Great Thinkers and New Faiths 6th Social Science Lesson 10 Questions in English
6th Social Science Lesson 10 Questions in English
10. Great Thinkers and New Faiths
1. Which Century is important in the history of ancient India in the spiritual development?
a. 7th
b. 6th
c. 5th
d. 8th
Explanation
The Sixth Century BC (BCE) is regarded as an important period in the history of ancient India. As a land mark period in the intellectual and spiritual development in India, historian Will Durant has rightly called it the “shower of stars”.
2. Which of the following statement is correct?
1. Jainism is one of the world’s oldest living religions
2. Jainism grounds itself in 24 Tirthankaras
a. 1 alone
b. 2 alone
c. 1, 2
d. None
Explanation
Jainism is one of the world’s oldest living religions. Jainism grounds itself in 24 Tirthankaras. A ‘Tirthankara’, is the one who revealed religious truth at different times.
3. Who was the 1st Tirthankara?
a. Rishabha
b. Mahavira
c. Buddha
d. Patanaik
Explanation
The first Tirthankara was Rishabha and the last one was Mahavira. Jainism gained prominence under the aegis of Mahavira, during the sixth century BC (BCE).
4. At what age Vardhamana renounced his princely status?
a. 35
b. 30
c. 25
d. 20
Explanation
Vardhamana, meaning ‘prosperous’, was a kshatriya prince. However, at the age of 30, he renounced his princely status to adopt an ascetic life.
5. After how many years of penance Vardhamana attained omniscience?
a. 12.5 years
b. 15 years
c. 20 years
d. 7.5 years
Explanation
After twelve and a half years of rigorous penance, Vardhamana attained omniscience or supreme knowledge, known as Kevala.
6. What is meaning of Omniscience?
a. ability to know everything
b. Liberation from the cycle of birth and death
c. liberation from Karm
d. all the above
Explanation
Omniscience is the ability to know everything or be infinitely wise.
Moksha – Liberation from the cycle of birth and death
7. Which of the following statement is correct?
a. Gautama became Jina meaning ‘one who conquered worldly pleasure and attachment
b. His followers are called Jains.
c. 1 alone
d. 2 alone
e. 1, 2
f. None
Explanation
Mahavira became Jina meaning ‘one who conquered worldly pleasure and attachment’. His followers are called Jains.
8. Who is believed to be the real founder of Jainism?
a. Mahavira
b. Rishaba
c. Gautama
d. Buddha
Explanation
Mahavira reviewed the ancient Sramanic traditions and came up with new doctrines. Therefore, he is believed to be the real founder of Jainism.
9. In which place Mahavira died?
a. Bihar
b. Bengal
c. Sikkim
d. Nepal
Explanation
Original name – Vardhamana
Place of Birth – Kundhagrama near Vaishali, Bihar
Parents – Siddharth, Trishala
Place of Death – Pavapuri, Bihar
10. In which place Vardhamana born?
a. Pavapuri
b. Kundhagrama
c. Kasi
d. Kosala
Explanation
Original name – Vardhamana
Place of Birth – Kundhagrama near Vaishali, Bihar
Parents – Siddharth, Trishala
Place of Death – Pavapuri, Bihar
11. Which of the following is the teaching of Jainism?
a. Jainism denies God as the creator of Universe
b. Basic philosophy of Jainism is Ahimsa or ‘non –Violence’.
c. 1 alone
d. 2 alone
e. 1, 2
f. None
Explanation
Jainism denies God as the creator of Universe. Basic philosophy of Jainism is Ahimsa or ‘non –Violence
12. What is the ultimate aim of Jainism?
a. Ahimsa
b. attaining moksha
c. Karma
d. All the above
Explanation
Ultimate aim of Jainism is attaining moksha or ending the cycle of birth – death – rebirth. Moksha – Liberation from the cycle of birth and death
13. Which of the following is not a Tri–rathnas of Mahavira?
a. Right Faith
b. Right Knowledge
c. Right action
d. Right aim
Explanation
Mahavira exhorted the three – fold path for the attainment of moksha and for the liberation from Karma. They are: Right Faith, Right Knowledge, Right action
14. which of the following is correctly matched?
a. Satya – to speak truth
b. Asteya – not to own property
c. 1 alone
d. 2 alone
e. 1, 2
f. None
Explanation
Ahimsa – not to injure any living beings, Satya – to speak truth, Asteya – not to steal, Aparigraha – not to own property, Brahmacharya – Celibacy.
15. The teachings of Mahavira is called_______
a. Mahavamsa
b. Nirhavamasa
c. Digambaras
d. Agama sidhantha
Explanation
Gautama Swami, a chief disciple of Mahavira, compiled the teachings of Mahavira, called Agama sidhantha.
