Correct Answer: Valmiki
Explanation: The ancient sage Valmiki is traditionally credited with composing the original Ramayana, which is one of the two great Indian epics, the other being the Mahabharata.
Correct Answer: Ramcharitmanas
Explanation: Tulsidas wrote the Ramcharitmanas in the Awadhi language, which is a retelling of the Valmiki Ramayana with a devotional focus on Lord Rama.
Correct Answer: Sanskrit
Explanation: The original Ramayana by Valmiki was written in classical Sanskrit, consisting of 24,000 shlokas (verses).
Correct Answer: Kamban
Explanation: Kamban, a Tamil poet, wrote the Kamba Ramayanam, a retelling of the Ramayana in Tamil, which is highly revered in Tamil literature.
Correct Answer: Paumachariya
Explanation: The Jain version of the Ramayana, known as Paumachariya, was written by Vimalasuri and presents Rama and other characters from a Jain perspective.
Correct Answer: Adhyatma Ramayana
Explanation: The Adhyatma Ramayana is traditionally attributed to Vyasa and is a spiritual and philosophical retelling of the Ramayana, focusing on the inner meanings of the epic.
Correct Answer: It is written in Bengali
Explanation: The Krittivasi Ramayana, also known as Krittivasi Ramayan, is a Bengali adaptation of the Ramayana by Krittibas Ojha, which retains the essence of the original while adding regional flavors.
Correct Answer: Shankaracharya
Explanation: While the Adhyatma Ramayana is traditionally attributed to Vyasa, it is also sometimes linked to the philosopher-saint Adi Shankaracharya due to its strong Advaita Vedanta influences.
Correct Answer: Rama’s divine nature
Explanation: The Anand Ramayana emphasizes Rama’s divine nature and the spiritual significance of his actions, often expanding on his divinity and miraculous deeds.
Correct Answer: Ramcharitmanas
Explanation: The Ramcharitmanas by Tulsidas played a significant role in the Bhakti movement, inspiring devotion towards Rama and making the story accessible to the common people through its poetic and accessible language.
Correct Answer: Ravana
Explanation: Ravana, the ten-headed demon king of Lanka, is the primary antagonist in the Ramayana. He kidnaps Sita, which leads to the epic battle between him and Rama.
Correct Answer: Sita
Explanation: Sita is the devoted wife of Rama and the central female character in the Ramayana. Her abduction by Ravana sets off the chain of events that leads to the epic battle.
Correct Answer: Hanuman
Explanation: Hanuman, the devoted monkey god and a central figure in the Ramayana, leaps across the ocean to Lanka in search of Sita and delivers Rama’s message to her.
Correct Answer: Lakshmana
Explanation: Lakshmana, Rama’s younger brother, accompanies him during his 14-year exile and plays a crucial role in assisting him throughout their adventures.
Correct Answer: Jatayu
Explanation: Jatayu, the noble bird, tries to rescue Sita from Ravana’s clutches but is fatally injured during the attempt. He informs Rama about Sita’s abduction before dying.
Correct Answer: Ayodhya
Explanation: Ayodhya is the kingdom ruled by Rama. It is located on the banks of the Sarayu River and is described as a prosperous and happy realm.
Correct Answer: The return to Ayodhya
Explanation: The significant event that marks the end of Rama’s 14-year exile is his return to Ayodhya, which is celebrated as Diwali, the festival of lights.
Correct Answer: Surpanakha
Explanation: Surpanakha, the sister of Ravana, attempts to seduce Rama and Lakshmana in the forest. When rebuffed, she attacks Sita and is mutilated by Lakshmana.
Correct Answer: Sugriva
Explanation: Sugriva, the ruler of the Vanaras (monkey kingdom), forms an alliance with Rama after the latter helps him reclaim his throne from his brother Vali.
Correct Answer: Valmiki
Explanation: Sage Valmiki, the author of the Ramayana, teaches the epic story to Rama’s sons, Lava and Kusha, who sing it and spread the tale throughout the land.
