Test: Culture and Science - Class 6 MCQ

The Mahabharata, composed by Ved Vyasa, revolves around the epic conflict between the Pandavas and Kauravas, emphasizing themes of dharma (duty/righteousness) and morality in the face of war.

Puranas, meaning "old," refers to a genre of ancient texts that narrate stories about deities, cosmology, and historical events, crucial for understanding Hindu mythology and philosophy.

The Mahabharata is recognized as the world's longest poem, containing over 100,000 verses. It serves as a crucial cultural and philosophical text in Indian literature.

"Silappadikaram," written by Ilango Adigal, narrates the poignant love story of Kovalan, a merchant, and his romance with the courtesan Madhavi, highlighting themes of love, betrayal, and justice.

The "garbhagriha" is the inner sanctum of a Hindu temple that houses the deity's idol, where rituals are performed, and devotees seek blessings, making it the most sacred part of the temple.

The Iron Pillar, standing at 7.2 meters, is famous for its rust-resistant quality, showcasing the advanced metallurgy skills of ancient Indian craftsmen and their ability to create durable structures.

The Kailasanatha Temple at Ellora is remarkable for being carved from a single rock, showcasing the incredible architectural and artistic skills of the Rashtrakuta dynasty.

The mural paintings in the Ajanta Caves are known for using plant and mineral-based colors, which have remarkably retained their vibrancy over centuries, illustrating scenes from the life of Buddha and Jataka Tales.

The "Natya Shastra," attributed to Bharata, is a comprehensive treatise on performance arts, detailing aspects of theatre, dance, music, and even stage design.

The Jataka Tales illustrate the previous incarnations of Buddha, often conveying moral lessons through stories of his past lives as humans, animals, and even trees.

John Smith, a British army officer, discovered the Ajanta Caves in 1819 while escaping from a tiger during a hunting trip. This accidental discovery led to the revelation of these remarkable Buddhist temples, which showcase ancient craftsmanship.

"Brihat Samhita," authored by Varahamihira, serves as an extensive encyclopedia that encompasses various aspects of science, astrology, and other fields, reflecting the intellectual pursuits of ancient India.

Stupas are dome-shaped structures that house relics, such as the remains of Buddha or saints, and are significant in Buddhist practices as places of worship and pilgrimage.

Aryabhata's "Aryabhatiya" focuses on astronomy and mathematics, detailing concepts like the Earth's rotation and the calculation of eclipses, marking significant advancements in these fields.

The "shikhara" is the tower or spire that rises above the garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum) in Hindu temple architecture, often symbolizing the connection between the earthly and the divine.

"Charaka Samhita" was authored by Charaka and focuses on Ayurveda, detailing various treatments for diseases and the principles of health and wellness in ancient Indian medicine.

The "Panchatantra," authored by Vishnu Sharma, consists of animal fables that convey moral lessons, making it an important text for teaching ethics and practical wisdom.

Kalidasa, one of the greatest Sanskrit poets and dramatists, is attributed to the work "Kumarasambhava," which poetically narrates the birth of Lord Kartikeya.

Ancient Indian secular literature was predominantly composed in Sanskrit, which was the scholarly and literary language of the time, allowing for the flourishing of various literary forms.

Vedic literature primarily consists of the four Vedas, Brahmanas, Aranyakas, and Upanishads. These texts encompass the spiritual and philosophical foundations of Hinduism.