Introduction Indian martial arts represent a significant yet often overlooked aspect of India's rich cultural…
MCQs with answers on “The Influence of Indian Mythology on Art and Literature”
- Which of the following is the primary source of Indian mythology that has influenced art and literature?
- a) The Quran
- b) The Ramayana
- c) The Bible
- d) The Torah
Answer: b) The Ramayana
- Who is the central character of the Mahabharata, whose life story has influenced Indian art and literature?
- a) Lord Krishna
- b) Lord Rama
- c) Arjuna
- d) Bhima
Answer: c) Arjuna
- Which epic features the story of the goddess Durga slaying the demon Mahishasura, a popular motif in Indian art?
- a) The Ramayana
- b) The Mahabharata
- c) The Devi Mahatmya
- d) The Bhagavad Gita
Answer: c) The Devi Mahatmya
- The depiction of Vishnu’s avatars (Dashavatara) is a prominent theme in Indian:
- a) Music
- b) Art
- c) Dance
- d) Architecture
Answer: b) Art
- Which of the following deities is commonly depicted in Indian art, especially for their connection to wisdom and learning?
- a) Lord Shiva
- b) Goddess Lakshmi
- c) Lord Ganesha
- d) Lord Hanuman
Answer: c) Lord Ganesha
- The Indian festival of Diwali, symbolizing the victory of good over evil, is heavily influenced by the mythological story of:
- a) Lord Vishnu’s Narasimha avatar
- b) Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya
- c) Lord Krishna’s battle with Kansa
- d) The Churning of the Ocean
Answer: b) Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya
- Which of the following works is considered a major source of inspiration for classical dance forms such as Bharatanatyam?
- a) The Vedas
- b) The Mahabharata
- c) The Natya Shastra
- d) The Upanishads
Answer: c) The Natya Shastra
- The figure of Ravana in Indian mythology has been portrayed as both a villain and a complex character in:
- a) Paintings
- b) Literature
- c) Dance
- d) All of the above
Answer: d) All of the above
- Which Indian mythological text is the foundation for much of the iconography and imagery found in South Indian temple art?
- a) The Ramayana
- b) The Mahabharata
- c) The Puranas
- d) The Vedas
Answer: c) The Puranas
- Which goddess is frequently depicted in Indian art as riding a lion and is associated with power and war?
- a) Saraswati
- b) Durga
- c) Lakshmi
- d) Parvati
Answer: b) Durga
- The Indian mythological epic that narrates the story of Lord Rama’s exile and battle with Ravana is:
- a) The Mahabharata
- b) The Ramayana
- c) The Bhagavad Gita
- d) The Vedas
Answer: b) The Ramayana
- The theme of Lord Krishna’s childhood, including his playful acts and miracles, is a popular subject in:
- a) Music
- b) Literature
- c) Dance
- d) Art
Answer: d) Art
- Which of the following is a key concept from Hindu mythology that influences the depiction of life and cycles in Indian art?
- a) Samsara (reincarnation)
- b) Karma
- c) Moksha
- d) All of the above
Answer: d) All of the above
- Which mythological figure is known for being a symbol of devotion and sacrifice, often depicted in literature and art?
- a) Arjuna
- b) Draupadi
- c) Sita
- d) Karna
Answer: c) Sita
- The Indian art form of ‘Warli paintings’ is influenced by:
- a) Rig Veda
- b) Local mythology and nature
- c) The Ramayana
- d) Lord Krishna’s life
Answer: b) Local mythology and nature
- Which character in Indian mythology is known for their intellectual wisdom and contributions to philosophical and moral literature?
- a) Lord Vishnu
- b) Lord Shiva
- c) King Janaka
- d) Lord Krishna
Answer: c) King Janaka
- Which form of literature is based on the interactions between Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, reflecting divine love and cosmic harmony?
- a) Shakta Literature
- b) Shaiva Literature
- c) Vaishnavite Literature
- d) Buddhist Literature
Answer: b) Shaiva Literature
- Which of the following Indian festivals finds its roots in the mythology of Lord Krishna’s mischievous acts, especially involving butter?
- a) Ganesh Chaturthi
- b) Janmashtami
- c) Makar Sankranti
- d) Diwali
Answer: b) Janmashtami
- Which of the following temples is known for its intricate sculptures depicting scenes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata?
- a) Khajuraho Temples
- b) Konark Temple
- c) Brihadeeswarar Temple
- d) Somnath Temple
Answer: a) Khajuraho Temples
- The narrative of which Indian mythological character has greatly influenced the Indian traditional art of storytelling known as ‘Kavita’?
- a) Lord Shiva
- b) Lord Rama
- c) Lord Krishna
- d) Ravana
Answer: b) Lord Rama
- Which divine figure in Indian mythology is associated with wisdom, knowledge, and music, often depicted playing the veena?
- a) Lord Shiva
- b) Lord Vishnu
- c) Goddess Saraswati
- d) Lord Brahma
Answer: c) Goddess Saraswati
- The mythological concept of ‘Brahman’, the eternal source of the universe, plays an important role in:
- a) Ancient Indian literature
- b) Religious texts
- c) Art depicting cosmology
- d) All of the above
Answer: d) All of the above
- Which of the following Indian mythological texts has greatly influenced modern-day literature and theatrical performances?
- a) The Upanishads
- b) The Bhagavad Gita
- c) The Ramayana
- d) The Aranyakas
Answer: c) The Ramayana
- The story of King Harishchandra, who is known for his truthfulness, has been depicted in:
- a) Ancient sculptures
- b) Classical music
- c) Modern cinema
- d) All of the above
Answer: d) All of the above
- Which Indian epic has influenced the modern narrative of good versus evil and is a source of inspiration for both art and literature?
- a) The Mahabharata
- b) The Ramayana
- c) The Vedas
- d) The Puranas
Answer: b) The Ramayana
- The iconic depiction of the cosmic dance of Lord Shiva (Nataraja) symbolizes:
- a) The cycle of creation and destruction
- b) Wisdom and knowledge
- c) Justice and morality
- d) Love and devotion
Answer: a) The cycle of creation and destruction
- Which form of traditional Indian literature uses mythological narratives to impart moral and philosophical lessons?
- a) Folk Tales
- b) Alankara Shastra
- c) Purana Literature
- d) Natya Shastra
Answer: c) Purana Literature
- Which historical event influenced the portrayal of Rani Durgavati, a warrior queen, in Indian art and literature?
- a) The Mughal Invasion
- b) The Battle of Haldighati
- c) The Maurya Empire
- d) The Chola Empire
Answer: b) The Battle of Haldighati
- Which deity is often depicted in Indian art as the remover of obstacles and is widely revered in Hindu mythology?
- a) Lord Vishnu
- b) Lord Ganesha
- c) Lord Shiva
- d) Lord Brahma
Answer: b) Lord Ganesha
- Which of the following is a primary theme in Indian mythology that also influences the cultural portrayal of justice and dharma in Indian art?
- a) The concept of Karma
- b) The concept of Ahimsa
- c) The concept of Dharma
- d) The concept of Moksha
Answer: c) The concept of Dharma
These MCQs cover a wide range of aspects related to the influence of Indian mythology on art and literature, relevant for the Civil Services Examination.