmins as custodians of these rituals underscores their importance in society.
Statement 2: Brahmanism emerged from Vedanta principles.
- This statement is incorrect.
- Vedanta is a later philosophical development within Hinduism that focuses on the end parts of the Vedas, particularly the Upanishads.
- Brahmanism predates Vedanta and is primarily concerned with the ritualistic aspect of the Vedas rather than the philosophical introspection that characterizes Vedanta.
- Thus, it is misleading to say that Brahmanism emerged from Vedanta principles.
Conclusion
- Based on the analysis, only the first statement is accurate.
- Therefore, the correct answer is option 'A': 1 only.

Regarding Tantra, consider the following statements.
1. Icons, puja and temple building were introduced into Hinduism by Tantra.
2. In Buddhism, the Theravada tradition is known for its extensive Tantra ideas and practices.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
  • a)
    1 only
  • b)
    2 only
  • c)
    Both 1 and 2
  • d)
    Neither 1 nor 2
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Deepak Kapoor answered
  • In Buddhism, the Vajrayana tradition is known for its extensive Tantra ideas and practices. Tantric Hindu and Buddhist traditions have influenced other eastern religious traditions such as Jainism, Sikhism, the Tibetan Bon tradition, Daoism, and the Japanese Shinto tradition. Tantra introduced icons, puja and temple building into Hinduism.
  • The Hindu texts that describe these topics are called Tantras, Agamas or Samhitas.

Consider the following statements about Brahma Sampradaya.
1. It is associated with Lord Vishnu
2. Vallabhacharya founded it
Which of these statements are correct?
  • a)
    1 only
  • b)
    2 only
  • c)
    Both of them
  • d)
    Neither of them
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Kavita Mehta answered
  • Brahma Sampradaya: It is associated with Lord Vishnu, the Para-Brahma or Universal Creator (not to be confused with the Brahma deity). The founder was Madhvacharya.
  • Gaudiya Vaishnavism, promoted by Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, is associated with Brahma Sampradaya. The ISKCON belongs to this sampradaya.

Veda Samaj was established in 1864. Which of the following statements is/are correct about it?
1. It was established in Madras.
2. Brahmo Samaj inspired it.
3. It differed from Brahmo Samaj in that it propagated polytheism.
Select the correct answer using the codes below.
  • a)
    Only 1
  • b)
    Only 1 and 2
  • c)
    1, 2 and 3
  • d)
    Only 2
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Suresh Reddy answered
  • Established in Madras (Chennai) in 1864, the Veda Samaj was inspired by the Brahmo Samaj.
  • It worked to abolish caste distinctions and promote widow remarriage and women's education.
  • Its members believed in one god. They condemned the superstitions and rituals of orthodox Hinduism.

Which of the following is/are correct about religion in Vedic period?
1. There is evidence of female gods.
2. Female gods were given equal status with male gods.
3. There was idol worship prevalent during the period.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
  • a)
    Only 1 and 2
  • b)
    1, 2 and 3
  • c)
    1, 2 and 3
  • d)
    1 Only
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Deepak Kapoor answered
Justification:
  • The Rig Vedic Aryans worshipped the natural forces like earth, wind, fire, rain and thunder (naturalistic polytheism).
  • There were also female gods like Ushas and Aditi, and they were placed at lower importance than the male gods.
  • During the early Vedic period, there were no temples and no idol worship. Prayers were offered in the expectation of rewards. Ghee, grain and milk were given as offerings to the god.
  • Elaborate rituals were followed during worship.

Regarding Shaktism, consider the following statements.
1. It is a major tradition of Buddhism.
2. It considers metaphysical reality as feminine.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
  • a)
    1 only
  • b)
    2 only
  • c)
    Both 1 and 2
  • d)
    Neither 1 nor 2
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Nisha Desai answered
Explanation:

Statement 1:
Shaktism is not a major tradition of Buddhism. Shaktism is actually a major tradition within Hinduism that focuses on the worship of the divine feminine energy, Shakti. Therefore, statement 1 is incorrect.

