Table of Contents
Chapter 10 MCQs in English; Buildings, Paintings And Books
1. The literal meaning of Stupa is ______?
Answer: B
In ancient India, Stupas were considered important religious monuments. The literal meaning of the word “Stupa” is “mound.” These were generally circular or hemispherical structures made of mud, bricks, or stones.
Stupas were built in different sizes. Some were small, while others were very large and massive. Their shapes could be round, tall, or elongated, but most stupas had one common feature — they contained the remains or belongings of an important person inside them.
Stupas had special importance in Buddhism. They were constructed in memory of Lord Buddha and other important monks. Over time, they also became famous as places of worship and pilgrimage.
These stupas provide a beautiful example of the skill and craftsmanship of ancient Indian artisans.
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2. Select the incorrect statement from the following:
I. The Iron Pillar standing in the Qutub Minar complex at Mehrauli is a wonderful example of the skill of Indian craftsmen.
II. It was built about 1500 years ago.
III. Its height is 7.2 metres and its weight is more than 3 tons.
IV. It mentions a ruler named “Chandra,” who probably belonged to the Maurya dynasty.
Answer: C
The Iron Pillar located in the Qutub Minar complex at Mehrauli (Delhi) is considered an excellent example of the technical skill of Indian craftsmen. Therefore, statement I is correct.
The pillar was constructed about 1500 years ago. Information about its construction is obtained from the inscription engraved on it. Therefore, statement II is also correct.
The height of this pillar is about 7.2 metres, and its weight is said to be more than 3 tons. Even after remaining exposed to the atmosphere for such a long period, it has not rusted, which is considered a great achievement of ancient Indian metallurgy. Therefore, statement III is also correct.
The inscription on the pillar mentions a ruler named “Chandra.” Historians generally identify him as a ruler of the Gupta dynasty, not the Maurya dynasty. Therefore, statement IV is incorrect.
Hence, the incorrect statement is only IV.
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3. In which city is the Iron Pillar of Mehrauli located?
Answer: A
The famous Iron Pillar of Mehrauli is located in Delhi. It stands inside the Qutub Minar complex and is considered a remarkable example of the skill of Indian craftsmen.
This Iron Pillar is about 1500 years old. Its height is around 7.2 metres, and its weight is more than 3 tons. Despite remaining exposed to the atmosphere for such a long time, it has not rusted, which reflects the advanced technology of ancient Indian metallurgy.
An inscription engraved on the pillar mentions a ruler named “Chandra.” Historians generally associate him with the Gupta dynasty.
Today, the Iron Pillar of Mehrauli is regarded as an important symbol of India’s ancient scientific and artistic achievements.
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4. Which of the following statements about stupas is correct?
I. Stupas were of different shapes and sizes — sometimes round or long, sometimes big or small.
II. All stupas contained a small box. These boxes contained the bodily remains of Buddha or his followers, or precious stones or coins used by them.
III. The circular path made around the stupa for circumambulation is called Vedika.
IV. This path was surrounded by a railing which was called Vedika.
Answer: A
In ancient India, stupas were important religious monuments of Buddhism. They were constructed in memory of Buddha and his major followers. The structure and design of stupas had several special features, on the basis of which these statements can be evaluated.
Statement I is correct because stupas were not all alike. Some stupas were circular, some long, some small, while some were built on a very large scale. Differences in their shape and structure can be seen according to different regions and time periods.
Statement II is also correct. Inside most stupas, a small box or casket was kept. These contained bodily remains of Buddha or his followers, such as teeth, bones, or ashes. Sometimes, objects used by them, precious stones, or coins were also kept inside. This is why stupas were considered extremely sacred.
Statement III is incorrect because the circular path made around the stupa for circumambulation was called the “Pradakshina Path,” not Vedika. Devotees walked along this path to perform circumambulation around the stupa.
Statement IV is also incorrect. The railing built around the Pradakshina Path was called the “Vedika.” In other words, the Vedika referred to the railing, not the path. These railings also had gateways and were decorated with beautiful artworks.
Thus, only statements I and II are correct.
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5. The circular path made around the stupa for circumambulation is called ______?
Answer: B
In the structure of ancient Indian stupas, special paths were made for circumambulation. Devotees used to walk around the stupa to express worship and reverence. This circular path made for that purpose was called the “Pradakshina Path.”
