Assam Culture and Heritage MCQs with Answers and Detailed Explanations for Competitive Exams
Assam Culture and Heritage MCQs with Answers
1. Who is regarded as the greatest Vaishnavite saint and cultural reformer of Assam?
A) Madhavdeva
B) Srimanta Sankardeva
C) Bhattadeva
D) Aniruddhadeva
Answer: B) Srimanta Sankardeva
Explanation:
Srimanta Sankardeva was a 15th–16th century saint, scholar, poet, playwright, and social reformer. He propagated the Eka Sarana Nama Dharma (Neo-Vaishnavism) in Assam. His contributions to literature, music, dance, theatre, and religion profoundly shaped Assamese culture. Madhavdeva was his chief disciple, while Bhattadeva was known for prose literature.
2. Which disciple of Srimanta Sankardeva composed the famous devotional work “Naam Ghoxa”?
A) Madhavdeva
B) Damodardeva
C) Harideva
D) Gopal Ata
Answer: A) Madhavdeva
Explanation:
Madhavdeva was the foremost disciple of Sankardeva and composed “Naam Ghoxa,” an important Vaishnavite text. It contains devotional verses praising Lord Krishna and remains highly revered in Assamese society.
3. Bihu is primarily associated with:
A) Tea cultivation
B) Agricultural cycle
C) Fishing activities
D) Silk production
Answer: B) Agricultural cycle
Explanation:
Bihu is the most important festival of Assam and is closely linked with agriculture. It celebrates different stages of farming activities such as sowing, harvesting, and welcoming the Assamese New Year.
4. Which Bihu marks the Assamese New Year?
A) Kati Bihu
B) Bhogali Bihu
C) Rongali Bihu
D) Kongali Bihu
Answer: C) Rongali Bihu
Explanation:
Rongali Bihu, also known as Bohag Bihu, is celebrated in mid-April and marks the Assamese New Year. It is characterized by cultural performances, traditional songs, dances, and community celebrations.
5. Bhogali Bihu is celebrated in which month?
A) January
B) April
C) October
D) December
Answer: A) January
Explanation:
Bhogali Bihu, also known as Magh Bihu, is celebrated in January after the harvest season. It is a festival of feasting, community gatherings, and thanksgiving for a successful harvest.
6. Kati Bihu is also known as:
A) Bohag Bihu
B) Magh Bihu
C) Kongali Bihu
D) Rongali Bihu
Answer: C) Kongali Bihu
Explanation:
Kati Bihu is called Kongali Bihu because it occurs when granaries are relatively empty and crops are still growing in the fields. It is associated with prayers for a good harvest.
7. The traditional dance form developed by Sankardeva is known as:
A) Bihu Dance
B) Ojapali
C) Sattriya Dance
D) Deodhani Dance
Answer: C) Sattriya Dance
Explanation:
Sattriya Dance originated in Assam’s Vaishnavite monasteries (Satras). Created by Sankardeva, it was recognized as a Classical Dance of India by the Government of India in 2000.
8. Sattriya Dance was recognized as a Classical Dance of India in:
A) 1995
B) 1998
C) 2000
D) 2005
Answer: C) 2000
Explanation:
The Sangeet Natak Akademi and the Government of India recognized Sattriya as India’s eighth classical dance form in 2000, highlighting Assam’s cultural contribution to the nation.
9. What is a “Satra” in Assamese culture?
A) Agricultural field
B) Religious and cultural institution
C) Traditional market
D) Silk weaving center
Answer: B) Religious and cultural institution
Explanation:
Satras are Vaishnavite monastic institutions established by Sankardeva and his disciples. They serve as centers for religion, education, art, literature, dance, and music.
10. Majuli is famous for being:
A) Largest tea-producing region
B) Largest river island in the world
C) Highest hill station in Assam
D) Largest wildlife sanctuary
Answer: B) Largest river island in the world
Explanation:
Majuli, situated on the Brahmaputra River, is renowned as the world’s largest inhabited river island and a major center of Assamese Vaishnavite culture.
11. Which river is associated with Majuli Island?
A) Barak
B) Manas
C) Brahmaputra
D) Dhansiri
Answer: C) Brahmaputra
Explanation:
Majuli is located amidst the Brahmaputra River and serves as an important cultural and spiritual hub of Assam.
12. The traditional Assamese musical instrument “Pepa” is made from:
A) Bamboo
B) Buffalo horn
C) Clay
D) Brass
Answer: B) Buffalo horn
Explanation:
Pepa is a wind instrument made from buffalo horn and is commonly played during Bihu celebrations.
