1. The Vedic hymns were written on palm-leaf manuscripts.
- False. The Vedas were orally transmitted for centuries and not written down initially.
2. The Vedas are India’s oldest texts.
- True. They are the most ancient texts of India and among the oldest in the world.
3. The Vedic statement ekam sat viprā bahudhā vadanti reflects a belief in the unity of cosmic powers.
- True. It translates to “The Existent is one, but sages give it many names,” signifying unity behind diversity.
4. Buddhism is older than the Vedas.
- False. The Vedas (starting approx. 1500 BCE) are much older than Buddhism (approx. 560 BCE).
5. Jainism emerged as a branch of Buddhism.
- False. Jainism is a distinct school of thought. While they share similarities and emerged around the same time, Jainism has independent roots.
6. Both Buddhism and Jainism advocated for peaceful coexistence and the avoidance of harm to all living beings.
- True. Ahimsa (non-violence) is central to both.
7. Tribal belief systems are limited to belief in spirits and minor deities.
- False. Many tribal systems have concepts of a supreme being or higher divinity (e.g., Singbonga, Donyipolo).