This path was built around the stupa so that people could circumambulate it in an orderly manner. In Buddhism, circumambulation was considered a symbol of devotion and respect.
Railings were built around the Pradakshina Path, which were called “Vedika.” These Vedikas also had gateways. At many places, these railings and toranas were decorated with beautiful sculptures and artworks.
The term “Garbhagriha” is mainly used for the part of a temple where the idol of the deity is installed, while “Torana” refers to a decorative gateway.
Therefore, the circular path made around the stupa for circumambulation is called the “Pradakshina Path.”
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6. The most important part of the temple where the image of the main deity was placed is known as ________.
Answer: C
During this period in ancient India, many early Hindu temples were constructed. In these temples, deities such as Vishnu, Shiva, and Durga were worshipped. The structure of the temples was designed according to religious beliefs, and its most important part was called the “Garbhagriha.”
The Garbhagriha was the sacred place in the temple where the idol of the main deity was installed. It was considered the central part of the temple. Priests performed religious rituals and worship there, and devotees came for worship and darshan.
The Garbhagriha was generally a small and peaceful place so that its sanctity could be maintained. In many temples, a tall shikhara was also built above the Garbhagriha, which could be seen from a distance.
Among the other options —
• “Vedika” referred to a railing or enclosure.
• “Pradakshina Path” was the path where devotees performed circumambulation.
• “Torana” referred to a decorative gateway.
Thus, the most important part of the temple was called the “Garbhagriha.”
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7. A hall where people gathered was called —
Answer: B
In the architecture of ancient Indian temples, different parts had special importance. Besides the Garbhagriha, temples also had a large assembly area where people gathered. This place was called the “Mandapa.”
A Mandapa was a kind of assembly hall. Devotees sat here, religious discussions were held, and activities related to worship were performed. People visiting the temple gathered in this place and participated in religious rituals.
Above the temples, construction was carried out to great heights, which was called the “Shikhara.” Building a Shikhara was considered a very difficult task and required special planning.
The “Garbhagriha” was the place where the idol of the main deity was installed, while “Torana” referred to a decorative gateway.
Thus, the hall where people gathered was called the “Mandapa.”
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8. Which of the following statements related to ‘Monolith’ is incorrect?
Answer: B
A “Monolith” refers to temples and structures that were carved out of a single huge rock or mountain. This is considered one of the most remarkable techniques of ancient Indian craftsmanship.
The most important feature of monolithic temples was that they were not built by joining separate stones together. Instead, the entire temple was carved out of one massive rock. Therefore, statement A is correct.
These temples were completely different from brick-built temples. In brick temples, construction was done by adding layers of bricks from bottom to top, whereas in rock-cut temples, stone cutters worked from top to bottom. Therefore, statements C and D are correct.
Statement B describes the normal method of constructing brick buildings, which is not a feature of monolithic temples. Therefore, this statement is considered incorrect.
The construction of such temples required great care and skill, because even a small mistake could damage the entire structure of the temple.
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9. How old are the paintings of Ajanta?
Answer: A
Ajanta is one of the famous ancient cave sites of India. These caves were carved out of mountains, and most of them were viharas built for Buddhist monks to live in. These caves are especially famous for their beautiful paintings, which are considered excellent examples of Indian art.
The text mentions that the colors of these paintings have remained bright even after about 1500 years. This reflects the extraordinary artistic skill and advanced color-making techniques of the artists of that period. The colors used in these paintings were prepared from plants and minerals.
Very little light reached inside the caves, so the artists painted using the light of torches. The preservation of these paintings for such a long time is considered a major achievement in the history of Indian art.
Thus, it is clear that the paintings of Ajanta are about 1500 years old. Therefore, the correct answer is Option A.
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10. Choose the incorrect statement regarding the Ajanta Caves.
Answer: D
The Ajanta Caves were an important center of ancient Indian art, architecture, and Buddhist culture. Many caves were constructed here over several centuries. Most of these caves were viharas built for Buddhist monks. Therefore, statement A is correct.
Since the interiors of the caves remained dark, artists painted with the help of torchlight. This fact is clearly mentioned in historical descriptions. Hence, statement B is also correct.
One of the most remarkable features of the Ajanta paintings is that their colours still remain bright even after nearly 1500 years. These colours were prepared from natural materials such as plants and minerals. Therefore, statement C is also correct.
