Q. Match the following
1) The Buddha I a). Namghar
2) Shankaradeva I b). Worship of Vishnu
3) Nizamuddin Auliya I c). Qustioned social difference
4) Nayanars I d). Sufi saint
5) Alvars I e). Worship of Shiva
Options
a). 1-b, 2-c, 3-d, 4-a, 5-e
b). 1-d, 2-b, 3-c, 4-a, 5-e
c). 1-b, 2-c, 3-d, 4-e, 5-a
d). 1-c, 2-a, 3-d, 4-e, 5-b
Answer: d). 1-c, 2-a, 3-d, 4-e, 5-b
Q. How many Nayanar saints were there in the Shaivite Bhakti tradition?
a). 63
b). 12
c). 24
d). 108
Answer: a). 63
Q. Which one of the following was not part of the Nayanar community?
a). Appar
b). Sambandar
c). Manikkavacakar
d). Andal
Answer: d). Andal
Explanation: Andal was one of the Alvars, the Vaishnavite Tamil saints, and not part of the Nayanars, who were Shaivite saints devoted to Lord Shiva.
Q. Which two compilations of hymns were composed by the Nayanars?
a). Tevaram and Tiruvacakam
b). Ramcharitmanas and Bhagavad Gita
c). Divya Prabandham and Tiruppavai
d). Quran and Zikr
Answer: a). Tevaram and Tiruvacakam
Q. How many Alvar saints were there in the Vaishnavite Bhakti tradition?
a). 12
b). 24
c). 63
d). 108
Answer: a). 12
Q. Which one of the following was not part of the Alvar community?
a). Nammalvar
b). Tondaradippodi Alvar
c). Periyalvar
d). Sambandar
Answer: d). Sambandar
Explanation: Sambandar was one of the Nayanars, the Shaivite saints devoted to Lord Shiva, whereas the Alvars were Vaishnavite saints devoted to Lord Vishnu.
Q. The songs of the Alvars were compiled in:
a). Tevaram
b). Tirumurai
c). Divya Prabandham
d). Ramcharitmanas
Answer: c). Divya Prabandham
Q. What are hagiographies?
a). Collections of laws and edicts
b). Biographies of saints and holy persons
c). Historical accounts of battles
d). Folk tales and myths
Answer: b). Biographies of saints and holy persons
Q. Adi Shankaracharya was born in
a). Jammu and Kashmir
b). Kerala
c). Uttar Pradesh
d). Assam
Answer: b). Kalady
Explanation: Adi Shankaracharya was born in Kerala, in the 8th century CE.
Q. Which philosophy is associated with Adi Shankaracharya?
a). Dvaita Vedanta
b). Advaita Vedanta
c). Bhakti Vedanta
d). Samkhya
Answer: b). Advaita Vedanta
Explanation: Shankaracharya taught Advaita , asserting that Brahman is the only reality, the individual soul (Atman) is identical with Brahman, and the world is illusion (Maya).
Q. According to Shankaracharya, the ultimate reality is:
a). Vishnu
b). Brahman
c). Shiva
d). The world
Answer: b). Brahman
Explanation: Shankaracharya’s philosophy holds that Brahman is the only reality, eternal and changeless, while the world is Maya (illusion).
Q. Ramanuja was a prominent philosopher of:
a). Shaivism
b). Vaishnavism
c). Buddhism
d). Jainism
Answer: b). Vaishnavism
Q. Ramanuja was born in:
a). Kanchipuram
b). Sringeri
c). Dwarka
d). Puri
Answer: a). Kanchipuram
Q. Which philosophy is associated with Ramanuja?
a). Advaita Vedanta
b). Vishishtadvaita Vedanta
c). Dvaita Vedanta
d). Samkhya
Answer: b). Vishishtadvaita Vedanta
Explanation: Vishishtadvaita (“qualified non-dualism”) teaches that the soul and the universe are distinct but inseparable parts of God (Vishnu), emphasizing devotion and grace for salvation.
Q. According to Ramanuja, salvation (moksha) can be attained by:
a). Knowledge of Brahman alone
b). Devotion to Lord Vishnu and God’s grace
c). Accumulating wealth
d). Performing rituals only
Answer: b). Devotion to Lord Vishnu and God’s grace
Q. The Virashaiva movement was started by:
a). Ramanuja
b). Basavanna
c). Shankaracharya
d). Chaitanya Mahaprabhu
Answer: b). Basavanna
Explanation: The Virashaiva movement was founded in the 12th century by Basavanna and his companions like Alllama Prabhu and Akkamahadevi in Karnataka.