Statement 2:
Shaktism does indeed consider metaphysical reality as feminine. The concept of Shakti represents the dynamic forces that are thought to move through the entire universe in Hinduism. This feminine energy is seen as the creative power of the universe and is revered in Shaktism. Therefore, statement 2 is correct.
Therefore, the correct answer is:

Option B) 2 only

Assertion (A): Keshab Chandra Sen broke from the Brahmo Samaj to form the Sadharan Brahmo Samaj
Reason (R): Keshab Chandra Sen started advocating against child marriage, polygamy and caste system
Choose from the following options.
  • a)
    Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A
  • b)
    Both A and R are true, but R is not a correct explanation of A
  • c)
    Both are false
  • d)
    A is false, but R is true
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Ojasvi Mehta answered
  • The Brahmo Movement: This began with Raja Rammohan Roy, who wanted to question Hinduism's problems. To solve these issues and to find the truth of Vedanta, he started the Brahmo Samaj in 1828. It rejected iconography or the worship of any imagery.
  • It spoke against the evil practices of Sati, which was abolished later after sustained campaigning. He also established two schools to bring education to the masses.
  • After his death, the mission was taken over by Devendranath Tagore in 1843. He was a fierce writer who criticised the British and Christian missionaries who were converting poor people. He also urged Hinduism to bring large scale changes not to leave their religion and convert.
  • Another member Keshabchandra Sen started advocating against child marriage, polygamy and caste system. He and some of his followers were very radical and broke from the Brahmo Samaj to form the 'Bharatiya Brahmo Samaj'.
  • This movement could not sustain itself and led to another break into 'Sadharan Brahmo Samaj'. After all these splits, they could not sustain the movement.

The Shakti Peeth are significant shrines and pilgrimage destinations in Shaktism, the goddess-focused Hindu tradition. Which of these Asian countries/regions host these 108 Shakti Peethas?
1. Nepal
2. Bangladesh
3. Tibet
4. Sri Lanka
5. Pakistan
Select the correct answer using the codes below.
  • a)
    1, 2 and 3 only
  • b)
    1 and 3 only
  • c)
    3 and 4 only
  • d)
    1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Ojasvi Mehta answered
  • There are 51 or 108 Shakti Peethas by various accounts, of which between 4 and 18 are named as Maha (major) in medieval Hindu texts.
  • Most of these historical places of goddess worship are in India, but some are in Nepal, Bangladesh, and Tibet (Mansarovar), Sri Lanka and Pakistan.
  • Some of the great religious texts like the Shiva Purana, the Devi Bhagavata, the Kalika Purana and the AstaShakti recognise four major Shakti Peethas (centres), like Bimala (Pada Khanda) (inside the Jagannath temple of Puri, Odisha), Tara Tarini (Sthana Khanda, Pumagiri, Breasts) (Near Berhampur, Orissa), Kamakhya Temple (Yoni khanda) (Near Guwahati, Assam) and Dakshina Kalika (Mukha khanda) (Kolkata, West Bengal) originated from the parts of the Corpse of Mata Sati in the Satya Yuga.

Which of the following ideas was/were supported by Dayananda Saraswati?
1. A classless and casteless society.
2. Vedic nation of Chaturvarna system.
3. Infallibility of Vedas and Puranas.
  • a)
    Only 2 and 3
  • b)
    Only 1 and 2 
  • c)
    1, 2 and 3
  • d)
    Only 2
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Spectrum Coaching Institute answered
  1. A classless and casteless society – Dayananda Saraswati did not support this. He upheld the Chaturvarna system (division based on guna and karma, not birth).
  2. Vedic nation of Chaturvarna system – Yes, he supported the Chaturvarna system, though he wanted it to be based on merit (qualities and deeds), not hereditary caste.
  3. Infallibility of Vedas and Puranas – He believed in the infallibility of the Vedas only, not the Puranas (he often rejected Puranic practices as superstitious). 
Therefore, Correct Answer is Option D.

Which of the following is/are correct about the Wahabi Movement in India?
1. It was essentially an Islam revivalist movement.
2. Syed Ahmed of Raebareli founded it.
3. the teachings of Abdul Wahab inspired it.
  • a)
    Only 1
  • b)
    Only 3
  • c)
    Only 1 and 3
  • d)
    1, 2 and 3
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Saptarshi Banerjee answered
Wahabi Movement in India

The Wahabi Movement, also known as the Wahhabi Movement or Wahhabi Revivalist Movement, was a religious movement in India that aimed to revive and purify Islam. It originated in the 19th century and had a significant impact on the social and political landscape of the time.

