INDIAN LITERATURE Flashcards
Difference between Didactic and Narrative Text?
- Type of text:–
- D– This is also known as Directive texts as it tries to influence the reasoning, thinking and conduct of the reader.
‐ N– This text gives all the essential information about the topic so that whatever is discussed in the narration is explained or makes sense to the reader. - Objectives:–
- D– The writer intends to persuade, coax and compel the reader into thinking a particular way.
- N– The writer intends to enhance and sustain the interest of the readers about the topic. - Commonly used for:–
- D– It is usually used for writing about political or moral issues; specifically in sermons, and religious treatises.
- N– It is the most common type of prose and is used mostly in story writing and novels.
Rig Veda is organised in 10 books known as?
Mandalas, each mandala comprises of Several Suktas or hymns.
Enumerate deities of Rig Veda?
- The entire Rig vedic hymns are dedicated to several deities, in particular to their chief deity, Indra.
- The other prominent Gods mentioned in the Rig Veda are Agni (God of fire), Varuna (God of water), Rudra (God of wind/storm), Aditya (a form of Sun God), Vayu (God of air) and the Ashwini twins.
- There are several hymns dedicated to female Goddesses too; like Usha (Goddess of dawn), Prithvi (Goddess of earth) and Vak (the Goddess of speech).
Which Veda is also known as Brahma Veda?
Atharva Veda is also known as Brahma Veda and has been attributed to two rishis called Atharvah and Angira respectively.
Because of its association with the two rishis, in the olden times it was called Atharvangirasa.
Identify this Veda?
1. It is mostly concerned with peace and prosperity of the human society and covers all aspects of a man’s daily life.
2. It specifically focuses on the treatment of several ailments.
3. This book is known to prescribe treatment for almost 99 diseases.
Atharva Veda.
What are the two major recensions (sakhas) of Atharva Veda?
- Paippalada
- Saunakiya
Most of the text deals with healing and black and white magic.
What are the major recensions (samhita) of Yajur Veda and what are they called?
- Shukla (white/pure)
- Krishna (black/dark)
These samhita’s are also called Vajasaneyi Samhita and Taittiriya Samhita.
To fully understand the Vedas, it is necessary to read the Vedangas or the branches/limbs of the Veda. They are like a supplement to the original Veda and concrete on topics like:–
1. Shiksha–
2. Nirukta–
3. Chhanda–
4. Jyotisha–
5. Vyakarana–
- Shiksha– Education
- Nirukta– Etymology or the origin of words
- Chhanda– metrics in Sanskrit grammer
- Jyotisha– astronomy
- Vyakarana– grammar.
In the later period, several authors picked these subjects and wrote treatises on them, called Sutra.
Each Veda has its accompanying Brahmana.
Brahmana of Rig Veda are?
- Aitareya Brahmana
- Kaushitaki Brahmana
- Samkhyana Brahmana
Each Veda has its accompanying Brahmana.
Brahmana of Sama Veda?
- Tandya Brahmana
- Sadvimsha Brahmana
Each Veda has its accompanying Brahmana.
Brahmana of Yajur Veda?
- Taittiriya Brahmana
- Shatpatha Brahmana
Each Veda has its accompanying Brahmana.
Brahmana of Atharva Veda?
- Gopatha Brahmana
- Jaimaniya Brahmana
- Panchvish Brahmana.
Out of 200 Upanishads a set of 108 Upanishads has been called the ______ Canon. This is supposed to be an important canon as the number 108 is equivalent to the number of beads on a Hindu rosary or mala.
Muktika Canon.
There is a minor difference between Upanishads and Aranyakas, which is classified as?
- Upanishad– Jnana-Kanda, Knowledge/spirituality section.
- Aranyaka– Karma-Kanda, ritualistic actions/sacrifice section.
Why is Ramayana called Adikavya?
Because Valmiki also called Adikavi or the first among the poets so Ramayana is called Adikavya or the first among the poetry.
