Correct Answer: Vyasa
Explanation: The sage Vyasa is traditionally credited with composing the Mahabharata, one of the two major Sanskrit epics of ancient India, the other being the Ramayana.
Correct Answer: Sanskrit
Explanation: The Mahabharata was originally composed in classical Sanskrit, and it consists of over 100,000 shlokas (verses), making it one of the longest epic poems in the world.
Correct Answer: Harivamsa
Explanation: The Harivamsa is an appendix to the Mahabharata, often considered as a separate text, which focuses on the life and deeds of Krishna, adding a devotional aspect to the epic.
Correct Answer: Tikkana
Explanation: Tikkana, a Telugu poet, is one of the three poets who translated the Mahabharata into Telugu, creating the “Andhra Mahabharatam.”
Correct Answer: Abul Fazl
Explanation: Abul Fazl, the court historian of Akbar, translated the Mahabharata into Persian and named it “Razmnameh” (The Book of War).
Correct Answer: Villiputhur Alvar
Explanation: Villiputhur Alvar wrote the “Bharatam,” a Tamil version of the Mahabharata, which is highly regarded in Tamil literature.
Correct Answer: 3rd century BCE
Explanation: The Mahabharata is traditionally believed to have been composed over several centuries, with the earliest parts dating back to around the 3rd century BCE.
Correct Answer: Dharamvir Bharati
Explanation: Dharamvir Bharati wrote “Andha Yug,” a modern Hindi play that focuses on the last day of the Mahabharata war, exploring themes of moral and ethical decay.
Correct Answer: Adi Parva
Explanation: The Adi Parva is the first book of the Mahabharata, which includes the detailed genealogy of the Kuru dynasty and various other legends and stories.
Correct Answer: Kisari Mohan Ganguli
Explanation: Kisari Mohan Ganguli translated the Mahabharata into English prose between 1883 and 1896, making it the first complete translation of the epic into English.
Correct Answer: Pandavas and Kauravas
Explanation: The Mahabharata revolves around the rivalry and eventual war between the Pandavas and the Kauravas, who are cousins vying for the throne of Hastinapura.
Correct Answer: Yudhishthira
Explanation: Yudhishthira is the eldest of the five Pandava brothers. He is known for his adherence to dharma (righteousness) and truth.
Correct Answer: Kurukshetra
Explanation: The great battle that forms the climax of the Mahabharata is the Battle of Kurukshetra, which lasted for eighteen days and involved all the major kings and warriors of the time.
Correct Answer: Krishna
Explanation: Lord Krishna serves as the charioteer and spiritual guide of Arjuna during the Battle of Kurukshetra, imparting the Bhagavad Gita to him.
Correct Answer: Bhishma Parva
Explanation: The Bhagavad Gita is contained within the Bhishma Parva of the Mahabharata. It is a 700-verse Hindu scripture that is a conversation between Prince Arjuna and Krishna.
Correct Answer: Dhritarashtra
Explanation: Dhritarashtra is the blind king of Hastinapura and the father of the Kauravas. His inability to rule justly due to his blindness and attachment to his sons leads to the great conflict.
Correct Answer: Drona
Explanation: Drona was the teacher of both the Pandavas and the Kauravas. He was a master of advanced military arts and archery.
Correct Answer: Kunti
Explanation: Kunti is the mother of Karna. She gave birth to him before her marriage to Pandu, and due to societal pressures, she set him afloat in a basket on a river.
Correct Answer: Arjuna
Explanation: Arjuna was known for his exceptional skill in archery. He was a key warrior in the Pandava army and played a crucial role in their victory at Kurukshetra.
Correct Answer: Vaishampayana
Explanation: The Mahabharata is narrated to King Janamejaya by Vaishampayana, a disciple of Vyasa. This narration is further recited by Sauti to the sages at Naimisha Forest.
Correct Answer: Yama
Explanation: Yudhishthira is the son of Kunti and the god Yama (Dharmaraja), the god of righteousness and death.
Correct Answer: Bhima
Explanation: Bhima, the second Pandava, is known for his immense physical strength and his appetite. He was born to Kunti through the god Vayu (the Wind God).
Correct Answer: All of the above
Explanation: Draupadi was married to all five Pandava brothers, which was a unique arrangement stemming from Kunti’s misunderstanding of Arjuna’s statement.
Correct Answer: Subhadra
Explanation: Subhadra, the sister of Krishna and Balarama, is Arjuna’s favorite wife. Their son is Abhimanyu.
Correct Answer: Yudhishthira
Explanation: Yudhishthira, the eldest Pandava, was known for his wisdom, adherence to dharma (righteousness), and knowledge of ethics and morality.