Q. The Virashaiva movement led by Basavanna strongly opposed:
a). Devotion to Shiva
b). Caste discrimination and Brahmanical rituals
c). Bhakti and equality
d). Use of Kannada language
Answer: b). Caste discrimination and Brahmanical rituals
Explanation: They were against all forms of ritual and idol worship.
Q. The Bhakti movement in Maharashtra was mainly centered around the worship of which deity?
a). Shiva
b). Vishnu
c). Brahma
d). Ganesha
Answer: b). Vishnu in the form of Vithoba (Vitthala)
Explanation: The Bhakti saints of Maharashtra, such as Namdev, Tukaram, and Dnyaneshwar, were devotees of Vithoba (a form of Vishnu) worshipped at Pandharpur.
Q. Which one of the following is not a saint from Maharashtra?
a). Tukaram
b). Janeshwar
c). Eknath
d). Kabir
Answer: d). Sant Kabir
Explanation: Sant Kabir was a Bhakti saint from Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh), not Maharashtra. Saints like Tukaram, Janeshwar, Namdev and Eknath as well as women like Sakkubai and the family of Chokamela belonged to Maharashtra and were part of the Varkari movement, devoted to Lord Vithoba of Pandharpur.
Q. What was the view of the saints of Maharashtra regarding family life?
a). They rejected family life completely and promoted renunciation
b). They rejected the idea of renunciation and preferred to live with their familes
c). They encouraged people to live in monasteries away from society
d). They opposed all forms of household duties
Answer: b). They rejected the idea of renunciation and preferred to live with their families, earning their livelihood like any other person, while humbly serving fellow human beings in need.
Q. Which one of the following is a saint from Gujarat?
a). Tukaram
b). Narsi Mehta
c). Tuslidas
d). Namdev
Answer: b). Narsi Mehta
Q. The Nathpanthis, Siddhas, and Yogis believed that salvation could be attained through:
a). Ritual worship and sacrifices
b). Knowledge of the Vedas only
c). Meditation and control of the body and mind
d). Building temples and performing yajnas
Answer: c). Meditation and control of the body and mind
Explanation: The Nathpanthis, Siddhas, and Yogis emphasized yoga, meditation, and self-discipline to unite the individual soul with the Supreme. They rejected ritual practices and caste distinctions.
Q. The Nathpanthis, Siddhas and Yogis believed that the path to salvation lies in:
a). Book learning and scriptural study
b). Physical purification through control over the body
c). Offering sacrifices to gods
d). Accumulation of wealth for charity
Answer: b). Physical purification through control over the body
Explanation: They advocated intense training of the mind and body through practices like yogasanas, breathing exercises and meditation leads to spiritual awakening and ultimate liberation (moksha).
Q. The Nathpanthis, Siddhas, and Yogis were popular among which group of people?
a). Kings
b). Lower castes
c). Brahmins
d). Rich merchants only
Answer: b). Lower castes
Q. Sufism is best described as:
a). A political movement in Islam
b). The mystical branch of Islam emphasizing love and devotion to God
c). A sect opposing Islamic law
d). A branch of Buddhism
Answer: b). The mystical branch of Islam emphasizing love and devotion to God
Explanation: Sufism is the spiritual and mystical dimension of Islam that focuses on inner purity, love, and union with God rather than strict ritual observance.
Q. Match the following Sufi saints with their respective locations:
1. Khwaja Muinuddin Chishti I A. Gulbarga
2. Qutbuddin Bakhtiar Kaki I B. Punjab
3. Baba Farid I C. Ajmer
4. Khwaja Nizamuddin Auliya I D. Delhi
5. Bandanawaz Gisudaraz
Options:
a). 1–D, 2–A, 3–C, 4–D, 5-B
b). 1–A, 2–B, 3–D, 4–D, 5-C
c). 1–B, 2–C, 3–A, 4–D, 5-D
d). 1–C, 2–D, 3–B, 4–D, 5-A
Answer: d). 1–C, 2–D, 3–B, 4–D, 5-A
Q. In the context of Sufism, what does the term “hospice” refer to?
a). A palace for royal guests
b). A resting place for travelers and a spiritual center for followers
c). A school for military training
d). A mosque built by kings
Answer: b). A resting place for travelers and a spiritual center for followers
Explanation: In Sufism, a hospice (also called Khanqah or Dargah) was a place where Sufi saints lived, taught their disciples, and welcomed travelers or the poor. It served as both a spiritual retreat and a community center for religious and charitable activities.
