Correct Answer: Santanu
Explanation: Bhishma’s father was King Santanu, who fell in love with Ganga, Bhishma’s mother.
Correct Answer: Devavrata
Explanation: Bhishma’s original name was Devavrata. He was later known as Bhishma after he took a terrible vow of celibacy.
Correct Answer: To remain a bachelor for life
Explanation: Bhishma took the vow of celibacy to ensure that his father, King Santanu, could marry Satyavati without any dispute over the succession.
Correct Answer: Death at his own will
Explanation: Bhishma received the boon of Ichha Mrityu, meaning he could choose the time of his own death, from his father Santanu.
Correct Answer: Kurukshetra War
Explanation: Bhishma served as the commander-in-chief of the Kaurava forces during the Kurukshetra War, the great battle described in the Mahabharata.
Correct Answer: Arjuna
Explanation: Arjuna, with the guidance of Krishna, pierced Bhishma with numerous arrows, leading to his fall on the battlefield of Kurukshetra.
Correct Answer: Bed of arrows
Explanation: Bhishma lay on a bed of arrows (Sharashayya) after being mortally wounded in the Kurukshetra War, waiting for an auspicious time to die.
Correct Answer: Devotion and Duty
Explanation: Bhishma is known for his unwavering devotion, sense of duty, and adherence to his vows, making him one of the most respected characters in the Mahabharata.
Correct Answer: Ganga
Explanation: Bhishma’s mother was the river goddess Ganga. She left King Santanu after the birth of Bhishma.
Correct Answer: Gave a long discourse on Dharma
Explanation: During his last moments, Bhishma gave a profound discourse on Dharma, politics, and kingship to Yudhishthira, which is recorded as the “Bhishma Parva” in the Mahabharata.
Correct Answer: Bharadwaja
Explanation: Dronacharya’s father was the sage Bharadwaja, making Drona a descendant of a revered sage lineage.
Correct Answer: Military knowledge and weapons
Explanation: Drona received extensive military knowledge and celestial weapons from Parashurama, which made him an unrivaled teacher of archery and warfare.
Correct Answer: Arjuna
Explanation: Arjuna was Dronacharya’s favorite student due to his unparalleled dedication, skill, and respect for his guru.
Correct Answer: Ekalavya was a Shudra
Explanation: Dronacharya refused to teach Ekalavya archery because Ekalavya was not of the Kshatriya caste, which was traditionally entitled to martial training.
Correct Answer: His thumb
Explanation: As guru dakshina, Ekalavya cut off his right thumb and offered it to Drona, which was a test of his dedication and a significant sacrifice, impacting his future as an archer.
Correct Answer: Ashwatthama
Explanation: Dronacharya’s son was Ashwatthama, who played a significant role in the Mahabharata, especially in the events following the Kurukshetra War.
Correct Answer: Kauravas
Explanation: Dronacharya fought for the Kauravas during the Kurukshetra War, as he was loyal to the throne of Hastinapura where he served as the royal teacher.
Correct Answer: Killed by Dhrishtadyumna
Explanation: Dronacharya was killed by Dhrishtadyumna, the commander of the Pandava forces, who was born specifically to kill Drona as per divine prophecy.
Correct Answer: Spreading the false news of Ashwatthama’s death
Explanation: The Pandavas spread the false news that Dronacharya’s son, Ashwatthama, was dead. Overcome with grief and believing the news, Drona laid down his weapons, making it easier for Dhrishtadyumna to kill him.
Correct Answer: Kripi
Explanation: Dronacharya’s wife was Kripi, the sister of Kripacharya, another important figure in the Mahabharata.
Correct Answer: Gandhari
Explanation: Shakuni’s sister was Gandhari, who married King Dhritarashtra of Hastinapura.
Correct Answer: Gandhara
Explanation: Shakuni belonged to the kingdom of Gandhara, which is in present-day Afghanistan.
Correct Answer: To seek revenge against the Kuru dynasty
Explanation: Shakuni’s main motive throughout the Mahabharata was to seek revenge against the Kuru dynasty, particularly the sons of Kuru king Santanu.
Correct Answer: By using loaded dice
Explanation: Shakuni used loaded dice that always favored the Kauravas, ensuring the Pandavas’ defeat in the game of dice.