Correct Answer: Diwali
Explanation: Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, celebrates Rama’s return to Ayodhya after his 14-year exile and his victory over Ravana. It symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil.
Correct Answer: Uttar Pradesh
Explanation: The Ramlila, particularly in the city of Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, is a traditional performance that reenacts the story of the Ramayana. It is especially popular during the festival of Dussehra.
Correct Answer: It connects Lanka and India
Explanation: Ram Setu, also known as Adam’s Bridge, is the bridge built by Rama and his Vanara army to cross the ocean from India to Lanka to rescue Sita.
Correct Answer: Vivaha Panchami
Explanation: Vivaha Panchami is celebrated to commemorate the marriage of Lord Rama and Sita. Devotees perform rituals seeking their blessings for a happy and prosperous married life.
Correct Answer: The triumph of dharma (righteousness)
Explanation: The Ramayana emphasizes the importance of dharma (righteousness) and the moral duties of individuals. Rama’s life and actions serve as an example of adhering to dharma despite hardships.
Correct Answer: Sarayu
Explanation: The Sarayu River flows through Ayodhya, the birthplace of Rama. It holds great religious significance, and many pilgrims visit its banks.
Correct Answer: Strength and devotion
Explanation: Hanuman symbolizes strength, courage, and unwavering devotion. He is a central figure in the Ramayana, known for his loyalty to Rama and his heroic deeds.
Correct Answer: It is taught as a moral and ethical guide
Explanation: The Ramayana is often taught to children as a moral and ethical guide. Its stories and characters exemplify virtues such as loyalty, duty, and righteousness, serving as life lessons.
Correct Answer: Dussehra
Explanation: Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami, involves the burning of effigies of Ravana, symbolizing the victory of good (Rama) over evil (Ravana). It marks the end of the Ramlila performances.
Correct Answer: All of the above
Explanation: The Ramayana is depicted in various forms of Hindu art, including sculptures, dance-dramas (like Kathakali and Bharatnatyam), paintings (such as miniature paintings), and temple carvings, reflecting its profound cultural significance.
Correct Answer: Dasharatha and Kausalya
Explanation: Rama is the son of King Dasharatha and Queen Kausalya of Ayodhya. He is the eldest of four brothers.
Correct Answer: Pinaka
Explanation: Rama breaks the divine bow Pinaka, which belonged to Lord Shiva, during Sita’s Swayamvara, thus winning her hand in marriage.
Correct Answer: Vishvamitra
Explanation: Sage Vishvamitra took Rama and Lakshmana to his hermitage to protect his sacred yagna (fire ritual) from demons, marking the beginning of their adventures.
Correct Answer: Dharma (righteousness) and idealism
Explanation: Rama symbolizes dharma (righteousness), virtue, and idealism. He is considered the ideal man (Maryada Purushottama) and an exemplary king, son, husband, and brother.
Correct Answer: Bharata, Lakshmana, and Shatrughna
Explanation: Rama’s brothers are Bharata, Lakshmana, and Shatrughna. Lakshmana is particularly close to Rama and accompanies him during his exile.
Correct Answer: 14 years
Explanation: Rama is exiled to the forest for 14 years due to a promise made by his father, King Dasharatha, to Queen Kaikeyi, who wished for her son Bharata to be crowned king.
Correct Answer: Surpanakha
Explanation: Surpanakha, the sister of Ravana, tries to seduce Rama and, after being rebuffed, attacks Sita. Lakshmana intervenes and mutilates her by cutting off her nose and ears.
Correct Answer: Seventh avatar
Explanation: Rama is considered the seventh avatar of Vishnu, incarnated to destroy the demon king Ravana and restore dharma.
Correct Answer: She is swallowed by the earth
Explanation: At the end of the Ramayana, Sita, after proving her purity, chooses to return to the earth, her mother, which opens up and takes her in.
Correct Answer: Upholding dharma is the highest duty
Explanation: Rama’s life teaches that upholding dharma (righteousness and duty) is of utmost importance, even above personal desires and comforts. His adherence to dharma under all circumstances serves as a moral guide.
