GK Questions and Answers on
the Heterodox School of Indian Philosophy
1. Which of the following is not school of Heterodox Indian Philosophy?
A. Vaisheshika
B. Ajivika (Fatalism)
C. Unchedvadi (Materialism)
D. Nityavadi (Eternalism)
Ans: A
Explanation: The Schools of Indian Philosophy that do not accept the authority of Vedas are by definition unorthodox (nastika) systems. Vaisheshika school of Indian Philosophy is orthodox school Indian Philosophy. Hence, A is the correct option.
2. Who among the following was the proponent of Ajivika (Fatalism) school of Indian Philosophy?
A. Ajita Kesakambali
B. Makkhali Gosala
C. Pakudha Kaccayana
D. Sanjaya Belatthiputta
Ans: B
Explanation: Ajivika (Fatalism) is one of the heterodox (Nastik) schools of Indian Philosophy. Makkhali Gosala was the proponent of this philosophy. Hence, B is the correct option.
3. Which of the following Indian philosopher who was the first disciple of Vardhaman Mahavira?
A. Ajita Kesakambali
B. Makkhali Gosala
C. Pakudha Kaccayana
D. Sanjaya Belatthiputta
Ans: B
Explanation: Makkhali Gosala was the proponent of Ajivika (Fatalism) philosophy. He was the first disciple of Vardhaman Mahavira. Hence, B is the correct option.
4. Who among the following considered as the first known proponent of Indian materialism?
A. Purana Kassapa
B. Sanjaya Belatthiputta
C. Pakudha Kaccayana
D. Ajita Kesakambali
Ans: D
Explanation: Ajita Kesakambali was an ancient Indian philosopher in the 6th century BC and considered as the first known proponent of Indian materialism. Hence, D is the correct option.
5. Who among the following was the proponent of agnosticism in Indian Philosophy?
A. Purana Kassapa
B. Sanjaya Belatthiputta
C. Pakudha Kaccayana
D. Ajita Kesakambali
Ans: B
Explanation: Sanjaya Belatthiputta was the proponent of agnosticism in Indian Philosophy. Hence, B is the correct option.
6. Which of the following movement gave rise to the diverse range of heterodox beliefs?
A. Bhakti Movement
B. Sufi Movement
C. Sramana movement
D. All of the above
Ans: C
Explanation: The Sramana movement gave rise to the diverse range of heterodox beliefs, ranging from accepting or denying the concept of soul, atomism, antinomian ethics, materialism, atheism, agnosticism, fatalism to free will, idealization of extreme asceticism to that of family life, strict ahimsa (non-violence) and vegetarianism to permissibility of violence and meat-eating. Hence, C is the correct option.
7. Who among the following was the proponent of Akriyavadi (Amoralism)?
A. Purana Kassapa
B. Sanjaya Belatthiputta
C. Pakudha Kaccayana
D. Ajita Kesakambali
Ans: A
Explanation: Purana Kassapa was the proponent of this philosophy. It denies any reward or punishment for either good or bad deeds. Hence, C is the correct option.
8. Which of the following heterodox Indian Philosophy was very popular during the time Bindusara (Mauryan Emperor)?
A. Vaisheshika
B. Ajivika (Fatalism)
C. Unchedvadi (Materialism)
D. Nityavadi (Eternalism)
Ans: B
Explanation: Ajivika (Fatalism) philosophy believed in Karma, Fatalism and extreme passivity. It was very popular during the time Bindusara (Mauryan Emperor). Hence, B is the correct option.
9. Which of the following Indian Philosophy similar to the Western philosophical doctrine of Subjectivism?
A. Anekantavada
B. Buddhist Philosophy
C. Indian Political Philosophy
D. None of the above
Ans: A
Explanation: Anekantavada Philosophy is similar to the Western philosophical doctrine of Subjectivism. Hence, A is the correct option.
10. Which of the following is related with the philosophy deals extensively with problems in metaphysics, phenomenology, ethics and epistemology?
A. Jain Philosophy
B. Buddhist Philosophy
C. Carvaka Philosophy
D. Vedanta Philosophy
Ans: B
Explanation: Buddhist philosophy deals extensively with problems in metaphysics, phenomenology, ethics and epistemology. Hence, B is the correct option.