1. It was essentially an Islam revivalist movement.
The first statement is correct. The Wahabi Movement in India was indeed an Islam revivalist movement. Its main objective was to purify and restore what it perceived as the true and original form of Islam. The movement aimed to eliminate what it considered to be un-Islamic practices and beliefs that had crept into Indian society over time. It sought to promote a more orthodox and conservative interpretation of Islam.

2. Syed Ahmed of Raebareli founded it.
The second statement is incorrect. The Wahabi Movement in India was not founded by Syed Ahmed of Raebareli. It was, in fact, inspired by the teachings of Abdul Wahab, an 18th-century Islamic scholar from Arabia. Syed Ahmed Khan, a prominent figure in Indian history, was associated with the Aligarh Movement, which focused on modern education and social reforms.

3. The teachings of Abdul Wahab inspired it.
The third statement is correct. The teachings of Abdul Wahab, the Arabian Islamic scholar, served as the inspiration for the Wahabi Movement in India. Abdul Wahab advocated for a return to the principles of the early Islamic period, rejecting what he saw as innovations and deviations from the original teachings of Islam. His ideas gained popularity and were adopted by followers in various parts of the world, including India.

In conclusion, the correct statements about the Wahabi Movement in India are:

1. It was essentially an Islam revivalist movement.
3. The teachings of Abdul Wahab inspired it.

Therefore, the correct answer is option 'D' - 1, 2 and 3.

Which of these statements are correctly matched?
1. Shaktism - it considers as feminine and Devi or Goddess as supreme
2. Smartism - it is based on the teaching of Puranas
Choose from the following options.
  • a)
    1 only
  • b)
    2 only
  • c)
    Both of them
  • d)
    Neither of them
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Shilpa Mishra answered
Shaktism and Smartism are two different sects within Hinduism, and they are correctly matched with the statements provided. Let's understand each statement in detail:

1. Shaktism - it considers as feminine and Devi or Goddess as supreme:
- Shaktism is a sect of Hinduism that worships the divine feminine energy, Shakti, as the supreme deity. It emphasizes the worship of Devi or the Goddess in various forms like Durga, Kali, Lakshmi, Saraswati, etc. Shaktism considers the feminine aspect of the divine as the creative force behind the universe. It recognizes the power and energy of the Goddess in various forms and believes that she is the source of all creation, preservation, and destruction.

2. Smartism - it is based on the teaching of Puranas:
- Smartism is another sect of Hinduism that follows the teachings of the Smritis, which include the Puranas. The term "Smartism" comes from the word "Smriti," which means "remembered texts." Smartism acknowledges the authority of the Vedas, but it also considers the teachings of the Puranas to be important. The Puranas are a collection of ancient Hindu scriptures that contain myths, legends, genealogies, and teachings on various subjects like rituals, cosmology, theology, etc. Smartism draws its religious practices and beliefs from the teachings of the Puranas.

In conclusion, both statements are correctly matched. Shaktism focuses on the feminine aspect of divinity and considers the Goddess as supreme, while Smartism is based on the teachings of the Puranas.

Consider the following statements about Purusha Sukta.
1. Purusha Sukta is a hymn in the Yajur Veda.
2. The Brahmanas cited Purusha Sukta to justify their dominance and superiority in society.
Which of the above is/are correct?
  • a)
    1 only
  • b)
    2 only
  • c)
    Both 1 and 2
  • d)
    None
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Kavita Mehta answered
  • Purusha Sukta is a hymn in the Rig Veda. It describes the sacrifice of Purusha, the primaeval man.
  • All the elements of the universe, including the four social categories, were supposed to have emanated from his body: The Brahmana was his mouth, of his arms was made the Kshatriya, his thighs became the Vaishya, and of his feet, the Shudra was born.

Consider the following statements about the Arya Samaj.
1. They believed in the Supremacy of the Vedas
2. They rejected iconography
Which of these statements are correct?
  • a)
    Both of them
  • b)
    2 only
  • c)
    1 only 
  • d)
    Neither of them
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Aspire Academy answered
  • Supremacy of the Vedas: Arya Samaj, founded by Swami Dayananda Saraswati in 1875, emphasized the authority and infallibility of the Vedas. They considered the Vedas as the ultimate source of knowledge and guidance.
  • Rejection of iconography: Arya Samaj rejected idol worship and all forms of iconography, believing that God is formless and cannot be represented by images or idols.
Hence, both statements are correct.