Four fold objective of mankind as per Ramayana?
- Dharma– Religion or righteousness
- Artha– (monetary) Achievements in the worldly sphere
- Kama– Fulfilling worldly desires
- Moksha– Liberation from these desires.
The Ramayana consists of 24,000 verses and is divided into seven books, called?
Khandas.
Mahabharata and Ramayana together are called?
Mahakavya.
- Mahabharata by Ved Vyas was written in Sanskrit and initially had 8,800 verses. This version was called______.
- Number of verses increased to 24,000 and it was renamed as _______.
- ‘Jaya’ or the story of ‘victory’.
- Bharata.
The current form of Mahabharata consists of 1,00,000 verses and is divided into 10 _______ with insets in the texts which are called ________.
Parvas (chapters), Itihas Purana (mythical history).
In Mahabharata Lord Krishna makes distinction between various kinds of Dharma and prefers that Arjuna and mankind should follow _______ karma.
Nishkama Karma, i.e. to perform one’s duty to the family and the world in a selfless way.
Puranas focuses on the divine Hindu trimurti or trinity/three Gods that are?
Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh.
There are 18 major Puranas called?
Mahapuranas.
Puranas use parables and fables to spread their message?
-
Parable– Short stories that in prose or verse, illustrates a spiritual, moral or religious lesson.
It usually features a human character. -
Fable– Short stories that in prose or verse, illustrates a ‘moral’ through a pithy maxim or clever story.
It features animals, inanimate objects, mythical creatures, plants who are given human like qualities.
Hitopadesha Purana was written by?
Narayan Pandit.
Upa Puranas or minor Puranas are about 19 minor Puranas and are based on five major subjects as dictated by the Sanskrit lexicographer from the Gupta period:-?
Amarasimha.
Upa Puranas or minor Puranas are about 19 minor Puranas and are based on five major subjects as dictated by the Sanskrit lexicographer from the Gupta period, Amarasimha. What are the 5 subjects?
- Sarga– the creation of the universe.
- Pratisarga– the periodic cycle of destruction and re-creation.
- Manvantra– the periods of Manu’s lifetime.
- Vamsa (Chandra and Surya)– genealogies of solar and lunar dynasties of Gods and sages.
- Vamshanucharita– Dynastic histories of Kings.
Mricchakatika is also known as?
The Little Clay Cart.
Malavikagnimitra is a story of?
The love story of Malavika a maiden of Queen and Agnimitra the son of Pushyamitra Shunga.
Swapnavasavadatta (Vasavadatta in dream) is written by?
Bhasa.
Panchratra is written by?
Bhasa.
Urubhanga (story of Duryodhana during and after his fight with Bhima) is written by?
Bhasa.
Where do we find the mention of celebration of Holi for the first time?
Ratnavali, Sanskrit play by Harshavardhana.
Gita Govinda is written by?
Jayadeva in the 12th century.
Sishupalavadha (the Killing of Shishupal) is written by?
Magha.
Dharmasutras were compiled alongside the smritis that are known as?
Dharmashastras.
Poem Saundarananda was written by?
Ashvaghosa.
Charak Samhita is written by?
It is a book on medicine written by Charak.
Sushruta Samhita is written by?
Book on surgery written by Sushruta.
Madhava Nidana is written by?
Book on pathology written by Madhava.
Pancha Siddhantika is written by?
Book on astrology written by Varahamihira.
Brihat Samhita written by?
Book on wide ranging subjects like planetary movements, geology, architecture, etc. written by Varahamihira.
Aryabhatiya was written by?
Book on astronomy and mathematics written by Aryabhatta.
Lagdhacharya, Pingala and Bhaskara wrote books on which subjects?
- Lagdhacharya– Book on astrology.
- Pingala– Book on mathematics.
- Bhaskara– Siddhanta Shiromani.
Two of the most notable works from medieval Kashmir are?