Correct Answer: Nakula
Explanation: Nakula, one of the twins born to Madri and the Ashwini Kumaras, was known for his exceptional skill with horses and his striking beauty.
Correct Answer: Sahadeva
Explanation: Sahadeva, the youngest Pandava, had the gift of prophecy and was known for his wisdom in astrology. He was also an excellent swordsman.
Correct Answer: Kunti
Explanation: Bhima’s mother is Kunti, who bore him through the blessings of Vayu, the Wind God.
Correct Answer: Yudhishthira
Explanation: Yudhishthira was tricked into a game of dice by his cousin Duryodhana and his uncle Shakuni, which led to the Pandavas losing their kingdom and going into exile.
Correct Answer: Bhima
Explanation: During their exile, Bhima killed the demon Hidimba and later married his sister, Hidimbi. They had a son named Ghatotkacha.
Correct Answer: Krishna
Explanation: Krishna served as Arjuna’s charioteer during the Battle of Kurukshetra and provided him with guidance and support, including delivering the Bhagavad Gita.
Correct Answer: Subhadra
Explanation: Subhadra, Krishna’s sister, bore Arjuna a son named Abhimanyu, who became a great warrior in the Mahabharata.
Correct Answer: Nakula
Explanation: Nakula, born to Madri and the Ashwini Kumaras, had the divine ability to heal people and animals, a gift bestowed upon him by his divine fathers.
Correct Answer: Draupadi
Explanation: Yudhishthira’s principal wife was Draupadi, who was also married to his four brothers. She played a pivotal role in the Pandavas’ lives and the events of the Mahabharata.
Correct Answer: Yudhishthira
Explanation: Yudhishthira performed the Rajasuya Yajna, a royal consecration ceremony, to establish his sovereignty and power as a ruler.
Correct Answer: Sahadeva
Explanation: Sahadeva is the youngest of the Pandava brothers, known for his wisdom, especially in the field of astrology.
Correct Answer: Arjuna became a dance teacher
Explanation: During the Pandavas’ incognito year in the kingdom of Matsya, Arjuna disguised himself as a eunuch named Brihannala and became a dance and music teacher to the princess Uttara.
Correct Answer: Pashupatastra
Explanation: Arjuna was given the powerful divine weapon Pashupatastra by Lord Shiva after proving his prowess and devotion during a fierce battle.
Correct Answer: Yudhishthira
Explanation: Yudhishthira, the eldest Pandava, is often associated with the virtue of humility, along with his adherence to dharma and truth.
Correct Answer: Bhima
Explanation: Bhima was known for his exceptional culinary skills. During their incognito year, he worked in the kitchen of King Virata’s palace under the name Vallabha.
Correct Answer: Kamyaka
Explanation: During their twelve years of exile, the Pandavas spent significant time in the Kamyaka forest.
Correct Answer: Sahadeva
Explanation: Sahadeva, the youngest Pandava, is credited with having deep knowledge in astrology and agriculture, and he is believed to have written texts on these subjects.
Correct Answer: Karenumati
Explanation: Nakula’s principal wife was Karenumati, the daughter of the king of Chedi.
Correct Answer: None of the above
Explanation: Drona was killed by Dhrishtadyumna, the commander of the Pandava army and the brother of Draupadi.
Correct Answer: Bhima
Explanation: Bhima vowed to kill Dushasana and drink his blood after he humiliated Draupadi in the Kaurava court.
Correct Answer: Nakula
Explanation: Nakula had a special ability to communicate with and understand animals, especially horses, due to his divine heritage from the Ashwini Kumaras.
Correct Answer: Dhrishtadyumna
Explanation: Although Dhrishtadyumna was technically in charge of the Pandava army as its commander, the Pandavas themselves, especially Yudhishthira, played crucial strategic roles.
Correct Answer: Yudhishthira
Explanation: Yudhishthira was tricked by Shakuni into a game of dice, leading to the loss of his kingdom, wealth, and even the freedom of his brothers and Draupadi.
Correct Answer: Bhima
Explanation: Bhima married Hidimbi, a Rakshasi, and they had a son named Ghatotkacha, who later played a significant role in the Mahabharata war.
Correct Answer: Bhima
Explanation: Bhima was known for his expertise in the use of the mace, which he used effectively in many battles, including his duel with Duryodhana.
Correct Answer: Duryodhana
Explanation: Duryodhana was the eldest of the Kauravas, the 100 sons of King Dhritarashtra and Queen Gandhari. He is known for his enmity towards the Pandavas and his role in the Kurukshetra war.