Q. Tulsidas was a great devotee of which deity?
a). Lord Krishna
b). Lord Rama
c). Lord Shiva
d). Goddess Durga
Answer: b). Lord Rama
Explanation: Tulsidas was one of the most famous Bhakti poets of North India, known for his deep devotion to Lord Rama.
Q. The language of Ramcharitmanas composed by Tulsidas is:
a). Sanskrit
b). Awadhi
c). Braj
d). Persian
Answer: b). Awadhi
Explanation: Tulsidas used the Awadhi dialect of Hindi to compose Ramcharitmanas, making the spiritual message of Lord Rama understandable to ordinary people.
Q. Surdas was a great devotee of which deity?
a). Lord Rama
b). Lord Krishna
c). Lord Shiva
d). Goddess Durga
Answer: b). Lord Krishna
Q. Which one of the following was not written by Surdas?
a). Sursagar
b). Sursaravali
c). Sahitya Lahari
d). Ramcharitmanas
Answer: d). Ramcharitmanas
Explanation: Ramcharitmanas was composed by Tulsidas, not Surdas. Surdas is famous for works like Sursagar, Sursaravali, and Sahitya Lahari, which focus on devotion to Lord Krishna.
Q. Shankaradeva was a saint and reformer from which region of India?
a). West Bengal
b). Assam
c). Odisha
d). Bihar
Answer: b). Assam
Explanation: Shankaradeva (late fifteenth century) was a Vaishnavite saint, social reformer, and cultural leader from Assam.
Q. Who began the practice of setting up Namghars in Assam?
a). Madhavdeva
b). Shankaradeva
c). Sankardeva’s disciples
d). Bhaskaradeva
Answer: b). Shankaradeva
Explanation: Shankaradeva established Namghars (prayer halls) in Assam as centers for devotional worship, community gatherings, and cultural activities
Q. Mirabai belonged to which region of India?
a). Maharashtra
b). Rajasthan
c). Gujarat
d). Bengal
Answer: b). Rajasthan
Explanation: Mirabai was a Rajput princess from Merta (Rajasthan) who became famous for her devotional poems and songs in praise of Krishna.
Q. The central theme of Mirabai’s poems and bhajans is:
a). Rituals and sacrifices
b). Moral duties of kings
c). Devotion, love, and longing for Krishna
d). Meditation and ascetic practices
Answer: c). Devotion, love, and longing for Krishna
Q. Mirabai became a disciple of which spiritual teacher?
a). Tulsidas
b). Ravidas
c). Surdas
d). Kabir
Answer: b). Ravidas
Explanation: Mirabai became a disciple of Ravidas, a saint from a caste considered “Untouchable”.
Q. Kabir was a saint of which religious tradition?
a). Vaishnavism
b). Shaivism
c). Bhakti
d). Sufi Islam only
Answer: c). Bhakti and Nirguna tradition
Explanation: Kabir was a poet-saint of the Bhakti movement who emphasized Nirguna Bhakti, devotion to the formless God, transcending both Hindu and Muslim ritual practices.
Q. The collection of Kabir’s verses is called:
a). Ramcharitmanas
b). Pads
c). Sur Sagar
d). Vinay Patrika
Answer: b). Bijak
Explanation: Kabir’s collection of verses called sakhis and pads.
Q. Which one of the following is not a source of Kabir’s verses?
a). Bijak
b). Guru Granth Sahib
c). Panch Vani
d). Ramcharitmanas
Answer: d). Ramcharitmanas
Explanation: Ramcharitmanas was composed by Tulsidas, not Kabir. The authentic sources of Kabir’s verses include Bijak, Guru Granth Sahib and Panch Vani.