Correct Answer: Janaka and Sunaina
Explanation: Sita is the adopted daughter of King Janaka and Queen Sunaina of Mithila. She was found by King Janaka in a furrow of a ploughed field and is considered an incarnation of the goddess Lakshmi.
Correct Answer: Devoted wife and queen
Explanation: Sita is primarily depicted as a devoted wife to Rama and an ideal queen. Her unwavering loyalty, purity, and strength of character are central themes in the Ramayana.
Correct Answer: By undergoing a trial by fire
Explanation: Sita undergoes a trial by fire (Agni Pariksha) to prove her purity after being rescued from Ravana. She emerges unscathed, thus proving her chastity and devotion to Rama.
Correct Answer: Lakshmana
Explanation: Lakshmana, Rama’s younger brother, accompanies Rama and Sita during their exile in the forest, providing protection and support throughout their journey.
Correct Answer: Ashoka Vatika
Explanation: Sita is held captive in Ashoka Vatika, a beautiful garden in Lanka, by Ravana. It is here that she is found by Hanuman and remains steadfast in her devotion to Rama.
Correct Answer: The appearance of a golden deer
Explanation: Sita is enchanted by the sight of a golden deer and requests Rama to capture it for her. This leads to Rama and Lakshmana leaving her unguarded, allowing Ravana to abduct her.
Correct Answer: Lakshmi
Explanation: Sita is considered an incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi, the consort of Lord Vishnu. Her virtues of purity, devotion, and self-sacrifice reflect those of Lakshmi.
Correct Answer: Trijata
Explanation: Trijata, a wise and kind-hearted demoness, befriends Sita during her captivity in Ashoka Vatika and reassures her about Rama’s eventual victory and rescue.
Correct Answer: She remains steadfast in her loyalty to Rama
Explanation: Sita remains unwaveringly loyal to Rama and consistently rejects Ravana’s advances, despite the hardships and threats she faces during her captivity.
Correct Answer: She is swallowed by the earth
Explanation: After facing public doubt about her purity, Sita chooses to return to the earth, her mother, during a final trial. The earth opens up and takes her back, ending her earthly life.
Correct Answer: Shatrughna
Explanation: Lakshmana’s twin brother is Shatrughna. Both are younger brothers of Rama, with Bharata being the other brother.
Correct Answer: Urmila
Explanation: Lakshmana’s wife is Urmila, the younger sister of Sita. She stays back in Ayodhya while Lakshmana accompanies Rama and Sita during their exile.
Correct Answer: He serves and protects Rama and Sita
Explanation: Lakshmana accompanies Rama and Sita during their 14-year exile, providing protection, building shelters, and supporting them in various ways.
Correct Answer: Indrajit
Explanation: Lakshmana defeats Indrajit, the powerful son of Ravana, in a crucial battle during the war in Lanka. Indrajit was a formidable warrior with many supernatural abilities.
Correct Answer: He mutilates her
Explanation: Lakshmana responds to Surpanakha’s advances by mutilating her, cutting off her nose and ears, when she attacks Sita after being rejected by Rama and Lakshmana.
Correct Answer: He guards the perimeter
Explanation: Lakshmana often stands guard and protects the hermitage’s perimeter, ensuring the safety of Rama and Sita while they are living in the Dandaka forest.
Correct Answer: Bow and arrow
Explanation: Lakshmana, like Rama, is most proficient with the bow and arrow, using it skillfully in various battles throughout the Ramayana.
Correct Answer: Khara
Explanation: Lakshmana kills the demon Khara, who attacks Rama and Sita with an army of demons in the Dandaka forest, demonstrating his bravery and combat skills.
Correct Answer: A protective line
Explanation: The Lakshmana Rekha is a protective line drawn by Lakshmana around their dwelling to safeguard Sita while he goes in search of Rama. It prevents anyone from entering unless Sita steps out of it.
Correct Answer: He insists on accompanying Rama
Explanation: Lakshmana insists on accompanying Rama into exile, demonstrating his unwavering loyalty and devotion to his elder brother, and he plays a crucial role in supporting Rama and Sita throughout their exile.
