Pakistan Studies/Affairs MCQs
Topic Notes: Pakistan Studies/Affairs
MCQs and preparation resources for competitive exams, covering important concepts, past papers, and detailed explanations.
Plato
- Biography: Ancient Greek philosopher (427–347 BCE), student of Socrates and teacher of Aristotle, founder of the Academy in Athens.
- Important Ideas:
- Theory of Forms
- Philosopher-King
- Ideal State
21
What was the primary objective of the Brahmo Samaj?
Answer:
To purify Hinduism and preach theism/monotheism
The Brahmo Samaj was founded to reform Hindu society by removing superstitious practices. Its core objectives included the purification of Hinduism, preaching theism (belief in the existence of a god or gods), and advocating for the worship of one Supreme God through reason and ancient scriptures.
22
In what year did Raja Ram Mohan Roy found the religious society known as the 'Brahma Sabha'?
Answer:
1828
Raja Ram Mohan Roy established the Brahma Sabha in 1828 in Calcutta. This society was one of the first socio-religious reform movements in India, aimed at purifying Hinduism and advocating for the worship of one God, later evolving into the Brahmo Samaj.
23
Who among the following were prominent founders and leaders of the Bhakti movement?
Answer:
Ramananda, Ravidas, and Kabir
Ramananda, Ravidas (Raidas), Surdas, and Kabir were pivotal figures in the Bhakti movement. They hailed from different backgrounds and preached in local dialects to make spiritual teachings accessible to the common people, focusing on the equality of all devotees regardless of caste.
24
Which movement was started with the primary goal of reviving Hinduism through devotion and equality?
Answer:
Bhakti Movement
The Bhakti movement was a significant religious revolution in medieval India that sought to bring religious reforms by adopting the method of devotion to achieve salvation. It emphasized the individual's relationship with God and preached against the rigid caste system, effectively working to revive Hinduism from within.
25
Jangama or wandering monks belonged to which community?
Answer:
Lingayats
The Jangamas are the wandering monks of the Lingayat (Virashaiva) community founded by Basavanna in the 12th century. They serve as spiritual guides and priests, wandering from place to place to spread the teachings of Shiva-centered egalitarianism.
26
Which of the following aspects is NOT common to both the Bhakti and Sufi movements?
Answer:
Worship of idols
While both movements emphasized mysticism, personal love for God, and pilgrimage to shrines, they differed on idol worship. Sufism, rooted in Islam, strictly rejects idol worship (Shirk), whereas many Bhakti traditions (Saguna Bhakti) utilize icons and idols for worship.
27
The mystic poet Mirabai was:
Answer:
One of the wives of a Rajput ruler
Mirabai was a Rajput princess of Merta and the daughter-in-law of Rana Sanga of Mewar, having married Bhoj Raj. However, she considered herself the spiritual bride of Krishna and eventually left the royal household to lead a life of a wandering saint.
28
Shaikh Nizamuddin Auliya’s hospice (Khanqah) comprised a big hall known as:
Answer:
Jama’at Khana
The Jama’at Khana was the large hall in a Sufi hospice where the disciples and travelers lived and prayed together. It was a center of spiritual and social life, reflecting the Sufi ideal of communal living and shared spiritual practice.
29
What is the literal meaning of the term 'Silsila' in Sufism?
Answer:
A chain
The term 'Silsila' literally means a 'chain'. In Sufism, it refers to the spiritual lineage or chain of succession connecting a Sufi master to the original source, typically tracing back through various masters to the Prophet Muhammad.
30
Which Hindu saint was known to have both Hindu and Muslim disciples?
Answer:
Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu
Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, the 16th-century saint from Bengal, preached universal love and the chanting of the Holy Name (Kirtan). His movement was inclusive, attracting followers from various backgrounds, including Muslims like Haridas Thakur, who became a prominent disciple.