Correct Answer: Shakuni
Explanation: Shakuni, Duryodhana’s maternal uncle, was his closest advisor and ally. He played a key role in instigating and supporting Duryodhana’s schemes against the Pandavas.
Correct Answer: Dushasana
Explanation: Dushasana was the second eldest of the Kauravas and was second in command after Duryodhana. He is infamous for his role in the disrobing of Draupadi.
Correct Answer: 100
Explanation: There were 100 Kaurava brothers, all born to Queen Gandhari. Their rivalry with the Pandavas is central to the Mahabharata’s plot.
Correct Answer: Vikarna
Explanation: Vikarna was one of the Kauravas known for his fairness and moral integrity. He opposed the disrobing of Draupadi and spoke out against the injustice.
Correct Answer: Karna
Explanation: Karna was a close friend and ally of Duryodhana. He was an accomplished warrior and played a crucial role in the Kurukshetra war on the side of the Kauravas.
Correct Answer: Yuyutsu
Explanation: Yuyutsu, the son of Dhritarashtra by a Vaishya woman, survived the Kurukshetra war. He fought on the side of the Pandavas and later ruled Hastinapura.
Correct Answer: All of the above
Explanation: The killing of Abhimanyu was a joint effort by multiple Kauravas, including Duryodhana, Dushasana, and Karna, who trapped and attacked him in the Chakravyuha formation.
Correct Answer: Chitrasena
Explanation: Chitrasena, one of the Kaurava brothers, was known for his skill in archery and was a significant warrior during the Kurukshetra war.
Correct Answer: Vikarna
Explanation: Vikarna was famous for his loyalty and bravery. Despite being a Kaurava, he often showed a sense of justice and morality, especially during the disrobing of Draupadi.
Correct Answer: Duryodhana
Explanation: Duryodhana was the mastermind behind the attempt to poison and drown Bhima during their childhood, showcasing his deep animosity towards the Pandavas.
Correct Answer: Gandhari
Explanation: Gandhari, the wife of Dhritarashtra, was the mother of the Kauravas. She blindfolded herself to share her husband’s blindness.
Correct Answer: Dushasana
Explanation: Dushasana insulted Draupadi by dragging her into the assembly and attempting to disrobe her, an act that greatly angered the Pandavas and led to vows of revenge.
Correct Answer: Duryodhana
Explanation: Duryodhana greatly admired Karna and always supported him, elevating him to the status of a king and making him a central figure in his plans against the Pandavas.
Correct Answer: Duryodhana
Explanation: Duryodhana had a son named Lakshmana, who was killed by Abhimanyu during the Kurukshetra war, further intensifying Duryodhana’s hatred towards the Pandavas.
Correct Answer: Yuyutsu
Explanation: Yuyutsu showed remorse and a change of heart before the Kurukshetra war, choosing to side with the Pandavas due to his sense of righteousness and justice.
Correct Answer: Duryodhana
Explanation: Duryodhana was known for his expertise in mace fighting, and he engaged in a fierce duel with Bhima during the Kurukshetra war.
Correct Answer: Dronacharya
Explanation: While Dronacharya was not one of the Kaurava brothers, he was the commander of the Kaurava army, and Duryodhana entrusted him with organizing the army’s formations and strategies.
Correct Answer: Duryodhana
Explanation: Duryodhana had a very close friendship with his maternal uncle Shakuni, who was his chief strategist and advisor in his schemes against the Pandavas.
Correct Answer: Duryodhana
Explanation: Duryodhana was killed by Bhima in the final mace fight during the Kurukshetra war, marking the end of the Kaurava resistance and securing the Pandavas’ victory.
Correct Answer: Both A and B
Explanation: Both Duryodhana and Dushasana, along with other Kauravas, participated in the deceitful killing of Abhimanyu, who was trapped in the Chakravyuha.
Correct Answer: Duryodhana
Explanation: Duryodhana was responsible for humiliating Bhishma by questioning his loyalty and effectiveness, which led to a strained relationship during the war.
Correct Answer: Shakuni
Explanation: Shakuni, though not a Kaurava brother, showed the most strategic acumen in planning and advising Duryodhana throughout the Mahabharata, especially during the Kurukshetra war.
Correct Answer: Dushasana
Explanation: Dushasana had a son who was also named Dushasana, who fought in the Kurukshetra war alongside his father and uncles.
Correct Answer: Dushasana
Explanation: Dushasana, known for his bravery and loyalty to Duryodhana, was ultimately killed by Bhima during the Kurukshetra war as revenge for the disrobing of Draupadi.