Correct Answer: Duryodhana
Explanation: Shakuni persuaded Duryodhana to suggest the game of dice to Yudhishthira, knowing that Yudhishthira’s weakness for gambling would lead to their downfall.
Correct Answer: In battle
Explanation: Shakuni died in the great Kurukshetra War, fighting on the side of the Kauravas against the Pandavas.
Correct Answer: Uluka
Explanation: Uluka, Shakuni’s son, fought in the Kurukshetra War as a warrior aligned with the Kauravas.
Correct Answer: Vidura
Explanation: Vidura was the maternal uncle of Shakuni, as they shared the same mother, who was from the Sudra caste.
Correct Answer: To wage war against them
Explanation: Shakuni advised Duryodhana to wage war against the Pandavas during their exile period, believing it to be the opportune moment to defeat them.
Correct Answer: Prime Minister
Explanation: Shakuni served as the Prime Minister in the Kaurava court, exerting significant influence over Duryodhana’s decisions and actions.
Correct Answer: Sudri
Explanation: Vidura’s mother was Sudri, a servant woman in the palace of Hastinapura.
Correct Answer: Chief Advisor
Explanation: Vidura served as the chief advisor in the Kaurava court, offering counsel to Dhritarashtra and the Kauravas.
Correct Answer: Pandavas
Explanation: Vidura sided with the Pandavas during the Kurukshetra War, despite being part of the Kaurava court, due to his principles and sense of righteousness.
Correct Answer: To oppose them
Explanation: Vidura consistently advised Dhritarashtra to oppose his sons’ wrongdoings and to act justly, regardless of their actions.
Correct Answer: To stop the game
Explanation: Vidura advised Dhritarashtra to stop the game of dice, warning him of the disastrous consequences it would bring to the Kuru dynasty.
Correct Answer: Shakuni
Explanation: Shakuni was Vidura’s half-brother, as they shared the same mother, Sudri.
Correct Answer: Chief Advisor
Explanation: Vidura served as the chief advisor during Yudhishthira’s Rajasuya Yagna, offering guidance and counsel to the Pandavas.
Correct Answer: To invite them back to Hastinapura
Explanation: Vidura advised Dhritarashtra to invite the Pandavas back to Hastinapura after their exile, urging him to seek peace and reconciliation.
Correct Answer: Vidura
Explanation: Vidura did not have any biological children. He was an incarnation of Dharma and served as the counselor and advisor to the Kuru dynasty.
Correct Answer: Ganesha
Explanation: Ganesha, the elephant-headed deity, acted as the scribe for Sage Vyasa while he composed the Mahabharata.
Correct Answer: That Vyasa should recite the epic continuously without pausing
Explanation: Ganesha agreed to be the scribe of the Mahabharata under the condition that Vyasa should recite the epic continuously without pausing.
Correct Answer: His own tusk
Explanation: Ganesha broke off one of his tusks and used it as a writing instrument while transcribing the Mahabharata as per Vyasa’s continuous recitation.
Correct Answer: He used his tusk to continue writing.
Explanation: When Ganesha’s quill broke during the transcription, he continued writing using his own tusk.
Correct Answer: He provided guidance to Vyasa.
Explanation: Ganesha not only served as the scribe but also provided guidance to Vyasa during the composition of the Mahabharata.
Correct Answer: Fame and renown
Explanation: Ganesha promised Vyasa fame and renown upon the completion of the Mahabharata for his unparalleled achievement.
Correct Answer: Ganesha Mahatmya
Explanation: The Ganesha Mahatmya is the scripture that records the story of Ganesha acting as Vyasa’s scribe.
Correct Answer: Ganesh Chaturthi
Explanation: Ganesh Chaturthi is the festival that celebrates the story of Ganesha acting as Vyasa’s scribe, among other aspects of Lord Ganesha’s life.
Correct Answer: It highlights the power of storytelling and oral tradition.
Explanation: Ganesha’s role as the scribe of Vyasa highlights the significance of storytelling and oral tradition in preserving and transmitting knowledge.
Correct Answer: The value of teamwork and collaboration
Explanation: The story of Ganesha acting as Vyasa’s scribe teaches the value of teamwork and collaboration in accomplishing monumental tasks.
Correct Answer: Krishna
Explanation: Krishna is considered the incarnation of Lord Vishnu in the Mahabharata, specifically as an avatar of Vishnu’s supreme form, Narayana.
