Question: How many pairs of twins do we come across in the Ramayana and the Mahabharata put together?
Incorrect Answer
Correct Answer In the Ramayana, Rama's brothers, Lakshmana and Shatrughna, and Rama's sons, Luva and Kusha, are twins. In the Mahabharata, the youngest of the Pandava brothers, Nakula and Sahadeva are also twins. It was also pointed out to me that Nala and Neela, the Vanara builders of note were also twins, appearing in the Mahabharata.
Question: Two places, which now lie outside the borders of India are mentioned, one each in the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. One is Sri Lanka, as the island kingdom of Lanka, ruled by Ravana, the main villain in the Ramayana. Which city outside what is now India, is the other?
Incorrect Answer
Correct Answer Kandahar is mentioned in the Mahabharata as Gandhara, which is the hometown of Gandhari, wife of Dhritarastra and mother to the Kaurava princes, and her brother Shakuni, who is the ultimate cause for the kinslaying Mahabharata war.
Question: Chillies and Tobacco were introduced into India by
Incorrect Answer
Correct Answer The Portuguese introduced chillies and tobacco into India. They also brought pineapple from South America, papaya from the Phillipines, cashew from Brazil and maize, peanuts and potatoes from Africa. They also introduced lichis and oranges to India.
Question: Which of the great epics was written by Veda Vyasa, with the help of Ganesha, Shiva's son?
Incorrect Answer
Correct Answer It is said that Vyasa got the idea for a grand saga, and wanted it written down for the benefit of future generations. However, the endeavour being so vast and difficult, and Vyasa's temper being so irascible, it was a task few would dare undertake. So in despair, Vyasa prayed to Bramha and asked him to suggest one who would capable of such a task. Bramha thought long and hard, and came up with Ganesha's name. Vyasa then prayed to Ganesha, who manifested before him and agreed to take on the task, provided Vyasa fulfil one condition; to never stop once he started dictating, or else he would stop writing and be gone. To this Vyasa agreed and also posed a counter-condition; that Ganesha would only write down what he understood. So it began, Vyasa being left breathless with Ganesha's speed and intelligence, and Ganesha, often perplexed at Vyasa's high flown language and complex analogies, yet the Mahabharata was written.
Correct Answer Mandodari was the beautiful daughter of Maya, the king of giants and his elfin wife Hema. She is portrayed as the most devout and righteous wife of Ravana. She tries to dissuade Ravana from abducting Sita, but Ravana does not heed her advice.