- Kalhan’s Rajatarangani
- Somadeva’s Katha-sarit-sagar which is a poetic work.
Buddhist literature can be divided into Canonical and Non canonical texts. What does these texts contain?
- Canonical Literature consists of Tripitakas or baskets of Knowledge.
- Non canonical texts contain Jatakas, Milinda-panha, the Nettipakarana and the Petakopadesa.
Jataka contain the stories from only the previous births of Buddha.
True/false?
False, the stories of Bodhisattva or the (future) would-be Buddha are also discussed in these Jatakas.
Jainism, produced texts in Prakrit. They form the basis of the Jain canonical literature. Some of the Jain texts were also written in Sanskrit like__________.
Upamitibhava Prapancha Katha of Siddharasi.
The most important Jain texts written in Prakrit are the?
Angas, the Upangas and the Parikramas. Apart from these the Chhedab Sutra and the Malasutra are also considered to be sacred by the Jains.
The writer of ‘Parishishtaparvan’ (Jain text)?
Parishishtaparvan was written by Acharya Hemachandra Suri which describes the establishing Chandragupta’s connections with Jainism.
The Trishashthilkshana Mahapurana was composed by?
Jinasena, Gunabhadra and Chavundaraya.
Amongst the secular writers attached to the Jains were ________ who wrote a treatise on lexicography and grammar. Mention could also be made of ________ who wrote in the eighth century.
Hemachandra Suri, Haribhadra Suri.
Prakrit poetry has some elements of erotica through texts like the Gathasaptashati (700 verses) by Hala written in 300 A.D. While Hala has only contributed 44 verses in this volume, what sets this apart is a large number of female poetesses who have contributed to this work. The most prominent amongst them are?
Pahai, Roha, Sasippaha, Mahavi and Reva.
Dipavamsa was written during the reign of?
Written in Anuradhapur (Sri Lanka), during the reign of King Dhatusena. It mentions about the visit of Buddha to Sri Lanka and the relics of Buddha.
Milinda Panha is written by?
It contains dialogues between King Meander (or Milinda) and Buddhist monk Nagasena. It means “Questions of Milinda”.
Mahavamsa was written during the reign of?
Written in Pali language during the reign of King Vijaya. It is a historical account of various kingdoms of South Asia.
Text Mahavastu is related to which religion?
It is Buddhist text which contains Jataka and Avadana tales. It is written in mixed Sanskrit, Pali and Prakrit.
Lalitavistara Sutra text is related to which religion?
Meaning “The play in full”, is an important Mahayana text. It contains various stories associated with the life of Buddha till his first sermon at Sarnath.
Text Udana is related to which religion?
It is one of the oldest Theravada (Old School) Buddhist text. It contains the famous story of “Blind Men and the Elephant.
Bodhi Vamsa was written by?
Written in Sri Lanka. It was translated from a Sinhalese version. It was written by Upatissa and is written in Pali.
Udanavarga text is related to which religion?
It is a compilation which contains utterances of Buddha and his disciples. It was written in Sanskrit.
Mahavibhasa Shastra is related to which religion?
It contains discussions about other non Buddhist philosophies. It is essentially a Mahayana text.
Abhidharmamoksha was written by?
Vasubandhu in Sanskrit. It contains discussions on Abhidharma. (Buddhist text).
Canonical or religious texts and non canonical literary works of Jainism includes?
- Canonical or religious texts are the texts containing the teachings of Mahavira called the Agamas or Agam (the scriptures of Svetambara Jainism).
- Non-canonical works include various texts attributed to Bhadrabahu (c. 300 BCE) which are called the Niryuktis and Samhitas.
The present Angas are said to re-compiled in a council of monks of _______ sect held in Vallabhi (Gujarat) during mid-5th century AD.
- Svetambaras.
- The Digamabara sect believes that original teachings were lost long ago and they do not accept the authority of Agamas compiled in Valabhi.
