How Well Do You Know Swami Vivekananda?

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    What is Vivekananda's birth name?

    • Narendra
    • Ramakrishna
    • Arbindo
    • Mohandas
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About This Quiz

The Swami Vivekananda Quiz offers an insightful exploration of the life and teachings of one of India's most revered spiritual leaders. This quiz covers key aspects of Swami Vivekananda’s philosophy, his role in spreading Vedanta across the world, and his contributions to modern Hinduism.

By answering these Swami Vivekananda MCQ questions, you will learn more about his profound impact on Indian society, his ideas about self-realization, and his emphasis on the importance of education, unity, and service to humanity. This quiz provides an opportunity to reflect on Swami Vivekananda’s wisdom and how it continues to inspire people globally.

How Well Do You Know Swami Vivekananda? - Quiz

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  • 2. 

    What organization did Vivekananda found?

    • Ramakrishna Mission

    • Brahma Samaj

    • Arya Samaj

    • RSS

    Correct Answer
    A. Ramakrishna Mission
    Explanation
    Vivekananda founded the Ramakrishna Mission, an organization dedicated to the social service and educational work based on the principles of karma yoga, the path of selfless action. The mission also aimed to promote Vedanta and the teachings of his guru, Ramakrishna Paramahansa. This foundation was a practical application of his teachings, focusing on spiritual as well as social upliftment, reflecting his belief in active participation in the betterment of society through spiritual enlightenment.

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  • 3. 

    What year was Vivekananda born?

    • 1863

    • 1872

    • 1856

    • 1888

    Correct Answer
    A. 1863
    Explanation
    Swami Vivekananda was born in 1863. This was a time of great intellectual awakening in India, which was under British rule. His birth during this period is significant as it placed him in a position to later join and significantly influence the Indian reform movements of the late 19th century. Vivekananda's contributions to Indian philosophy and his role in spreading those ideas internationally can be traced back to the intellectual environment of his formative years.

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  • 4. 

    Which American city did Vivekananda first speak in 1893?

    • New York

    • Chicago

    • Los Angeles

    • San Francisco

    Correct Answer
    A. Chicago
    Explanation
    Swami Vivekananda first spoke in Chicago in 1893, directly addressing a Western audience. His choice of Chicago and the timing were strategic, coinciding with the World's Fair, ensuring a large and diverse audience. His opening words, "Sisters and Brothers of America," resonated deeply, creating a bond with the audience and setting a respectful and inclusive tone for his message about Hindu philosophy and its universal relevance.

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  • 5. 

    Swami Vivekananda considered which of the following as his ideal way of serving humanity?

    • Political Leadership

    • Spiritual Service

    • Military Action

    • Economic Reforms

    Correct Answer
    A. Spiritual Service
    Explanation
    Swami Vivekananda’s approach to serving humanity was grounded in spiritual service, as he believed that true selfless service was the most powerful way to uplift society. He encouraged individuals to engage in acts of kindness, not as a duty, but as a spiritual path. His teachings on karma yoga, or the path of selfless action, emphasized that serving others without expecting personal rewards was the highest form of spirituality. Vivekananda also emphasized the importance of education and empowerment in serving humanity, urging individuals to contribute to social change by promoting enlightenment, compassion, and justice.

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  • 6. 

    Which university did he attend in India?

    • Delhi

    • Calcutta

    • Mumbai

    • Madras

    Correct Answer
    A. Calcutta
    Explanation
    Swami Vivekananda attended Calcutta University. His education there is significant because it provided him with a broad understanding of Western and Eastern philosophical systems. Calcutta University was a hub for intellectual discourse, which played a crucial role in shaping his ideas and thoughts. His academic background helped him bridge the gap between Eastern spirituality and Western material philosophy when he later traveled to America and Europe.

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  • 7. 

    Which of the following statements about Swami Vivekananda is NOT true?

    • He was a chief disciple of Ramakrishna Paramahamsa. 

    • He founded the Ramakrishna Mission. 

    • He advocated for violence as a means to achieve independence. 

    • He delivered a famous speech at the Parliament of the World's Religions in Chicago.

    Correct Answer
    A. He advocated for violence as a means to achieve independence. 
    Explanation
    Swami Vivekananda was a strong advocate for peace and non-violence. He believed in achieving independence through education, self-reliance, and spiritual upliftment, not through violent means. The other options accurately reflect his life and work. He was a disciple of Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, founded the Ramakrishna Mission, and delivered a groundbreaking speech at the Parliament of the World's Religions in 1893.

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  • 8. 

    At which event did Vivekananda gain global recognition?

    • Olympic Games

    • Kumbh Mela

    • World's Parliament of religions

    • British Assembly

    Correct Answer
    A. World's Parliament of religions
    Explanation
    Swami Vivekananda gained international recognition at the World's Parliament of Religions, held in Chicago in 1893. This event was pivotal as it marked the first time Hinduism was formally presented on the global stage. His speech there introduced Hindu philosophies to the Western world and highlighted the theme of religious tolerance and universal acceptance, thereby positioning Hinduism as a major world religion and himself as a key figure in its interpretation and dissemination.

