Pali / Sanskrit Vocabulary MCQs Quiz | Class 10

This quiz on Pali / Sanskrit Vocabulary for Class X Thai (136), covering Applied Grammar, focuses on meaning recognition and application in sentences. Test your knowledge on key vocabulary. After attempting all 10 multiple-choice questions, submit your answers to see your score and review the solutions. You can also download a personalized PDF answer sheet for future reference.

Understanding Pali and Sanskrit Vocabulary

Pali and Sanskrit are ancient Indo-Aryan languages that hold immense cultural and historical significance, particularly in the religious and philosophical traditions of India and Southeast Asia. Sanskrit, often considered the classical language of India, is the primary language of Hinduism, while Pali is closely associated with Theravada Buddhism. Both languages share a common linguistic ancestry and numerous vocabulary terms, though they have distinct grammatical structures and phonetic variations.

Importance and Influence

Studying Pali and Sanskrit vocabulary provides a deeper understanding of various concepts in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. Many terms from these languages have transcended their original contexts and are now part of global philosophical and spiritual discourse. For students of Class X, especially those engaging with subjects like Thai (which has historical ties to Pali/Sanskrit through Buddhism), understanding these terms is crucial for meaning recognition and application in sentences.

Key Aspects of Vocabulary

  • Meaning Recognition: This involves identifying the precise definition of a word, often considering its etymology and usage in different contexts. For example, a word like ‘Dharma’ has nuanced meanings depending on whether it’s used in a Hindu or Buddhist context.
  • Application in Sentences: Beyond knowing the meaning, it’s vital to understand how a word functions grammatically and semantically within a sentence. This demonstrates a practical grasp of the vocabulary.

Common Pali and Sanskrit Terms

Here are a few essential terms to illustrate their meanings and interconnectedness:

Term Language (Primary) Meaning
Dharma Sanskrit / Pali Righteous conduct, cosmic law, duty, teachings
Karma Sanskrit / Pali Action, deed, and its consequences
Nirvana Sanskrit / Pali Extinction of suffering and desire, ultimate liberation
Ahimsa Sanskrit Non-violence, non-harming
Samsara Sanskrit / Pali Cycle of birth, death, and rebirth
Moksha Sanskrit Liberation from the cycle of Samsara
Dukkha Pali Suffering, dissatisfaction, unease

Quick Revision Points

  • Pali and Sanskrit are ancient languages crucial for understanding South and Southeast Asian cultures.
  • Many spiritual and philosophical concepts originate from these languages.
  • ‘Dharma’ refers to cosmic law and righteous duty.
  • ‘Karma’ describes the principle of action and consequence.
  • ‘Nirvana’ and ‘Moksha’ both denote forms of liberation, with nuanced differences.
  • ‘Ahimsa’ is the principle of non-violence.
  • ‘Samsara’ is the endless cycle of existence.

Extra Practice Questions

  1. Which Sanskrit term refers to the concept of the “Self” or “Soul”?
    1. Brahma
    2. Atman
    3. Maya
    4. Yoga
  2. The Eightfold Path in Buddhism is primarily aimed at achieving which state?
    1. Moksha
    2. Samsara
    3. Nirvana
    4. Dharma
  3. What is the literal meaning of the Sanskrit word ‘Yoga’?
    1. Meditation
    2. Union
    3. Breath control
    4. Discipline
  4. The term ‘Dana’ in Pali/Sanskrit traditions signifies which act?
    1. Fasting
    2. Pilgrimage
    3. Giving/Generosity
    4. Recitation
  5. Which of these is NOT considered one of the Three Jewels (Triratna) in Buddhism?
    1. Buddha
    2. Dharma
    3. Sangha
    4. Karma