Faraizi movement was started by:
  • a)
    Mirza Ghulam Ahmad
  • b)
    Haji Shariat Ullah
  • c)
    Syed Ahmed Khan
  • d)
    Syed Ahmad Barelvi
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Farida Ali answered
He called for the coming back of pure Islam and urged Muslims to perform Islam's obligatory duties called Faraiz. He wanted people not to go to saints and follow their rituals.

Which of the following was/were a part of Vivekananda's ideas?
1. Fundamental oneness of god.
2. Social action, along with knowledge.
3. Usage of modern science and technology for the development of the nation.
  • a)
    Only 1 and 2
  • b)
    Only 2
  • c)
    Only 1 and 3
  • d)
    1, 2 and 3
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Ojasvi Mehta answered
  • Narendranath Datta (1862-1902), who was later known as Swami Vivekananda, spread Ramakrishna's message and tried to reconcile it to the needs of contemporary Indian society.
  • He emerged as the preacher of neo-Hinduism. Certain spiritual experiences of Ramakrishna, the teachings of the Upanishads and the Gita and the examples of Buddha and Jesus are based on Vivekananda's message to the world about human values.
  • He subscribed to the Vedanta, which he considered a fully rational system with a superior approach.
  • His mission was to bridge the gulf between aramartha (service) and vyavahara (behaviour), and between spirituality.
  • He believed in the fundamental oneness of God and said, "For our own motherland, a junction of the two great systems, Hinduism and Islam, is the only hope."
  • Emphasising social action, he declared that knowledge without action is useless.
  • He lamented the isolationist tendencies and the touch-me-not attitude of Hindus in religious matters. He frowned at religion's tacit approval of the oppression of the poor by the rich.
  • He believed that it was an insult to God and humanity to teaching religion to a starving man. He called upon his countrymen to imbibe a spirit of liberty, equality and free-thinking.
  • Vivekananda was a-great humanist and used the Ramakrishna Mission for humanitarian relief and social work. The Mission stands for religious and social reform.
  • Vivekananda was for using technology and modern science in the service of humankind.

Which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. Sikhism has influences of bhakti tradition.
2. It is a syncretic religion.
3. Guru Arjan gave it a militaristic outlook.
  • a)
    Only 1
  • b)
    Only 2 and 3
  • c)
    Only 1 and 2
  • d)
    1, 2 and 3
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Kavita Mehta answered
Justification:
  • Guru Angad compiled Guru Nanak's compositions, to which he added his own in a new script known as Gurmukhi.
  • The three successors of Guru Angad also wrote under the name of 'Nanak', and all of their compositions were compiled by Guru Arjan in 1604.
  • To this compilation were added other figures like Shaikh Farid, Sant Kabir, Bhagat Namdev and Guru Tegh Bahadur.
  • In 1706, this compilation was authenticated by his son and successor, Guru Gobind Singh. It is now known as Guru Granth Sahib, the holy scripture of the Sikhs (syncretism).
  • By the beginning of the 17th century, Ramdaspur (Amritsar) had developed around the central Gurdwara called Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple).
  • The Sikhs community, called the Khalsa Panth, became a political entity (militaristic outlook).
  • Nanak had a huge impact on this development from the very beginning. He emphasised the importance of the worship of one god. He insisted that caste, creed or gender was irrelevant for attaining liberation.

Consider the following statements.
1. Alvars were the devotees of Lord Shiva
2. Nayanars were the devotees of Vishnu
Which of these statements are correct?
  • a)
    1 only
  • b)
    2 only
  • c)
    Both of them
  • d)
    Neither of them
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Deepak Kapoor answered
  • In the medieval period, Hinduism went through the Bhakti movement in North India where the saints translated the Sanskrit texts into vernacular languages and took the message of Bhakti or devotion to the Gods, to the masses.
  • In South India, the Vaishnavite movement was powerful and reigned until the 13 century.
  • These saints, called Alvars, were the devotees of Vishnu and they sang songs which were collected and made into prabhandas.
  • Another powerful group in the South was the Shaivites or those who worshipped Shiva. The saints who followed this were called "Nayanars', and we know of 63 major saints there.