16. Which of the following statement is correct?
1] Digambaras are orthodox and conservative followers
2] Monks of the digambara sect wear clothing
a) 1 alone
b) 2 alone
c) 1, 2
d) None
Explanation
Digambaras are orthodox and conservative followers. Monks of the digambara sect, do not wear any clothing and live naked. They are forbidden to have any kind of possessions.
17. According to Digambaras who cannot achieve nirvana?
a. Men
b. Children
c. Aged
d. Women
Explanation
Digambaras are orthodox and conservative followers. Digambaras believe that women cannot achieve nirvana or liberation directly.
18. Which of the following wear White ropes?
a. Digambaras
b. Svetambaras
c. Both a and b
d. None
Explanation
Monks of Svetambaras sect, wear white robes. They are permitted to have Rajoharana (broom with wollen threads), begging bowl and book.
19. Who belived that women can achieve liberation?
a. Digambaras
b. Svetambaras
c. Both a and b
d. None
Explanation
The Svetambaras are considered progressive. Svetambaras believe that women are equally capable of achieving liberation as men.
20. Which of the following is the main reasons for the wide acceptance of Jainism in India?
a. Use of people’s language
b. Intelligible teaching
c. Perseverance of Jain monks
d. All the above
Explanation
The following are the main reasons for the wide acceptance of Jainism in India
Use of people’s language. Intelligible teachings. Support from rulers and traders. Perseverance of Jain monks
21. Samanar Malai is found in_____
a. Madurai
b. Tuticorin
c. Coimbatore
d. Kanchipuram
Explanation
There is a Samanar Hill or Samanar Malai in Keelakuyilkudi village, 15 km away from Madurai. The images of Tirthankaras created by Jain monks are found in the hill. It is a protected monument of Archaeological Survey of India.
22. Pandavar Padukkai is found in_____
a. Samanar Hill
b. Kalinjamalai hill
c. Kolli malai
d. None
Explanation
In Arittapatti, a small village 25 km from Madurai, on one side of Kalinjamalai hill there are Jain caves called Pandavar Padukkai. Pandavar Padukkai is the bed of Jain saints.
23. Aravor Palli reference is found in_____
a. Silapathikaram
b. Manimegalai
c. Sinthamani
d. Thirukural
Explanation
In ancient Tamil literature, Jainism is referred to as Samanam. There is a reference to Aravor Palli, place of living for Jain monks, in Manimegalai.
24. Gownthiyadigal a Jain monk is mentioned in______
a. Silapathikaram
b. Sinthamani
c. Manimegalai
d. Purananur
Explanation
According to Silapathikaram, when Kovalan and Kannagi were on their way to Madurai, Gownthiyadigal a female jain monk blessed the couple and accompanied them.
25. Which of the following place has two ancient Jain temples?
a. Uraiyur
b. Puhar
c. Thiruparthikundram
d. Vanchi
Explanation
Thiruparthikundram, a village in Kanchipuram, has two ancient Jain temples. This village was once called Jina Kanchi.
26. The real name of Buddha was_____
a. Vardhamana
b. Gautama
c. Siddhartha
d. Suddhodana
Explanation
Gautama Buddha was the founder of Buddhism. His real name was Siddhartha. He was raised by his step mother Gautami.
27. Mahavira was a_______
a. Kshatriya prince
b. Vasyasa
c. Brahmin
d. Sudra
Explanation
Like Mahavira, he was also a Kshatriya prince belonging to the ruling Sakya clan. When Siddhartha was only seven days old his mother died.
28. Which of the following was saw by Siddhartha at the age of 29?
a. An uncared old man in rags with his bent back
b. A sick man suffering from an incurable disease
c. An ascetic
d. All the above
Explanation
At the age of 29, Siddhartha saw four sorrowful sights. They were An uncared old man in rags with his bent back. An sick man suffering from an incurable disease. A man’s corpse being carried to the burial ground by weeping relatives. An ascetic
29. Buddha sat under a____ tree and under took meditation
a. Neem
b. Pipal
c. Mango
d. Banana
Explanation
Nonetheless deciding that self-mortification was not a path to salvation, Buddha sat under a Pipal tree and undertook a deep meditation near Gaya.
30. Buddha delivered his first sermon at______
a. Gaya
b. Kasi
c. Kosala
d. Sarnath
Explanation
Buddha delivered his first sermon at Deer Park in Sarnath, near Benaras. This was called “Dharma Chakra Pravartana” or the Turning of the Wheel of Law.
31. On____ day Buddha finally attained enlightenment.
a. 48th
b. 49th
c. 50th
d. 51st
Explanation
On the 49th day he finally attained enlightenment. From that moment onwards, he was called Buddha or the Enlightened One. He was also known as Sakya Muni or Sage of Sakya clan.
