Assam Art and Culture MCQs with Answers and Detailed Explanations for Competitive Exams
Assam Art and Culture MCQs for Competitive Exams
1. Who is known as the “Father of Assamese Culture”?
(A) Lachit Borphukan
(B) Srimanta Sankardeva
(C) Bhaskar Varman
(D) Gopinath Bordoloi
Answer: (B) Srimanta Sankardeva
Explanation:
Srimanta Sankardeva was a saint, scholar, poet, playwright, and social reformer who transformed Assamese society through the Neo-Vaishnavite movement. He contributed significantly to literature, music, dance, drama, and religion. Therefore, he is often regarded as the Father of Assamese Culture.
2. Which classical dance form originated in Assam?
(A) Kathak
(B) Bharatanatyam
(C) Sattriya
(D) Manipuri
Answer: (C) Sattriya
Explanation:
Sattriya originated in the Vaishnavite monasteries (Satras) of Assam and was recognized as one of India’s classical dance forms in 2000. It was introduced by Srimanta Sankardeva as a medium of religious expression.
3. Bihu is primarily associated with:
(A) Trade and commerce
(B) Agriculture and farming
(C) Warfare
(D) Fishing
Answer: (B) Agriculture and farming
Explanation:
Bihu festivals celebrate various stages of agriculture. Rongali Bihu marks the Assamese New Year and sowing season, Bhogali Bihu celebrates harvest, and Kongali Bihu reflects prayer and hope for a good crop.
4. How many major Bihu festivals are celebrated in Assam?
(A) One
(B) Two
(C) Three
(D) Four
Answer: (C) Three
Explanation:
The three major Bihu festivals are Rongali (Bohag) Bihu, Bhogali (Magh) Bihu, and Kongali (Kati) Bihu. Each has distinct cultural and agricultural significance.
5. Which musical instrument is made from buffalo horn and used during Bihu?
(A) Gogona
(B) Toka
(C) Pepa
(D) Taal
Answer: (C) Pepa
Explanation:
Pepa is a traditional Assamese wind instrument made from buffalo horn. Its unique sound is closely associated with Bihu celebrations.
6. The traditional Assamese attire for women is:
(A) Ghagra Choli
(B) Mekhela Chador
(C) Lehenga
(D) Phanek
Answer: (B) Mekhela Chador
Explanation:
Mekhela Chador is the traditional dress of Assamese women. It consists of a lower garment (Mekhela) and an upper drape (Chador), often woven with beautiful motifs.
7. Which silk variety is unique to Assam?
(A) Tussar Silk
(B) Mulberry Silk
(C) Muga Silk
(D) Eri Silk from Karnataka
Answer: (C) Muga Silk
Explanation:
Muga Silk is unique to Assam and is famous for its natural golden color and durability. Assam enjoys a geographical indication (GI) tag for Muga Silk.
8. The famous Assamese weaving tradition is primarily practiced by:
(A) Men only
(B) Women only
(C) Both men and women
(D) Priests only
Answer: (C) Both men and women
Explanation:
Although weaving is traditionally associated with Assamese women, both men and women contribute to the weaving industry today. Weaving remains an important aspect of Assamese culture.
9. The famous Vaishnavite monasteries of Assam are known as:
(A) Ashrams
(B) Satras
(C) Mandapas
(D) Gurukuls
Answer: (B) Satras
Explanation:
Satras are Vaishnavite monasteries established by Sankardeva and his followers. They serve as centers of religion, education, culture, music, dance, and literature.
10. Majuli is famous for:
(A) Tea gardens
(B) Satras and cultural heritage
(C) Oil refineries
(D) Coal mines
Answer: (B) Satras and cultural heritage
Explanation:
Majuli, the world’s largest inhabited river island, is renowned for its Satras and rich cultural traditions. It is considered the cultural capital of Assam.
11. Which art form combines dance, music, and drama in Assam?
(A) Bhaona
(B) Bihu
(C) Jhumur
(D) Ojapali
Answer: (A) Bhaona
Explanation:
Bhaona is a traditional theatrical performance introduced by Sankardeva. It combines drama, dance, music, costumes, and religious storytelling.
12. The scripts used in Bhaona are called:
(A) Buranjis
(B) Ankiya Naat
(C) Charit Puthi
(D) Kirtan
Answer: (B) Ankiya Naat
Explanation:
Ankiya Naat are one-act plays written mainly by Sankardeva and Madhabdeva. Bhaona performances are based on these scripts.
13. Which community performs the Bagurumba Dance?
(A) Karbi
(B) Bodo
(C) Rabha
(D) Tiwa
Answer: (B) Bodo
Explanation:
Bagurumba is the traditional dance of the Bodo community and is popularly known as the Butterfly Dance due to its graceful movements.
14. Jhumur Dance is associated with:
(A) Tea garden communities
(B) Ahom kings
(C) Satras
(D) Mishing people
Answer: (A) Tea garden communities
Explanation:
Jhumur Dance is performed by Assam’s tea tribe communities and reflects their traditions, emotions, and social life.
15. Which dance is associated with Goddess Manasa?
(A) Bihu
(B) Sattriya
(C) Deodhani
(D) Bagurumba
Answer: (C) Deodhani
Explanation:
Deodhani is a ritualistic dance dedicated to Goddess Manasa, the serpent goddess. It is especially popular in Darrang district.
16. The official language of Assam is:
(A) Bengali
(B) Assamese
(C) Hindi
(D) English
Answer: (B) Assamese
Explanation:
Assamese is the official language of Assam and belongs to the Indo-Aryan language family. It has a rich literary tradition.