Correct Answer: Vayu and Anjana
Explanation: Hanuman is the son of the wind god Vayu and Anjana, a celestial nymph. Vayu blessed Anjana with a son who would be as mighty and swift as the wind.
Correct Answer: Dronagiri
Explanation: Hanuman lifts the entire Dronagiri mountain (also known as the Sanjeevani mountain) to bring the life-saving herbs needed to revive Lakshmana after he is severely wounded in battle.
Correct Answer: Anjana
Explanation: Anjana is the mother of Hanuman. She was an apsara (celestial nymph) who was cursed to live on earth and was later blessed with Hanuman as her son.
Correct Answer: Battle of Lanka
Explanation: Hanuman plays a crucial role in the Battle of Lanka, helping Rama’s army defeat Ravana and rescue Sita. His feats of strength and devotion are pivotal in the war.
Correct Answer: Rama’s image
Explanation: Hanuman carries an image of Rama on his flag during battles, symbolizing his unwavering devotion to Rama and serving as a constant reminder of his loyalty.
Correct Answer: A giant monkey
Explanation: Hanuman assumes a gigantic form to leap across the ocean and reach Lanka in search of Sita. His ability to change size is one of his many supernatural powers.
Correct Answer: Simhika
Explanation: Hanuman encounters and defeats Simhika, a demoness who tries to capture him by grabbing his shadow as he crosses the ocean to Lanka.
Correct Answer: Hanuman Chalisa
Explanation: The Hanuman Chalisa is a devotional hymn composed by Tulsidas in praise of Hanuman’s devotion, bravery, and strength. It is widely recited by devotees.
Correct Answer: He delivers Rama’s ring and message
Explanation: Hanuman finds Sita in Ashoka Vatika, delivers Rama’s ring to her as a token of his message, and reassures her of Rama’s imminent arrival to rescue her.
Correct Answer: The ability to fly
Explanation: Among several boons, Hanuman receives the ability to fly from Lord Brahma, which allows him to perform incredible feats such as crossing the ocean to Lanka and reaching the heavens.
Correct Answer: Shiva
Explanation: Ravana is a devout worshipper of Lord Shiva. He is known for his immense devotion and even composed the Shiva Tandava Stotram in praise of Shiva.
Correct Answer: Lanka
Explanation: Ravana rules the kingdom of Lanka, which is depicted as a magnificent and prosperous island kingdom fortified with advanced architecture and wealth.
Correct Answer: Ten
Explanation: Ravana is depicted with ten heads, symbolizing his extensive knowledge of the six shastras and the four Vedas, as well as his immense power and intellect.
Correct Answer: Mandodari
Explanation: Mandodari is Ravana’s primary queen and is known for her beauty, wisdom, and loyalty. Despite her husband’s actions, she remains a devoted wife.
Correct Answer: Brother and sister
Explanation: Surpanakha is Ravana’s sister. Her encounter with Rama and Lakshmana, and subsequent mutilation, plays a pivotal role in the events leading up to Sita’s abduction.
Correct Answer: Invulnerability to gods, demons, and spirits
Explanation: Ravana received a boon from Lord Brahma that made him invulnerable to gods, demons, and spirits, contributing to his formidable strength and arrogance. However, he neglected to ask for protection against humans and animals, which led to his downfall.
Correct Answer: Vibhishana
Explanation: Vibhishana, Ravana’s younger brother, is known for his wisdom and righteousness. He advised Ravana to return Sita to Rama to avoid destruction, but Ravana refused to listen.
Correct Answer: Indrajit
Explanation: Indrajit, also known as Meghanada, is Ravana’s son and a great warrior who plays a crucial role in the battles against Rama’s forces. He is known for his valor and mastery of magical warfare.
Correct Answer: He is defeated in battle by Rama
Explanation: Ravana meets his end when he is defeated in battle by Rama. Rama, with his divine abilities and adherence to dharma, ultimately kills Ravana, thereby rescuing Sita and restoring peace.
Correct Answer: Veena
Explanation: Ravana is famously known for his skill in playing the veena, a traditional Indian string instrument. He was a scholar and a connoisseur of arts and music.