Historical records do not provide definite information about the artists who created these masterpieces. The artists are considered largely unknown. There is no evidence that they belonged to the Mauryan dynasty. Hence, statement D is incorrect.
Therefore, the correct answer is option D.
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11. Who composed the Tamil epic “Silappadikaram”?
Answer: C
“Silappadikaram” is a famous epic of ancient Tamil literature. It was composed around 1800 years ago by the poet Ilango. The work is considered an important source for understanding the cultural and literary history of South India.
The epic narrates the story of a merchant named Kovalan. Through this story, information about the society, trade, lifestyle, and culture of that period is obtained.
“Silappadikaram” is regarded as one of the greatest works of Tamil literature and forms an important part of Sangam literature.
About the other options:
• Kalidasa was a great poet and dramatist of Sanskrit literature.
• Dushyanta is the name of a character, not an author.
• Harshavardhana was a famous ruler who patronized literature.
Thus, the author of “Silappadikaram” was Ilango. Therefore, the correct answer is option C.
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12. In the Tamil epic “Silappadikaram,” whose story is described?
Answer: D
“Silappadikaram” is a famous epic of ancient Tamil literature composed about 1800 years ago by the poet Ilango. The epic presents an important picture of the society, culture, and lifestyle of South India.
The main story of this epic revolves around Kovalan and his wife Kannagi. Kovalan was a merchant living in the city of Puhar. He neglected his wife Kannagi and became involved with a dancer named Madhavi. Later, Kovalan and Kannagi left Puhar and went to Madurai.
In Madurai, a royal goldsmith falsely accused Kovalan of theft. Without proper investigation, the Pandya king ordered Kovalan’s execution. When Kannagi learned about this injustice, she was filled with grief and anger. She proved her husband’s innocence and, in her rage, became the cause of the destruction of Madurai city.
Thus, “Silappadikaram” mainly narrates the story of both Kovalan and Kannagi. Therefore, the correct answer is option D (A and B).
13. Who composed the Tamil epic “Manimekalai”?
Answer: A
“Manimekalai” is an important epic of ancient Tamil literature. It was composed around 1400 years ago by the poet Sattanar. The work is considered one of the famous creations of Tamil literature.
This epic presents many ideas related to society, religion, and moral life. “Manimekalai” is also connected with “Silappadikaram” because its story continues from the earlier epic.
About the other options:
• Dushyanta is the name of a character.
• Ilango was the author of “Silappadikaram.”
• Kalidasa was a great poet of Sanskrit literature.
Thus, the author of “Manimekalai” was Sattanar. Therefore, the correct answer is option A.
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14. Whose story is described in “Manimekalai”?
Answer: C
“Manimekalai” is a famous epic of Tamil literature written by Sattanar. The epic is considered closely related to the story of “Silappadikaram.”
The text explains that “Manimekalai” describes the story of the daughter of Kovalan and Madhavi. Her name was “Manimekalai,” and the epic was named after her.
The story also presents religious and moral values. It provides information about the society and lifestyle of that period.
Since the question specifically asks whose story is described in “Manimekalai,” the correct answer is Madhavi’s daughter. Therefore, the correct option is C.
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15. Identify the Sanskrit epics.
Answer: D
In ancient Indian literature, the two great Sanskrit epics — the Mahabharata and the Ramayana — are highly famous. Both works are regarded as important foundations of Indian culture, tradition, and religious life.
The Mahabharata narrates the story of the great war between the Kauravas and the Pandavas. The main objective of this conflict was to gain the throne of Hastinapura. The epic contains important teachings related to politics, religion, morality, and society.
The Ramayana describes the life of Lord Rama, his ideal character, exile, the abduction of Sita, and the defeat of Ravana. It conveys the message of ideal conduct and duty in Indian society.
Although Meghaduta is also a famous work of Sanskrit literature, it is not an epic. It is a lyrical poem composed by Kalidasa.
Thus, the famous Sanskrit epics are the Mahabharata and the Ramayana. Therefore, the correct answer is option D (A and B).
16. Who compiled the epics, Puranas, and the Mahabharata?
Answer: A
According to ancient Indian tradition, the Mahabharata and the Puranas were compiled by Sage Vyasa. He is considered one of the most important sages in Indian literature and religious tradition.