17. Which historical chronicles are important sources of Assam’s history?
(A) Puranas
(B) Buranjis
(C) Vedas
(D) Jatakas
Answer: (B) Buranjis
Explanation:
Buranjis are historical chronicles of the Ahom kingdom. They provide valuable information about administration, diplomacy, warfare, and society.
18. The famous Assamese musical compositions created by Sankardeva are known as:
(A) Ghazals
(B) Borgeets
(C) Bhajans
(D) Qawwalis
Answer: (B) Borgeets
Explanation:
Borgeets are devotional songs composed mainly by Sankardeva and Madhabdeva. They are an important part of Assamese cultural and religious heritage.
19. Which traditional instrument is made of bamboo and played during Bihu?
(A) Gogona
(B) Tabla
(C) Shehnai
(D) Sarod
Answer: (A) Gogona
Explanation:
Gogona is a bamboo musical instrument commonly played by women during Bihu celebrations. It produces rhythmic sounds that complement Bihu music.
20. Which tribe celebrates the Ali-Aye-Ligang festival?
(A) Bodo
(B) Karbi
(C) Mishing
(D) Rabha
Answer: (C) Mishing
Explanation:
Ali-Aye-Ligang is the principal agricultural festival of the Mishing community and marks the beginning of sowing activities.
21. Which district is famous for Bell Metal Craft in Assam?
(A) Barpeta
(B) Sarthebari (Barpeta District)
(C) Dibrugarh
(D) Tinsukia
Answer: (B) Sarthebari (Barpeta District)
Explanation:
Sarthebari is known as the Bell Metal Industry Centre of Assam and produces traditional utensils and decorative items.
22. Assam’s famous one-horned rhinoceros is protected mainly in:
(A) Orang National Park
(B) Dibru-Saikhowa National Park
(C) Kaziranga National Park
(D) Nameri National Park
Answer: (C) Kaziranga National Park
Explanation:
Kaziranga National Park is internationally famous for conserving the Indian one-horned rhinoceros and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
23. The traditional Assamese gamocha symbolizes:
(A) Wealth only
(B) Honor and respect
(C) Military power
(D) Religious authority
Answer: (B) Honor and respect
Explanation:
The Gamocha is a symbol of Assamese identity, respect, hospitality, and cultural pride. It is often presented to guests as a mark of honor.
24. Which community is known for the Wangala-like Baikho festival in Assam?
(A) Rabha
(B) Tiwa
(C) Bodo
(D) Deori
Answer: (A) Rabha
Explanation:
Baikho is one of the important festivals of the Rabha community and reflects their agricultural and cultural traditions.
25. Which Assamese king established the Ahom kingdom in 1228 CE?
(A) Sukapha
(B) Rudra Singha
(C) Pratap Singha
(D) Gadadhar Singha
Answer: (A) Sukapha
Explanation:
Chaolung Sukapha founded the Ahom kingdom in Assam in 1228 CE. The Ahoms ruled Assam for nearly six centuries.
26. The largest river island in the world located in Assam is:
(A) Umananda
(B) Majuli
(C) Peacock Island
(D) Dibru
Answer: (B) Majuli
Explanation:
Majuli is recognized as the world’s largest inhabited river island and is a center of Assamese Vaishnavite culture.
27. Which Assamese festival is known as the Harvest Festival?
(A) Rongali Bihu
(B) Kongali Bihu
(C) Bhogali Bihu
(D) Ali-Aye-Ligang
Answer: (C) Bhogali Bihu
Explanation:
Bhogali Bihu (Magh Bihu) celebrates the harvest season and is marked by community feasts, bonfires, and traditional games.
28. Which craft of Assam has received Geographical Indication (GI) recognition?
(A) Muga Silk
(B) Pashmina
(C) Chikankari
(D) Bandhani
Answer: (A) Muga Silk
Explanation:
Muga Silk is globally recognized for its natural golden sheen and has received GI status, highlighting its uniqueness to Assam.
29. The Neo-Vaishnavite movement in Assam was propagated mainly by:
(A) Lachit Borphukan
(B) Sankardeva and Madhabdeva
(C) Sukapha
(D) Chilarai
Answer: (B) Sankardeva and Madhabdeva
Explanation:
The Neo-Vaishnavite movement transformed Assamese society by promoting devotion, equality, and cultural unity through literature, music, dance, and drama.
30. Which of the following pairs is correctly matched?
(A) Sattriya — Classical Dance
(B) Buranji — Folk Dance
(C) Pepa — Traditional Dress
(D) Gamocha — Musical Instrument
Answer: (A) Sattriya — Classical Dance
Explanation:
Sattriya is a classical dance form of Assam. Buranji refers to historical chronicles, Pepa is a musical instrument made from buffalo horn, and Gamocha is a traditional Assamese cloth symbolizing respect and culture.
Quick Revision for Exams
- Father of Assamese Culture: Srimanta Sankardeva
- Classical Dance of Assam: Sattriya
- Major Festivals: Rongali, Bhogali, Kongali Bihu
- Famous Silk: Muga Silk
- Traditional Dress: Mekhela Chador
- Symbol of Respect: Gamocha
- Historical Chronicles: Buranjis
- Famous Musical Form: Borgeet
- World’s Largest Inhabited River Island: Majuli
- Famous Wildlife Site: Kaziranga National Park
- Founder of Ahom Kingdom: Chaolung Sukapha
- Important Monasteries: Satras
These MCQs are highly useful for APSC, ADRE, Assam Police, Assam TET, Grade III, Grade IV, SSC, Railway, Banking, and other competitive examinations.
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