Which of the following are correctly matched?
Select from the codes below
  • a)
    1 and 2 only
  • b)
    2 and 4 only
  • c)
    1, 2 and 3
  • d)
    2, 3 and 4
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Deepak Kapoor answered
  • Apart from the Brahmo Samaj, which has branches in several parts of the country, the Paramahansa Mandali and the Prarthana Samaj in Maharashtra and the Arya Samaj Punjab and North India were some of the prominent movements among the Hindus.
  • Several other regional and caste movements like the Kayastha Sabha in Uttar Pradesh and the Sarin Sabha in Punjab.
  • The backward castes also started the work of reformation with the Satya Sodhak Samaj in Maharashtra and the Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana Yogam in Kerala.
  • The Ahmadiya and Aligarh Movements, the Singh Sabha and the Rehnumai Mazdeyasan Sabha represented the spirit of reform among the Muslims, the Sikhs and the parsees, respectively.

Which of India's following places host important synagogues religious places of worship for the Jews, who have been recently recognised as a minority in Maharashtra?
1. Cochin
2. Pune
3. Kolkata
Select the correct answer using the codes below.
  • a)
    1, 2 and 3
  • b)
    2 and 3 only
  • c)
    1 only
  • d)
    2 only
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Aspire Academy answered
  • Cochin (Kerala): Famous for the Paradesi Synagogue (1568), one of the oldest active synagogues in the Commonwealth.
  • Pune (Maharashtra): Houses Ohel David Synagogue (1867), also called Lal Deval, the largest in Pune.
  • Kolkata (West Bengal): Has historic synagogues like Beth El Synagogue and Magen David Synagogue.
All three cities host important synagogues, so the correct option is 1, 2 and 3.

Who constructed the Akal Takht and Lohagarh Fort?
  • a)
    Guru Govind Singh
  • b)
    Guru Arjan Dev
  • c)
    Guru Teg Bahadur
  • d)
    Guru Hargobind
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Ojasvi Mehta answered
  • Guru Hargobind was the first to gird the two swords as the symbol for Sikhs, which symbolised the spiritual (Piri) and temporal (Miri) authority and represented the combination of the Bhakti and Shakti.
  • He constructed the Akal Takht and Lohagarh fort as symbols of his temporal authority, to conduct daily business and defence.

Which of these sects advocated renunciation of the world to reach salvation?
1. Yogis
2. Nathpanthis
3. Siddhacharas
Select the correct answer using the codes below.
  • a)
    1 and 3 only
  • b)
    1 and 2 only
  • c)
    2 only
  • d)
    1, 2 and 3
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Pooja Shah answered
  • To them, the path to salvation lays in meditation on the formless ultimate reality and the realisation of oneness with it.
  • To achieve this, they advocated intense training of the mind and body through yoga asanas, breathing exercises and meditation.
  • These groups became particularly popular among Tow' castes.
  • Their criticism of conventional religion created devotional religion to become a popular force in northern India.

Which of the following statements is NOT correct?
  • a)
    Shri Narayan Guru coined the slogan 'one religion, one caste, one god for mankind'.
  • b)
    Raja Ram Mohan Roy set up Atmiya Sabha in 1814 to campaign against social evils.
  • c)
    Raja Radhakant Deb organised Dharma Sabha to counter Brahmo Samaj.
  • d)
    Brahmo Samaj took a definite stand on the doctrine of karma by disregarding it completely.
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Ashwin Choudhury answered
  • During the 1920s in South India, the non-brahmins organised the Self- Respect Movement led by E.V. Ramaswamy Naicker.
  • Numerous other movements were demanding to lift a ban on entry of lower castes into temples; for instance, Shri Narayana Guru in Kerala led a lifelong struggle against upper caste domination.
  • He coined the slogan 'one religion, one caste, one god for mankind', which his disciple Sahadaran Ayyapan changed into 'no religion, no caste, no god for mankind'.
  • As a reformist ideologue, Ram Mohan Roy believed in the modern scientific approach and principles of human dignity and social equality. He put his faith in monotheism.
  • He wrote Gift to Monotheists (1809) and translated into Bengali the Vedas and the five Upanishads to prove his conviction that ancient Hindu texts support monotheism.
  • In 1814, he set up Atmiya Sabha in Calcutta to campaign against idolatry, caste rigidities, meaningless rituals and other social ills.
  • Strongly influenced by rationalist ideas, he declared that the Vedanta is based on reason and that, if reason demanded it, even a departure from the scriptures is justified.

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