Q. Guru Nanak Dev was born in which region of India?
a). Lahore
b). Talwandi
c). Amritsar
d). Patna
Answer: b). Talwandi (now Nankana Sahib, Pakistan)
Explanation: Guru Nanak Dev was born in Talwandi (present-day Nankana Sahib, Pakistan) in 1469, which became a major pilgrimage site for Sikh
Q. Guru Nanak Dev emphasized which of the following principles?
a). Caste hierarchy
b). Ritualism and idol worship
c). One God, equality, honest living, and service to humanity
d). Asceticism and renunciation of family life
Answer: c). One God, equality, honest living, and service to humanity
Explanation: Guru Nanak’s teachings emphasized monotheism, social equality, moral living, and service (seva), rejecting caste distinctions and meaningless rituals.
Q. The hymns and teachings of Guru Nanak Dev were compiled in which holy scripture?
a). Vedas
b). Quran
c). Guru Granth Sahib
d). Bijak
Answer: c). Guru Granth Sahib
Explanation: The Guru Granth Sahib is the sacred scripture of Sikhism, containing the hymns and teachings of Guru Nanak Dev along with other Sikh Gurus and Bhakti saints.
Q. Guru Nanak Dev introduced which communal practice to promote equality?
a). Langar
b). Meditation in isolation
c). Pilgrimage to temples
d). Ritual sacrifices
Answer: a). Langar (common kitchen)
Q. Guru Nanak Dev created a sacred space known as:
a). Satra
b). Namghar
c). Dharmsal
d). Mandir
Answer: c). Dharmsal (Gurdwara)
Q. Who succeeded Guru Nanak Dev as the second Sikh Guru?
a). Guru Gobind Singh
b). Guru Tegh Bahadur
c). Guru Angad Dev
d). Guru Amar Das
Answer: c). Guru Angad Dev
Explanation: After Guru Nanak Dev’s death in 1539, Guru Angad Dev (Lehna) became the second Sikh Guru. He is known for promoting the Gurmukhi script and spreading Guru Nanak’s teachings throughout Punjab.
Q. Guru Arjan Dev is famous for compiling which sacred scripture?
a). Guru Granth Sahib
b). Bijak
c). Ramcharitmanas
d). Sur Sagar
Answer: a). Guru Granth Sahib
Explanation: Guru Arjan Dev compiled the Adi Granth
(1604), the earliest version of the Guru Granth Sahib, which contains hymns of Sikh Gurus and Bhakti saints, forming the central scripture of Sikhism.
Q. Guru Arjan Dev was executed by the Mughal emperor. Who was the emperor?
a). Babur
b). Akbar
c). Jahangir
d). Aurangzeb
Answer: c). Jahangir
Q. Who compiled the final version of the Guru Granth Sahib?
a). Guru Arjan Dev
b). Guru Gobind Singh
c). Guru Nanak Dev
d). Guru Tegh Bahadur
Answer: b). Guru Gobind Singh
Explanation: Guru Gobind Singh, son of Guru Tegh Bahadur, compiled the final version of the Guru Granth Sahib in 1706.
Q. Who started the Khalsa Panth?
a). Guru Arjan Dev
b). Guru Gobind Singh
c). Guru Tegh Bahadur
d). Guru Hargobind
Answer: b). Guru Gobind Singh
Explanation: Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru, founded the Khalsa Panth in 1699.
Q. The town of Ramdaspur (later Amritsar) developed around which of the following?
a). Guru Granth Sahib
b). Harmandir Sahib
c). A military fort
d). Guru Nanak Dev’s birthplace
Answer: b). Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple)
Q. The principles of “Naam Japna, Kirat Karna, and Vand Chakna” were the teachings of:
a). Guru Arjan Dev
b). Guru Nanak Dev
c). Guru Gobind Singh
d). Guru Tegh Bahadur
Answer: b). Guru Nanak Dev
Explanation: These three core principles—remembering God (Naam Japna), earning an honest living (Kirat Karna), and sharing with others (Vand Chakna)—were taught by Guru Nanak Dev and form the foundation of Sikh ethical and spiritual life.
Q. Who is considered the father of the Protestant Reformation?
a). John Calvin
b). Martin Luther
c). Henry VIII
d). Ignatius Loyola
Answer: b). Martin Luther
Explanation: Martin Luther (1483–1546) was a German monk and theologian who initiated the Protestant Reformation by challenging the practices of the Catholic Church, especially indulgences and corruption.
Q. Martin Luther translated the Bible into which language to make it accessible to common people?
a). Latin
b). German
c). English
d). French
Answer: b). German
Explanation: Luther translated the Bible into German, enabling ordinary people to read and interpret the scriptures themselves, which challenged the Church’s monopoly over religious knowledge.