Agamas comprised of 46 texts. They are 12 Angas, 12 Upanga, 10 Prakirnakas, 4 Mulasutras, 6 Chedasutras, 2 Chulika Sutra.
They were written in Ardha-Magadhi Prakrit language. The Angas teach reverence for all forms of life, strict codes of vegetarianism, asceticism, compassion and non-violence. The 12 Angas are:
- Acharanga Sutra: Oldest agama.
- Sutrakritanga: describes code of conduct for Jain monks, metaphysics etc.
- Sthananga Sutra.
- Samavayanga Sutra: discussion on essence of Jainism, astronomy, mathematics, etc.
- Vyakhyaprajnapti or Bhagavati Sutra.
- Jnatrdharma Katha.
- Upasakadasa
- Antakrddaasah
- Anuttaraupapatikadasah.
- Prasnavyakaranani: Description of sins.
- Vipakasruta: stories and illustrations.
- Drstivada: contained 14 Purvas.
Digambaras gave sacred status to two works that are?
- Karmaprabhrita (discussion on Karma) or Shatkhandagama.
- Kashayaprabhrita.
Uvasaggaharam Stotra was written by?
Bhadrabahu (Digambara sect).
Kalpa Sutra was written by?
They are biographies of Jain Tirthankars written by Bhadrabahu (Digambara).
Samayasara and Niyamasara was written by?
Jain philosophy written by Acharya Kundkund.
Ratna Karanda Sravakachara was written by?
Aka Life of a Jaina Householder written by Samanta Bhadra.
Aptamimasa was written by?
Jain text written by Samanta Bhadra.
Nalatiyar an ancient Tamil text was written by ______ monks.
Samana munivargal or Jain monks.
Tattvartha Sutra was written by?
It is an important jain work in Sanskrit on logic, epistemology, ethics, and astronomy written by Umasvati.
Mahapurana and Harivamshapurana was written by?
Jinasena (Digambara monk). He was the disciple of another famous Jain monk Virasena.
Haribhadra Suri (6th century AD) a Jain author wrote in which language?
Sanskrit.
Hemachandra Suri (12th century), a famous Jain scholar wrote in which language?
Wrote grammars of Sanskrit and Prakrit.
Universities of Valabhi and ______ were important centres of learning for Jain before they declined.
Kalinga.
Between 9th-12th centuries, Jain monks wrote exclusively in Kannada. The three gems of Kannada literature are?
- Pampa
- Ponna
- Ranna.
First religion to believe in angels, a day of judgement, a Demonic figure and a battle between the forces of good and evil?
Zoroastrianism.
Yasna, Gathas, Visperad, Yashts, Siroza, Nyayeshas are?
Parts of Avesta (Zoroastrians text).
Denkard, Bundahishn, Mainog-i-khirad, Sad-Dar (A Hundred Doors), Book of Arda Viraf are texts of which religion?
Zoroastrianism.
Adi Granth was compiled by?
Bhai Gurdas under the aegis of the fifth guru, Guru Arjan Dev g in 1604.
This book contains the teachings of the Sikh Gurus and fifteen Bhagats of Bhakti and Sufi traditions.
Guru Granth Sahib is written in Gurmukhi script and is in a language called?
Sant Bhasa. It contains words from various languages like Punjabi, Apabhramsa, Hindi, Braj Bhasa, Sanskrit, Khadiboli and Persian.
Two major schools of Sangam literature?
- Aham/agam– which is the ‘inner field’ and concentrates on the abstract discussion of human aspects like love, sexual relations, etc.
- The second school is the ‘puram’ or the ‘outer field’ which discusses the human experiences like social life, ethics, valour, customs, etc.
First Sangam
1. Kingdom
2. Place of organisation
3. Chairman
4. Books?
- Kingdom– Pandya
- Place of organisation– Madurai
- Chairman– Agastya or Shiva
- Books– No book has survived. Used Agattiyam as grammar.