Correct Answer: All of the above
Explanation: Lord Krishna played multiple roles in the Mahabharata, including that of a warrior, diplomat, and teacher.
Correct Answer: Bhagavad Gita
Explanation: The Bhagavad Gita, often referred to simply as the Gita, is Krishna’s sacred scripture within the Mahabharata, where he imparts spiritual wisdom to Arjuna.
Correct Answer: Mathura
Explanation: Krishna ruled the kingdom of Mathura from his capital city of Dwaraka.
Correct Answer: All of the above
Explanation: Krishna had a multifaceted relationship with the Pandavas. He was their friend, cousin (being related to them through his maternal uncle, Kunti), and brother-in-law (having married their sister, Subhadra).
Correct Answer: He advised Yudhishthira.
Explanation: During the game of dice, Krishna advised Yudhishthira on several occasions, guiding him to make decisions that would benefit the Pandavas.
Correct Answer: All of the above
Explanation: Krishna helped the Pandavas during their exile by providing them with military support, serving as their messenger in diplomatic matters, and offering them spiritual guidance when needed.
Correct Answer: All of the above
Explanation: Krishna played multiple roles during the Kurukshetra War. He fought as a warrior on the side of the Pandavas, served as Arjuna’s charioteer (especially during the Bhagavad Gita discourse), and acted as a diplomat in various negotiations.
Correct Answer: All of the above
Explanation: Krishna ensured victory for the Pandavas in the Kurukshetra War through his military strategies, his guidance to Arjuna, and his commitment to upholding righteousness (Dharma).
Correct Answer: He served as a mediator between the Pandavas and Kauravas.
Explanation: After the war, Krishna played a crucial role as a mediator between the Pandavas and Kauravas, facilitating reconciliation and the establishment of peace.
Correct Answer: He ascended to his divine abode.
Explanation: Krishna left his mortal body by ascending to his divine abode, marking the end of his earthly incarnation.
Correct Answer: Sanjna
Explanation: Sanjna is the mother of the Ashwini Kumaras, who are revered as the divine physicians in Hindu mythology.
Correct Answer: Lakshmi
Explanation: Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, is worshipped in the Mahabharata for her blessings and abundance.
Correct Answer: Aruna
Explanation: Aruna, the charioteer of Lord Surya, is a significant character in the Mahabharata, known for his wisdom and valor.
Correct Answer: Parvati
Explanation: Parvati, the consort of Lord Shiva, is the mother of Lord Kartikeya, also known as Skanda or Murugan, the god of war.
Correct Answer: Ganesha
Explanation: Ganesha, the elephant-headed deity, is worshipped as the remover of obstacles and the god of beginnings in Hinduism.
Correct Answer: Shesha
Explanation: Shesha, also known as Ananta or Adishesha, is the divine serpent deity who supports Lord Vishnu and is often depicted as a bed for him in the cosmic ocean.
Correct Answer: Vishwakarma
Explanation: Vishwakarma is the celestial architect and craftsman of the gods in Hindu mythology, credited with creating the universe and various divine weapons.
Correct Answer: Vishnu
Explanation: Vishnu is known as the preserver in the Hindu trinity, responsible for maintaining cosmic order and dharma.
Correct Answer: Parvati
Explanation: Parvati, the consort of Lord Shiva, is the mother of Lord Ganesh, known for her exceptional devotion and loyalty to her husband.
Correct Answer: Agni
Explanation: Agni is associated with fire, both in its constructive aspect (as the carrier of sacrifices to the gods) and its destructive aspect (as the destroyer). He is worshipped as the god of fire in Hinduism.
Correct Answer: Pandu
Explanation: Pandu was the father of the Pandavas, born to Vichitravirya’s wife, Ambalika, through the Niyoga practice with Sage Vyasa.
Correct Answer: Four
Explanation: Kunti gave birth to four Pandavas – Yudhishthira, Bhima, Arjuna, and the twins Nakula and Sahadeva.
Correct Answer: Yudhishthira
Explanation: Yudhishthira was the first Pandava born to Kunti, and he was known for his righteousness and wisdom.
Correct Answer: Through divine intervention
Explanation: The Pandavas were conceived through divine intervention when Kunti, then unmarried, invoked gods using a boon given by Sage Durvasa.