Correct Answer: Vishrava
Explanation: Vishrava is the father of Ravana. He is a sage and a descendant of the sage Pulastya, one of the ten Prajapatis.
Correct Answer: Kaikesi
Explanation: Kaikesi is the mother of Ravana. She is the daughter of the demon king Sumali and the wife of the sage Vishrava.
Correct Answer: Four
Explanation: Ravana has four brothers: Kubera, Vibhishana, Kumbhakarna, and Ahiravana. Vibhishana and Kumbhakarna play significant roles in the Ramayana.
Correct Answer: Vibhishana
Explanation: Vibhishana is Ravana’s younger brother known for his righteousness and loyalty to dharma. He eventually joins Rama’s side during the battle against Ravana.
Correct Answer: Lanka
Explanation: Lanka is the capital city of Ravana’s kingdom. It is depicted as a magnificent island fortress with advanced architecture and abundant wealth.
Correct Answer: Mandodari
Explanation: Mandodari is Ravana’s primary queen and the mother of his sons, including Indrajit (Meghanada). She is known for her wisdom, beauty, and loyalty.
Correct Answer: Indrajit
Explanation: Indrajit, also known as Meghanada, is Ravana’s son known for his prowess in battle. He is skilled in magical warfare and plays a crucial role in the Ramayana.
Correct Answer: Kumbhakarna
Explanation: Kumbhakarna is Ravana’s brother known for his extreme loyalty and strength, as well as his immense appetite. He is awakened from his sleep to fight in the battle against Rama.
Correct Answer: Ahiravana
Explanation: Ahiravana is Ravana’s nephew known for his mastery of dark magic. He is a formidable opponent who kidnaps Rama and Lakshmana during the battle.
Correct Answer: Lanka
Explanation: Lanka is the name of both Ravana’s kingdom and the city where it is located. It is depicted as a wealthy and prosperous island kingdom in the Ramayana.
Correct Answer: Pushpaka Vimana
Explanation: Ravana possesses the celestial vehicle Pushpaka Vimana, which is often depicted as a magnificent flying chariot capable of traveling at great speeds.
Correct Answer: Meditation and penance
Explanation: Ravana gains his knowledge and power through intense meditation and penance. His devotion to Lord Shiva and his tapasya (austere penance) earned him numerous boons.
Correct Answer: Invulnerability to gods, demons, and spirits
Explanation: Ravana received a boon from Lord Brahma that made him invulnerable to gods, demons, and spirits. However, he neglected to ask for protection against humans and animals, which led to his downfall.
Correct Answer: Shiva Tandava Stotram
Explanation: Ravana is said to have composed the Shiva Tandava Stotram, a hymn in praise of Lord Shiva’s cosmic dance. It is a powerful and melodious ode to the divine.
Correct Answer: Ten
Explanation: Ravana is depicted with ten heads, symbolizing his extensive knowledge of the six shastras and the four Vedas, as well as his immense power and intellect.
Correct Answer: Lanka
Explanation: Lanka is the name of Ravana’s kingdom, often depicted as a prosperous and advanced civilization with magnificent architecture and abundant wealth.
Correct Answer: Brahmasira
Explanation: Ravana wields the Brahmasira, a powerful weapon capable of summoning illusions and causing widespread destruction. It is one of the divine astras (weapons) in Hindu mythology.
Correct Answer: Vishnu
Explanation: Ravana seeks to defeat and conquer Lord Vishnu, the preserver of the universe, in his quest for power and immortality. His arrogance and ambition lead him to challenge the gods themselves.
Correct Answer: It demonstrates the consequences of arrogance and hubris.
Explanation: Ravana’s knowledge and power serve as a cautionary tale, illustrating the consequences of arrogance and hubris. Despite his immense abilities, his ego and desire for power ultimately lead to his downfall.
Correct Answer: Shukracharya
Explanation: Shukracharya, the preceptor of the demons (asuras), is believed to have imparted spiritual knowledge to Ravana. He is revered as a wise sage and a master of occult sciences.