32. Which of the following was opposed by Buddha?
a. Rituals
b. Sacrifices
c. Action
d. Both a and b
Explanation
The teachings of Lord Buddha were simple and taught in a language which people used for communication. Since the teachings addressed the everyday concern of the people, they could relate to them. He was opposed to rituals and sacrifices.
33. Which of the following statement is correct?
a. Buddha’s teachings are referred to as dhamma.
b. Buddha asserted that attaining nirvana is the ultimate aim of life.
c. 1 alone
d. 2 alone
e. 1, 2
f. None
Explanation
Buddha’s teachings are referred to as dhamma. Buddha asserted that attaining nirvana is the ultimate aim of life.
34. Which of the following statement is incorrect?
1] Buddhism accepted the Theory of Karma
2] Buddha denied the existence of God
a. 1 alone
b. 2 alone
c. 1, 2
d. None
Explanation
Buddhism accepted the Theory of Karma – meaning that the quality of man’s life depends on his deed. Buddha neither accepted nor denied the existence of God, but believed in the laws of universe.
35. Who laid foundation for a missionary organization called Sangha?
a. Buddha
b. Mahavira
c. Risahaba
d. None
Explanation
Buddha laid foundation for a missionary organization called Sangha, meaning ‘association’ for the propagation of his faith.
36. Which of the following is correctly matched?
1] Chaitya – A Buddhist shrine
2] Stupas – Built over the remains of Buddha’s body
a. 1 alone
b. 2 alone
c. 1, 2
d. None
Explanation
Chaitya – A Buddhist shrine or a meditation hall.
Viharas – Monastries /living quarters for monks.
Stupas – Built over the remains of Buddha’s body, they are monuments of great artistic value
37. Which of the following statement is correct?
a. Royal patronage under Ashoka, Kanishka and Harsha also helped the causes of Buddhism
b. Viharas or the Buddhist monasteries became great centres of education.
a. 1 alone
b. 2 alone
c. 1, 2
d. None
Explanation
Viharas or the Buddhist monasteries became great centres of education. One such centre was Nalanda, where Hiuen Tsang, the Chinese pilgrim, studied for many years. Royal patronage under Ashoka, Kanishka and Harsha also helped the causes of Buddhism.
38. Ajanta caves is located in_______
a. Maharashtra
b. Madhya Pradesh
c. Uttar Pradesh
d. Manipur
Explanation
Frescoes on the ceilings and walls of the Ajanta caves in Aurangabad, Maharashtra – depict the Jataka Tales.
39. Which among the following is the Similarities between Buddhism and Jainism?
a. Emphasized on right conduct and right knowledge instead of performing religious ceremonials and rituals as the means to achieve salvation.
b. Believed in the doctrine of Karma
a. 1 alone
b. 2 alone
c. 1, 2
d. None
Explanation
Both Mahavira and Buddha hailed from royal families. Yet they renounced royal privileges and chose to adopt an ascetic life. Opposed blood sacrifices. Believed in the doctrine of Karma. Emphasized on right conduct and right knowledge instead of performing religious ceremonials and rituals as the means to achieve salvation.
40. The second Buddhist Council held in_____
a. Rajagriha
b. Pataliputra
c. Vaishali
d. Kashmir
Explanation
Buddhist Councils
First – Rajagriha
Second – Vaishali
Third – Pataliputra
Fourth – Kashmir
41. Which among the following followed middle path?
a. Jainism
b. Buddhism
c. Ajivikas
d. None
Explanation
JAINISM followed extreme path. It remained in India only
BUDDHISM followed middle path. It spread across many parts of the world.
42. Which among the following is Buddhist literature?
a. Manimekalai
b. Silapathikaram
c. Sinthamani
d. Thirukural
Explanation
Buddhism spread to Tamil Nadu much later than Jainism. Manimekalai, one of the epics of the post-Sangam age is a Buddhist literature.
43. Which Chinese traveller visited Kanchipuram in the seventh century?
a. Hieun Tsang
b. Tsang Po
c. Ibn Battuta
d. Megathesnes
Explanation
Hieun Tsang who visited Kanchipuram in the seventh century A.D(CE). noticed the presence of 100 feet stupa built by Ashoka there.
44. Which of the following is a famous Buddhist Centre in Tamil Nadu?
a. Kanchipuram
b. Thiruvallur
c. Tanjore
d. Madurai
Explanation
Kanchipuram was a famous Buddhist Centre in Tamil Nadu, from where Dinnaga, the famous Buddhist logician, and Dharmapala, a great scholar of Nalanda University hailed.