Correct Answer: Gandhari and Ambika
Explanation: The Kauravas were born to Gandhari (mother of Duryodhana and his brothers) and Ambika (mother of Dhritarashtra’s sons through Vyasa).
Correct Answer: One hundred
Explanation: Gandhari gave birth to one hundred sons, who are collectively known as the Kauravas.
Correct Answer: Duryodhana
Explanation: Duryodhana was the eldest among the Kauravas and the primary antagonist in the Mahabharata.
Correct Answer: He was born blind.
Explanation: Duryodhana was born blind, as a result of Gandhari’s decision to blindfold herself when she learned that her husband, Dhritarashtra, was born blind.
Correct Answer: Dhritarashtra
Explanation: Duryodhana was the eldest son of King Dhritarashtra, born to Queen Gandhari.
Correct Answer: Through a yajna ritual
Explanation: Kunti invoked the sun god, Surya, through a yajna ritual, which resulted in the birth of her son, Karna.
Correct Answer: Dronacharya
Explanation: Dronacharya, a skilled warrior and teacher, imparted education and training to both the Pandavas and Kauravas.
Correct Answer: Gurukul
Explanation: The Pandavas and Kauravas received their education and training at a gurukul, a traditional school system where students lived with their teacher.
Correct Answer: Archery and warfare
Explanation: Dronacharya trained the Pandavas and Kauravas primarily in archery and warfare, preparing them for their roles as warriors.
Correct Answer: Arjuna
Explanation: Arjuna, the third Pandava, excelled in archery and combat skills, becoming renowned for his prowess on the battlefield.
Correct Answer: Arjuna
Explanation: Arjuna was the favorite student of Dronacharya among the Pandavas and Kauravas, due to his exceptional skills and dedication to learning.
Correct Answer: Drona’s ashram
Explanation: The Pandavas and Kauravas underwent their advanced training in military tactics and strategy at Drona’s ashram, under the guidance of their teacher.
Correct Answer: Bhima
Explanation: Bhima, the second Pandava, learned the art of mace fighting from Balarama, who was known for his expertise in wielding the mace.
Correct Answer: Indra
Explanation: Indra, the king of gods, taught the Pandavas and Kauravas the use of celestial weapons (Divyastras) during their training.
Correct Answer: Yudhishthira
Explanation: Yudhishthira, the eldest Pandava, mastered the art of disguise and diplomacy during his time spent incognito as the King of Matsya.
Correct Answer: Duryodhana
Explanation: Duryodhana, the eldest Kaurava, displayed exceptional skills in mace fighting and physical strength, often rivaling Bhima in combat.
Correct Answer: Drupada
Explanation: Draupadi’s father’s name was Drupada, the king of Panchala.
Correct Answer: One hundred
Explanation: One hundred suitors, including princes and kings, participated in Draupadi’s Swayamvara.
Correct Answer: To shoot the eye of a moving fish
Explanation: The challenge presented to the suitors was to shoot the eye of a rotating fish, seen only through its reflection in a pool of water, using a bow and arrow.
Correct Answer: Arjuna
Explanation: Arjuna, the third Pandava, succeeded in Draupadi’s Swayamvara by hitting the eye of the rotating fish and winning her hand in marriage.
Correct Answer: Krishna
Explanation: Draupadi prayed to Krishna during her Swayamvara, expressing her desire for a suitable husband.
Correct Answer: She protested and demanded to choose her own husband.
Explanation: Draupadi protested and demanded to choose her own husband, expressing her desire for equality and autonomy.
Correct Answer: Kunti
Explanation: Kunti, the mother of the Pandavas, initially opposed Draupadi’s marriage to her sons, fearing the complications that might arise from polyandry.
Correct Answer: Thrice
Explanation: Draupadi was married thrice. First, to all five Pandavas collectively, then to sage Yudhishthira, and finally to sage Parashara.
Correct Answer: Dhritarashtra
Explanation: Draupadi’s father-in-law, the blind king of Hastinapura, was Dhritarashtra, the father of the Kauravas.
Correct Answer: All of the above
Explanation: Draupadi’s marriage to the Pandavas symbolizes their unity and strength, Draupadi’s role as a source of harmony, and the acceptance of polyandry within the context of ancient society.
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