The Mahabharata is regarded as the largest epic in the world. It describes the great war between the Kauravas and the Pandavas. The main objective of the war was to gain the throne of Hastinapura. The Mahabharata is not only a war story but also provides teachings related to politics, religion, society, morality, and human values.
The “Bhagavad Gita” is also included in the Mahabharata. In it, Lord Krishna gave teachings to Arjuna about duty, action, and life. The Bhagavad Gita is considered one of the most important sacred texts of Hinduism.
The Puranas contain stories of gods, kings, sages, and ancient events. These texts played an important role in preserving religious traditions and cultural narratives.
The other options, Ugrashrava and Lomarishi, are associated with the storytelling tradition, but the compilation of the Mahabharata and the Puranas is traditionally credited to Vyasa.
Thus, the correct answer is option A (Vyasa).
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17. Who wrote the book “Aryabhatiyam”?
Answer: B
The famous book “Aryabhatiyam” was written by the great mathematician and astronomer Aryabhata. He is regarded as one of the greatest scientists of ancient India.
Aryabhata composed “Aryabhatiyam” in the Sanskrit language. In this book, he presented many important principles related to mathematics and astronomy.
Aryabhata explained that day and night occur because the Earth rotates on its axis. At that time, most people believed that the Sun revolved around the Earth, but Aryabhata presented a scientific viewpoint.
He also provided important information about planetary motion, eclipses, and mathematical calculations. His methods of calculation were considered highly advanced for that era.
During the same period, other great mathematicians and astronomers such as Varahamihira, Brahmagupta, and Bhaskaracharya also made significant contributions to science and mathematics.
Thus, Aryabhata was the author of “Aryabhatiyam.” Therefore, the correct answer is option B.
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18. Match the following:
List-I List-II
1. Meghaduta a. Ilango
2. Charaka Samhita b. Sattanar
3. Silappadikaram c. Kalidasa
4. Manimekalai d. Charaka
Codes:
Answer: B
List-I Correct Match Reason
1. Meghaduta c. Kalidasa “Meghaduta” is a famous Sanskrit poem written by Kalidasa.
2. Charaka Samhita d. Charaka “Charaka Samhita” is a famous text on Ayurveda and medicine written by Charaka.
3. Silappadikaram a. Ilango “Silappadikaram” is a Tamil epic composed by Ilango.
4. Manimekalai b. Sattanar “Manimekalai” is a Tamil epic written by Sattanar.
“Meghaduta” is one of the most celebrated poetic works of Kalidasa. It describes a Yaksha sending a message to his wife through a cloud. It is regarded as one of the finest works of Sanskrit literature.
“Charaka Samhita” is an important text of Ayurveda. It contains detailed descriptions of diseases, medicines, and methods of treatment. Charaka is considered one of the greatest physicians of ancient India.
“Silappadikaram” is a famous Tamil epic written by Ilango around 1800 years ago. It narrates the story of Kovalan and Kannagi.
“Manimekalai” was written by Sattanar around 1400 years ago. It describes the story of the daughter of Kovalan and Madhavi.
Thus, the correct matching sequence is 1-c, 2-d, 3-a, 4-b. Therefore, the correct answer is option B.
19. Consider the following statements:
I. Most of the Ajanta caves were viharas built for Buddhist monks.
II. The paintings of the Ajanta caves were made in the light of torches.
III. The colors used in Ajanta paintings were prepared from plants and minerals.
Choose the correct answer from the codes given below:
Answer: D
The Ajanta Caves are considered a marvelous example of Indian painting and architecture. These caves are located in Maharashtra and reflect the cultural and religious traditions of ancient India. They were carved out of rocks over several centuries. NCERT mentions that most of these caves were viharas built for Buddhist monks.
Statement I is correct because the Ajanta caves were mainly used as residences and meditation halls for Buddhist monks. Monks lived in these caves and carried out religious activities there. Some caves were beautifully decorated with paintings depicting Buddhist stories and moral values.
Statement II is also correct. Very little natural light entered inside the caves, so most of the paintings were created in the light of torches. This fact highlights the extraordinary talent and patience of the artists. Creating such detailed and beautiful paintings under limited light must have been extremely difficult.
Statement III is also correct because the colors used in Ajanta paintings were made from natural sources. According to NCERT, these colors were prepared from plants and minerals. This is why the paintings still remain bright and attractive even after nearly 1500 years.
