UWR C9: Hinduism and Its Origins

Which controversial work by Nirad C. Chaudhuri challenges existing ideas about Hinduism's origins?

• The Discovery of India

• Hinduism: A Religion to Live By

• The Hindu Way of Life

• The Rig Veda

According to the text, what method did Johann Wolfgang von Goethe introduce to date Hindu literature?

• Using archaeological evidence

• Comparative-religion approach

• Evolutionary categorization

• The religious-dates method

What is the earliest time period mentioned in the text for inscriptions containing Sanskrit words?

• First century BC

• Second century BC

• Fifth century AD

• Seventh century AD

Which of the following is NOT mentioned by Greek and Roman authors in their accounts of Hinduism?

• The existence of a small priestly class known as Brahmins

• The names of Hindu gods like Shiva and Krishna

• Great philosophers in India

• Wandering ascetics in India

According to Fa-Hien, what did the fifth century AD Chinese writer describe in detail?

• The persecution of Buddhists by Hindus

• The comprehensive account of Indian life and customs

• The similarities between Hinduism and Buddhism

• The motivation of rivalries between Hindus and Buddhists

What are the three forms of religious practice identified in the Hinduism of this period?

• Yoga in its various forms, temple rituals, and the adoration of images of the gods/great teachers

• Sacrifices, meditation, and community festivals

• Pilgrimages, fasting, and the study of sacred texts

• Temple construction, philosophical debates, and seasonal festivals

What does the text suggest is NOT a characteristic of Hinduism?

• A developed theology

• Intellectually challenging philosophical systems

• Numerous religious speculations

• A rich mythology

Which texts are mentioned as being rich with numerous gods like Shiva, Kali, Vishnu, and a host of others?

• Upanishads

• Vedas

• Ramayana and Mahabharata

• Sutras

What is recognized as the best known Hindu school of philosophy in the Western world?

• Upanishads

• Yoga

• Vedanta

• Sankhya

What is the primary focus of the Upanishads?

• Ritual practices

• Mythological stories

• Philosophical speculation and practice

• Historical accounts