Second Sangam
1. Kingdom
2. Place of organisation
3. Chairman
4. Books?
- Kingdom– Pandya
- Place of organisation– Kapatapuram
- Chairman– Initially it was Agastya and then his disciple Tolkappiyar took over.
- Books– Around 2,000 poems were collected and compiled into Tolkappiyam (Tamil grammar).
Third Sangam
1. Kingdom
2. Place of organisation
3. Chairman
4. Books?
- Kingdom– Pandya
- Place of organisation– Madurai
- Chairman– Nakkirar
- Books– Most of the existing corpus of Sangam literature was written.
Kural Kavya (Sangam Literature) was written by?
Thiruvallurar.
Avvaiyar is a female saint that contributed to Sangam literature.
True/false?
True.
Which text is also known as the story of an anklet?
Silappadikaram.
Two of the major Malyalam works of the medieval period are?
- Kokasandisan
- Bhasa Kautilya (commentary on Arthashastra).
Ramacharitam (Malyalam poem) is written by?
Cheeraman in 13th century.
Who is known as the father of Malayalam literature?
Ezhuthachan (a strong proponent of Bhakti movement).
First poet in Telugu?
Linguists have argued that Nannaya (11th century) was the first poet in Telugu.
Which period is known as the golden age of Telugu literature?
Vijayanagara period.
Uttaraharivamsam was composed by?
Nachana Somanatha, a well known court poet of King Bukka 1 (Vijayanagara empire).
Enumerate Ashtadiggajas (eight learned literary patronages) from Krishnadeva Raya’s reign?
- Allasani Peddana (also known as Andhra Kavita pitamaha).
- Nandi Thimmana
- Tenali Ramakrishna (Court jester and poet)
- Ramaraja Bhusanudu (also known as Bhattumurti)
- Madayyagari Mallana
- Ayyalaraju Ramabhadrudu
- Dhurjati
- Pingali Surana
Parijathapaharanam was written by?
Nandi Thimmana.
Panduranga Mahatmayam was written by?
Tenali Ramakrishna.
Vasucharitam was written by?
Ramaraja Bhushanudu aka Bhattumurti.
Narasabhupaliyam was written by?
Ramaraja Bhushanudu aka Bhattumurti.
Harishchandra Nalopakhyanam was written by?
Ramaraja Bhushanudu aka Bhattumurti.
Rajashekharacharitra (about the love and war of the King Rajashekhara of the kingdom of Avanti) was written by?
Madayyagari Mallana.
Ramabhyudayam was written by?
Ayyalaraju Ramabhadrudu.
Akalakathasara was written by?
Ayyalaraju Ramabhadrudu.
Mallanarya, Chatu Vittalanatha, Timmanna Kavi were patronized by?
These kannada poets were patronized by Krishna Deva Raya.
Who was the Rajaguru of Krishnadeva Raya?
Vyasatirtha, a kannada saint.
Treatises written by Krishna Deva Raya in Sanskrit?
- Madalasa Charita
- Satyavadu Parinaya
- Rasamanjari
- Jambavati Kalyana.
Tamil poet Haridasa was patronized by?
Krishna Deva Raya.
Dharmanathapurana was written by?
The best example of a Jain influenced text is Dharmanathapurana written by Madhava on the life of the fifteenth Tirthankara (Dharmanatha).
Dharma Parikshe was written by?
Uritta Vilasa.
One of the first recorded texts in Kannada is called Kavirajamarga, which was written by?
Nripatunga Amoghavarsha 1. He was also a very powerful Rashtrakuta King.
What is ratnatraya?
Ratnatrya are the three gems of Kannada literature. Pampa, Ponna and Ranna.
Who is known as the father of Kannada literature?
Pampa.
Adipurana and Vikramarjuna Vijaya were written by?
Pampa.
Pampa was attached to the court of?
Chalukya Arikesari.