Ajanta paintings represent a golden chapter of Indian art. They depict religious stories, royal courts, animals, birds, nature, and scenes of human life in a lively manner. Although the names of the artists are not known today, their art continues to attract people from all over the world.
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20. Match the following:
List-I List-II
1. Garbhagriha a. Place where people gather
2. Mandapa b. Circular path around the stupa
3. Pradakshina Patha c. Place where the main deity is kept
4. Shikhara d. Tall structure built above the Garbhagriha
Codes:
Answer: A
Ancient Indian temple architecture was highly developed and scientific. Different parts of temples had their own religious and architectural significance. NCERT provides a detailed description of the structure of temples and stupas.
Structure Correct Match Explanation
Garbhagriha Place where the main deity is kept It was the most sacred part of the temple where the main idol was installed.
Mandapa Place where people gather It served as a hall for religious gatherings and ceremonies.
Pradakshina Patha Circular path around the stupa Devotees walked around the stupa on this path as a mark of respect.
Shikhara Tall structure above the Garbhagriha It was the elevated tower built above the sanctum.
The Garbhagriha was considered the holiest part of the temple. Priests performed rituals there and devotees worshipped the deity.
The Mandapa acted as a gathering hall where people assembled for worship and religious functions.
The Pradakshina Patha was a circular path around the stupa used by devotees for circumambulation, an important Buddhist ritual.
The Shikhara was the tall structure built above the Garbhagriha. It symbolized the sacred nature of the temple and was constructed with great skill and planning.
All these architectural elements show that ancient Indian craftsmen were highly skilled in architecture and engineering. Temples were not only places of worship but also centers of art, culture, and social life.
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21. Which of the following statements is correct regarding “Silappadikaram”?
Answer: B
“Silappadikaram” is a famous epic of ancient Tamil literature. It is regarded as an important source of the cultural and literary tradition of South India. According to NCERT, it was composed around 1800 years ago by the poet Ilango.
The main story of this epic is related to the lives of Kovalan and his wife Kannagi. Kovalan was a merchant living in the city of Puhar. He neglected his wife Kannagi and fell in love with a dancer named Madhavi. Later, due to certain circumstances, Kovalan and Kannagi moved to Madurai. There, a royal goldsmith falsely accused Kovalan of theft. Without proper investigation, the Pandya king ordered Kovalan’s execution.
When Kannagi came to know about this injustice, she became filled with grief and anger. She protested against the unjust king and administration. According to the story, her curse led to the destruction of the city of Madurai. This episode reflects the ideas of justice, the position of women, and royal authority in that period.
Option A is incorrect because “Silappadikaram” was written by Ilango in Tamil, not by Kalidasa in Sanskrit. Option C is incorrect because it is not a part of the Ramayana but an independent Tamil epic. Option D is also incorrect because it is not related only to Buddhism but also reflects social and cultural life.
“Silappadikaram” is not merely a story of love and tragedy; it also presents an important picture of South Indian society, trade, women’s dignity, and the justice system of that time.
22. Consider the following statements:
I. The Mahabharata is the story of the war between the Kauravas and the Pandavas.
II. The objective of this war was to gain the throne of Hastinapura.
III. The Mahabharata is believed to have been compiled by Sage Vyasa.
Choose the correct answer from the codes given below:
Answer: D
The Mahabharata is regarded as the largest and most famous Sanskrit epic of Indian culture and literature. It is not merely a story of war but also an important source of information about ancient Indian society, politics, religion, ethics, and ideals of human life. According to NCERT, the Mahabharata narrates the war between the Kauravas and the Pandavas.
Statement I is correct because the central theme of the Mahabharata is the conflict between the Kauravas and the Pandavas. Both belonged to the Kuru dynasty and wanted control over the throne of Hastinapura. This conflict eventually led to the great war of Kurukshetra.
Statement II is also correct. NCERT clearly mentions that the purpose of the war was to gain the throne of Hastinapura, the capital of the Kuru kingdom. Since Hastinapura was the center of political power, control over it was considered extremely important.
Statement III is also correct because the Mahabharata and the Puranas are traditionally believed to have been compiled by Sage Vyasa. The Mahabharata also includes the Bhagavad Gita, one of the most important philosophical and religious texts of India. In the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna advised Arjuna about duty, righteousness, and life.