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  • 9. 

    Which mountain range did Vivekananda retreat to for meditation?

    • Alps

    • Andes

    • Himalayas

    • Rockies

    Correct Answer
    A. Himalayas
    Explanation
    Swami Vivekananda retreated to the Himalayas for meditation. This choice reflects his pursuit of spiritual solace and enlightenment, which he found in the tranquility and seclusion of the mountains. The Himalayas, being a traditional retreat for spiritual seekers in India, provided the ideal setting for deep meditation and contemplation. His time spent in these mountains greatly influenced his philosophical and spiritual outlook, strengthening his resolve and clarity in his teachings.

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  • 10. 

    What did Vivekananda emphasize in his teachings about education?

    • Memorization of Facts

    • Importance of Character Building

    • Focus on Science

    • Knowledge of Western Culture

    Correct Answer
    A. Importance of Character Building
    Explanation
    Swami Vivekananda believed that education should focus on the holistic development of an individual, with an emphasis on character building. He argued that the true purpose of education was not just to impart knowledge but also to instill virtues like integrity, strength, and discipline. Vivekananda saw education as a means to empower individuals to contribute to society through self-realization and selfless action. Unlike the traditional approach, which focused largely on memorization, he advocated for an education system that fostered critical thinking, moral values, and the ability to face life's challenges with resilience and wisdom.

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  • 11. 

    What was the main theme of Vivekananda's speech at the Parliament of the World's Religions?

    • Religious Tolerance

    • Economic Freedom

    • Education for All

    • National Unity

    Correct Answer
    A. Religious Tolerance
    Explanation
    Swami Vivekananda's speech at the Parliament of the World's Religions in 1893 is often regarded as a landmark moment for promoting religious tolerance. His key message emphasized the need for universal acceptance of all religions and the importance of respect for different beliefs. He famously began with “Sisters and Brothers of America,” immediately establishing a tone of equality and respect. Vivekananda highlighted the common spiritual truths shared by all faiths, advocating for unity over division. His speech significantly impacted the global perception of Hinduism and was instrumental in promoting religious harmony worldwide.

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  • 12. 

    Which place did Vivekananda visit to meditate and experience a spiritual retreat in India?

    • Rishikesh

    • Varanasi

    • Puri

    • Kanyakumari

    Correct Answer
    A. Kanyakumari
    Explanation
    Vivekananda’s retreat to Kanyakumari for meditation symbolizes his deep connection with spirituality and his desire for personal enlightenment. Kanyakumari, at the southern tip of India, is considered a powerful spiritual site, where the Arabian Sea, the Bay of Bengal, and the Indian Ocean meet. It is believed to be a place of great spiritual energy, and it was here that Vivekananda had profound realizations about his mission. His retreat allowed him to meditate deeply and reflect on his spiritual journey, ultimately shaping his teachings on Vedanta, self-realization, and service to humanity.

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  • 13. 

    Which famous Indian leader did Vivekananda meet during his stay in the United States?

    • Mahatma Gandhi

    • Subhas Chandra Bose

    • Rabindranath Tagore

    • Lala Lajpat Rai

    Correct Answer
    A. Subhas Chandra Bose
    Explanation
    During his stay in the United States, Vivekananda met with many prominent leaders, including Subhas Chandra Bose, a young and vibrant nationalist who later became a significant figure in India's freedom struggle. Vivekananda’s teachings on self-reliance and empowerment influenced many, including Bose, who was inspired by the monk’s philosophy of strength and self-determination. This meeting marked an intellectual exchange that shaped the thinking of future leaders of India. Vivekananda's emphasis on youth empowerment and national regeneration resonated deeply with Bose’s vision for India’s independence.

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  • 14. 

    What text is Vivekananda credited with reviving in India?

    • Ramayana

    • Bhagavad Gita

    • Vedas

    • Upanishads

    Correct Answer
    A. Bhagavad Gita
    Explanation
    Swami Vivekananda played a crucial role in popularizing the Bhagavad Gita, a central Hindu scripture, among both Indians and Western audiences. He presented the Gita's teachings in a clear and accessible manner, emphasizing its relevance to modern life and its message of self-realization and selfless action.

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  • 15. 

    What was Vivekananda’s key message to youth?

    • Loyalty

    • Strength

    • Duty

    • Peace

    Correct Answer
    A. Strength
    Explanation
    Swami Vivekananda’s key message to the youth was "Strength," both moral and physical. He often emphasized that a strong body and mind were essential for achieving personal and spiritual goals. This message was part of his broader teachings that encouraged self-reliance and assertiveness as necessary virtues for the modern individual, particularly in a colonized society striving for cultural and political resurgence.

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  • Current Version
  • Jun 25, 2025
    Quiz Edited by
    ProProfs Editorial Team
  • Aug 10, 2010
    Quiz Created by
    Vedantany
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