Shanti Purana was written by?
Ponna.
Ajitanatha Purano was written by?
Ranna.
Ponna and Ranna were attached to the court of?
Rashtrakuta king Krishna 3.
Shabdamanidarpana was written by?
Kesirja. It is a Kannada text.
Suktisudharnava was written by?
Mallikarjuna. It is a kannada text.
Tarave Ramayana was composed by?
Narahari. It is said to be the first story on Rama inspired by the Valmiki Ramayana and written entirely in Kannada.
Jaimini Bharata (kannada text) written by?
Lakshamisha. This text became so famous that it is also called the Kamata-Karicutavana Chaitra (the spring of the Karnataka mango grove).
What are tripadis?
Tripadi (three lined poems) were composed by Sarvajna which earned him the title of people’s poet. Kannada language.
The first poetess of some repute in Kannada is?
Honnamma who wrote the Hadibadeya Dharma (Duty of a devout wife).
Harishchandra Kavya (Kannada literature) written by?
Harishvara.
Somanatha Charita (Kannada literature) written by?
Harishvara.
Harivamshabhyudaya (Kannada literature) was written by?
Bandhuvarma.
Jiva Sambodhana (Kannada literature) was written by?
Bandhuvarma.
Jagannathavijaya (Kannada literature) was written by?
Rudra Bhata.
First pure Kannada text which did not have any Sanskrit word?
Madana Vijaya or Kabbïgara Kava written by Andayya.
Nuh Sipihir was written by?
Amir Khusrau.
Masnavi Duwal Rani Khizr Khan was written by?
Amir Khusrau.
Tarikh-e-Firuz Shahi was written by?
Zia-ud din Barani.
A satirist Mir Jafar Zatalli wrote their Kulliyat (collection of verses) during the reign of?
Aurangzeb.
Bang-i-Dara was written by?
Muhammad Iqbal. He is famous for writing ‘Saare jahan se achcha’.
First Hindi book?
Prithviraj Raso.
What is Adhunik kaal?
The period of modern literature has been called Adhunik Kaal (a term used mostly in context of Hindi).
Andher Nagari (City of Darkness) was written by?
Bharatendu Harishchandra.
Bharat Durdasha was written by?
Bharatendu Harishchandra.
In modern period of Hindi called Adhunik kaal there are four sub sections called?
- Bharatendu Yug (Bharatendu Harishchandra)– 1868-1893
- Dwivedi Yug (Mahavir Prasad Dwivedi)– 1893‐1918
- Chhayavad Yug– 1918-1937
- Contemporary period– 1937-today.
The movement to make Hindi the national language, which would link all religions, was spearheaded by?
Swami Dayananad.
Satyartha Prakash (Gujarati work) was written by?
Swami Dayananada.
Godan and Bade Bhhaiya was written by?
Munshi Prem Chand.
Madhushala was written by?
Harivansha Rai Bachchan.
Saraswati Chandra was written by?
Govardhan Ram Tripathi.
Prithvi Vallabha was written by?
Dr K.M Munshi.
The medieval Rajasthani literature was ridden with several dialects and has two main forms of fictional writing called? And the most famous text in this context is?
- Dingal and Pingal.
- Dhola Maru.
What is the meaning of Savaiyyas?
It means poetry. Example the poetry written by Guru Gobind Singh ji in Punjabi.
Baba Farid and Bulley Shah composed many songs or classical compositions called ________ that were usually sung by people.
Kafi(s).
Rana Surat Singh was written by?
Bhai Vir Singh.
Who is credited to begin the Kirtan in Maharashtra?
Jnaneshwar (also known as Gyaneshwar).
The oldest known female marathi writer?
Janabai.
With reference to the cultural history of India, the memorizing of chronicles, dynastic histories and epic tales was the profession of who of the folowing?
(a) Shramana
(b) Parivraajaka
(c) Agrahaarika
(d) Maagadha
Shramana.