The Mahabharata is not only a tale of war but also a profound explanation of morality, duty, religion, and the struggle for power. It presents detailed descriptions of social relations, family conflicts, political systems, and religious beliefs of that period. This is why the Mahabharata is considered a priceless treasure of Indian civilization.
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23. Match the following:
List-I List-II
1. Aryabhata a. Charaka Samhita
2. Charaka b. Surgery
3. Sushruta c. Aryabhatiyam
4. Kalidasa d. Meghaduta
Codes:
Answer: A
Ancient India was highly advanced in the fields of science, medicine, mathematics, and literature. Many scholars composed important works whose influence is still visible today. NCERT mentions great scholars such as Aryabhata, Charaka, Sushruta, and Kalidasa.
Scholar Correct Match Explanation
Aryabhata Aryabhatiyam Aryabhata wrote the famous book “Aryabhatiyam.”
Charaka Charaka Samhita Charaka composed the famous Ayurvedic text “Charaka Samhita.”
Sushruta Surgery Sushruta is regarded as the father of surgery.
Kalidasa Meghaduta Kalidasa wrote the famous poetic work “Meghaduta.”
Aryabhata was a great mathematician and astronomer. In “Aryabhatiyam,” he explained the rotation of the Earth, day and night, and eclipses. He also described methods for calculating the circumference of a circle.
Charaka was a renowned physician of Ayurveda. His work “Charaka Samhita” contains detailed descriptions of diseases, medicines, and methods of treatment.
Sushruta is considered the father of surgery. His text “Sushruta Samhita” explains various surgical techniques, body structure, and surgical instruments.
Kalidasa was one of the greatest poets and dramatists of Sanskrit literature. His work “Meghaduta” beautifully describes nature and love through the image of a cloud carrying a message.
All these scholars greatly enriched the Indian tradition of knowledge. Their contributions in mathematics, science, medicine, and literature gave India a distinguished place in the world.
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24. Consider the following statements:
I. Aryabhata wrote a book called “Aryabhatiyam.”
II. He explained that the Earth rotates on its axis.
III. Aryabhata gave a scientific explanation of eclipses.
Choose the correct answer from the codes given below:
Answer: D
Aryabhata was one of the greatest mathematicians and astronomers of ancient India. His contribution to the history of Indian science is considered extremely important. According to NCERT, he wrote a book in Sanskrit called “Aryabhatiyam.”
Statement I is correct because “Aryabhatiyam” is the famous work of Aryabhata. This text contains many important principles related to mathematics, astronomy, and geometry.
Statement II is also correct. Aryabhata explained that day and night occur because the Earth rotates on its axis. At that time, people generally believed that the Sun revolved around the Earth, but Aryabhata scientifically explained the movement of the Earth. This was a revolutionary idea for that period.
Statement III is also correct because Aryabhata presented a scientific explanation of eclipses. He tried to explain eclipses as astronomical phenomena rather than divine events. This shows that ancient Indian scholars possessed rational and scientific thinking.
Aryabhata also described methods for calculating the circumference of a circle, which were remarkably close to modern calculations. His works influenced many later scientists and mathematicians. Indian mathematicians also played an important role in the development of zero and the decimal system.
Aryabhata’s achievements prove that ancient India was among the leading centers of science and mathematics in the world.
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25. Which of the following statements is correct regarding the Puranas?
Answer: C
The Puranas are an important part of ancient Indian religious and cultural literature. The word “Purana” means “ancient.” These texts contain religious stories, the glory of gods and goddesses, the origin of the universe, and accounts of kings. According to NCERT, the Puranas include stories related to deities such as Vishnu, Shiva, Durga, and Parvati.
Option A is incorrect because the Puranas are not merely collections of war stories. They also describe religious, cultural, and social themes.
Option B is also incorrect because the Puranas do not contain only genealogies of kings. They also discuss creation, methods of worship, and various religious stories.
Option C is correct. NCERT mentions that the Puranas include stories of gods and goddesses, the creation of the world, and information about kings. These texts served as a means of connecting ordinary people with religion and culture.
Option D is incorrect because the Puranas are related to Hinduism, not Buddhism. They were written in simple Sanskrit so that common people could listen to and understand them easily. Priests recited them in temples, and people gathered to hear them.
The Puranas became an important medium for spreading religious teachings, moral values, and cultural traditions in Indian society. These texts deeply influenced Indian culture and religious life.