The Indian Literature Quiz! Trivia Facts

Sanskrit is known as India's ancestral language because it is the oldest language in India and has been used for centuries as the language of the Vedas, ancient Hindu scriptures. It is considered the root language of many Indian languages and has a rich history and cultural significance in India.

Sita is regarded as the perfect symbol of wifely devotion and self-sacrifice in the epic Ramayana. Throughout the story, she remains loyal and devoted to her husband, Rama, even in the face of great hardships. She willingly sacrifices her comfort and safety to accompany Rama into exile and endures numerous trials and tribulations. Sita's unwavering love and dedication to her husband make her an embodiment of ideal wifely devotion and selflessness.

Rabindranath Tagore is the correct answer because he was an Indian writer who was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1913. Tagore was a prolific writer, poet, and playwright, and he is considered one of the greatest literary figures in Indian literature. His works, such as Gitanjali (Song Offerings), explore themes of love, spirituality, and humanism. Tagore's Nobel Prize win made him the first non-European to receive the prestigious award, and it brought international recognition to Indian literature.

Reincarnation is the correct answer because it aligns with the belief of Indians that the soul of a person after death returns to the Earth in the body of another person, an animal, or even a plant. This belief is a fundamental concept in Hinduism and is deeply rooted in Indian culture and spirituality. The caste system and suttee, on the other hand, are not directly related to this belief in the transmigration of the soul.

Rabindranath Tagore is the correct answer because he is the author of "Gitanjali". "Gitanjali" is a collection of poems and songs that earned Tagore the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1913. Tagore, a Bengali poet, philosopher, and polymath, is known for his contributions to literature, music, and art, and is considered one of the greatest poets in the world.

Kalidasa is the correct answer because he is a renowned ancient Indian poet and playwright who is credited with writing the play "Shakuntala." His works are considered to be some of the greatest in Sanskrit literature, and "Shakuntala" is one of his most famous plays. Rabindranath Tagore is also a well-known Indian poet and writer, but he did not write "Shakuntala." Nelson Mandela, on the other hand, was a political leader and activist, not a playwright or poet.

Ramayana is an Indian epic written by Maharshi Valmiki. It is one of the two major Sanskrit epics of ancient Indian literature, the other being Mahabharata. Ramayana narrates the story of Lord Rama and his journey to rescue his wife Sita from the demon king Ravana. It is a significant text in Hindu mythology and has had a profound influence on Indian culture and religious practices.

The Mahabharata is considered the greatest epic of India written by Vyasa. It is a complex and extensive narrative that tells the story of the Kurukshetra War and the fates of the Kaurava and Pandava princes. It is not only a story of war and conflict, but also explores themes of dharma (duty), righteousness, and the nature of human existence. The Mahabharata is revered for its moral teachings and philosophical insights, making it an important literary and cultural treasure in India.

Brahma is known as the Indian God of creation. In Hindu mythology, Brahma is believed to be responsible for the creation of the universe and all living beings. He is often depicted with four heads, representing the four Vedas, and is associated with knowledge and wisdom. While Vishnu is known as the preserver and Shiva as the destroyer, Brahma's role is specifically focused on creation. Therefore, the correct answer is Brahma.

The Panchatantra is a collection of ancient Indian fables that is believed to be the first of its kind ever written. It consists of animal stories that convey moral lessons and is written in Sanskrit, an ancient Indian language. The Vedas are a different type of ancient Indian text that consists of hymns and rituals, not fables. Therefore, the Panchatantra is the correct answer as it aligns with the statement that it contains the first fables ever written.

The Vedas are ancient sacred texts in Hinduism that are considered as the ultimate source of knowledge. They contain hymns, rituals, and philosophical teachings that provide guidance on various aspects of life. The statement "This book means 'knowledge'" implies that the Vedas are synonymous with knowledge, emphasizing their importance and significance in Indian culture and spirituality. The Panchatantra and Sama-Veda are also important texts in Hinduism, but they do not carry the same connotation of being the embodiment of knowledge as the Vedas do.

Kalidasa is known as the Indian Shakespeare because he was a renowned poet and playwright in ancient India, just like Shakespeare was in England. Kalidasa's works, such as "Shakuntala" and "Meghaduta," are considered masterpieces of Indian literature and showcase his talent for storytelling and poetic beauty. Like Shakespeare, Kalidasa's works have had a lasting impact on Indian literature and continue to be celebrated for their depth and artistic excellence.

The correct answer is Rig-Veda. The question is asking for the book of hymns, and the Rig-Veda is one of the four sacred texts of Hinduism, composed of hymns and prayers. The Yajur-Veda and Sama-Veda are also sacred texts, but they are not specifically known as books of hymns.

The correct answer is Atharva-Veda. The question is asking for the book of spells, and Atharva-Veda is known for containing a collection of spells, charms, and incantations. It is one of the four Vedas, which are ancient Hindu scriptures. The Atharva-Veda focuses on practical aspects of life, including healing, protection, and prosperity, making it a suitable choice for a book of spells.

Ramayana is regarded as the Holy book of the Indians because it is a sacred text in Hinduism that tells the story of Lord Rama, his wife Sita, and their adventures. It is considered a guide to righteous living and is highly revered by Hindus. The epic poem portrays the ideals of duty, honor, loyalty, and devotion, making it an important religious and cultural text in India.