Correct Answer: Dushasana
Explanation: Bhima killed Dushasana by tearing open his chest and drinking his blood, fulfilling his vow made after the humiliation of Draupadi.
Correct Answer: Vikarna
Explanation: Vikarna was known for his courage and sense of justice, but he ultimately chose to remain silent during the disrobing of Draupadi despite initially opposing it.
Correct Answer: Vikarna
Explanation: Vikarna had a reputation for being fair-minded and openly questioned the morality of the game of dice and the treatment of Draupadi.
Correct Answer: Yuyutsu
Explanation: Yuyutsu, the son of Dhritarashtra by a Vaishya woman, chose to fight for the Pandavas due to his sense of righteousness and justice.
Correct Answer: Duryodhana
Explanation: Duryodhana, the eldest and bravest of the Kauravas, was killed by Bhima during their final mace fight in the Kurukshetra war.
Correct Answer: Devaki
Explanation: Krishna’s birth mother was Devaki, who was imprisoned by her brother Kamsa due to a prophecy that her eighth son would kill him.
Correct Answer: Yashoda
Explanation: Krishna was raised by Yashoda and Nanda in the village of Gokul to protect him from Kamsa’s wrath.
Correct Answer: Balarama
Explanation: Balarama, also known as Baladeva, was Krishna’s elder brother. He is known for his strength and loyalty to Krishna.
Correct Answer: Rukmini
Explanation: Rukmini was Krishna’s chief wife and queen. She is considered an incarnation of the goddess Lakshmi.
Correct Answer: Putana
Explanation: Putana was a demoness sent by Kamsa to kill baby Krishna by breastfeeding him poisoned milk, but Krishna sucked her life out instead.
Correct Answer: Sudama
Explanation: Sudama, Krishna’s childhood friend, was a poor Brahmin. Krishna welcomed him with great affection and helped him generously, showcasing his humility and love.
Correct Answer: Battle of Kurukshetra
Explanation: Krishna served as Arjuna’s charioteer during the Battle of Kurukshetra and delivered the Bhagavad Gita, guiding Arjuna on the path of righteousness.
Correct Answer: Dwaraka
Explanation: Krishna established his kingdom in Dwaraka, a city he built on the western coast of India after moving from Mathura to protect his people from repeated attacks by Jarasandha.
Correct Answer: Radha
Explanation: Radha was Krishna’s beloved consort in Vrindavan, known for her unparalleled devotion and love for him. Their relationship symbolizes the soul’s intense love for the divine.
Correct Answer: Janmashtami
Explanation: Janmashtami is the festival that celebrates the birth of Krishna, observed with fasting, devotional singing, and reenactments of his childhood events.
Correct Answer: Drupada
Explanation: Draupadi’s father was King Drupada of Panchala. She was born from a sacrificial fire along with her brother, Dhrishtadyumna.
Correct Answer: Five
Explanation: Draupadi was married to the five Pandava brothers—Yudhishthira, Bhima, Arjuna, Nakula, and Sahadeva—making her a unique figure in the Mahabharata.
Correct Answer: Arjuna
Explanation: Arjuna won Draupadi’s hand in marriage by successfully completing the archery challenge set at her swayamvara, where he hit the eye of a rotating fish by looking at its reflection.
Correct Answer: Sairandhri
Explanation: During the Pandavas’ exile in the kingdom of Virata, Draupadi assumed the identity of Sairandhri, a maidservant in the queen’s palace.
Correct Answer: Dushasana
Explanation: Dushasana attempted to disrobe Draupadi in the Kaurava court after Yudhishthira lost her in a game of dice, leading to one of the most infamous episodes in the Mahabharata.
Correct Answer: Krishna provided endless cloth
Explanation: During Draupadi’s disrobing, she prayed to Lord Krishna, who miraculously provided an endless supply of cloth to protect her dignity.
Correct Answer: Prativindhya
Explanation: Prativindhya was the eldest son of Draupadi and Yudhishthira. She had a son with each of the five Pandavas.
Correct Answer: Karna
Explanation: Karna insulted Draupadi by calling her a ‘slave’ during the dice game, adding to the humiliation she faced in the Kaurava court.
Correct Answer: Sudeshna
Explanation: Draupadi served as a maid to Queen Sudeshna, the queen of King Virata, during the Pandavas’ incognito exile.
Correct Answer: During the Mahaprasthanika Parva
Explanation: Draupadi died during the Mahaprasthanika Parva (The Great Journey), which is the Pandavas’ final journey towards the Himalayas and ultimately heaven.