13. Which instrument is popularly used during Bihu performances?
A) Dhol
B) Tabla
C) Shehnai
D) Sarangi
Answer: A) Dhol
Explanation:
The Assamese Dhol is an essential instrument of Bihu music and dance. It produces energetic rhythms that accompany traditional performances.
14. Assam is internationally famous for which silk?
A) Tussar Silk
B) Eri Silk
C) Muga Silk
D) Mulberry Silk
Answer: C) Muga Silk
Explanation:
Muga Silk is unique to Assam and is known for its natural golden color, durability, and lustre. It has received Geographical Indication (GI) status.
15. Which silk is popularly known as the “Ahimsa Silk” of Assam?
A) Muga Silk
B) Pat Silk
C) Eri Silk
D) Tussar Silk
Answer: C) Eri Silk
Explanation:
Eri Silk is called Ahimsa Silk because it is produced without killing the silkworm. It is soft, warm, and environmentally friendly.
16. The traditional Assamese attire worn by women is called:
A) Mekhela Chador
B) Ghagra Choli
C) Puan
D) Phanek
Answer: A) Mekhela Chador
Explanation:
Mekhela Chador is the traditional dress of Assamese women and is often woven from Muga, Eri, or Pat Silk.
17. Which traditional art form combines storytelling, music, and dance in Assam?
A) Kathakali
B) Ojapali
C) Yakshagana
D) Lavani
Answer: B) Ojapali
Explanation:
Ojapali is an ancient folk art form of Assam that combines narration, music, and dance to depict mythological and religious stories.
18. “Ankiya Naat” was introduced by:
A) Madhavdeva
B) Bhattadeva
C) Sankardeva
D) Hemchandra Barua
Answer: C) Sankardeva
Explanation:
Ankiya Naat refers to one-act plays written by Sankardeva to spread Vaishnavite teachings among common people.
19. The language used by Sankardeva in his dramas is known as:
A) Sanskrit
B) Brajavali
C) Hindi
D) Bengali
Answer: B) Brajavali
Explanation:
Brajavali is a literary language created by blending Assamese and Maithili elements, widely used in Vaishnavite literature and dramas.
20. Which famous Assamese festival is associated with community feasts and “Meji” burning?
A) Rongali Bihu
B) Kati Bihu
C) Bhogali Bihu
D) Ali-Aye-Ligang
Answer: C) Bhogali Bihu
Explanation:
During Bhogali Bihu, people build temporary structures called Bhelaghars and burn Meji (bonfires) as part of traditional celebrations.
21. Ali-Aye-Ligang is a festival celebrated by the:
A) Bodo community
B) Karbi community
C) Mising community
D) Rabha community
Answer: C) Mising community
Explanation:
Ali-Aye-Ligang is the major agricultural festival of the Mising tribe and marks the beginning of sowing activities.
22. The traditional dance performed during Ali-Aye-Ligang is:
A) Gumrag Dance
B) Bagurumba
C) Jhumur
D) Bihu Dance
Answer: A) Gumrag Dance
Explanation:
Gumrag Dance is performed by the Mising community during Ali-Aye-Ligang and reflects joy and cultural identity.
23. Bagurumba is the traditional dance of the:
A) Mising tribe
B) Karbi tribe
C) Bodo tribe
D) Rabha tribe
Answer: C) Bodo tribe
Explanation:
Bagurumba is a colorful folk dance of the Bodo community, often compared to the graceful movements of butterflies.
24. Which community celebrates the Baikho Festival?
A) Rabha
B) Tiwa
C) Deori
D) Bodo
Answer: A) Rabha
Explanation:
Baikho is an important agricultural festival celebrated by the Rabha community to pray for prosperity and a good harvest.
25. The famous Ambubachi Mela is held at:
A) Umananda Temple
B) Kamakhya Temple
C) Navagraha Temple
D) Hayagriva Madhava Temple
Answer: B) Kamakhya Temple
Explanation:
Ambubachi Mela is one of India’s largest religious gatherings held annually at the Kamakhya Temple in Guwahati.
26. Kamakhya Temple is situated on:
A) Nilachal Hill
B) Chitrachal Hill
C) Chandubi Hill
D) Borail Hill
Answer: A) Nilachal Hill
Explanation:
The Kamakhya Temple, one of the most revered Shakti Peethas, is located on Nilachal Hill in Guwahati.
27. Which Assamese literary figure is known as the “Sahityarathi”?
A) Lakshminath Bezbaroa
B) Hemchandra Barua
C) Homen Borgohain
D) Bhattadeva
Answer: A) Lakshminath Bezbaroa
Explanation:
Lakshminath Bezbaroa was a leading literary figure of Assam and earned the title “Sahityarathi” for his immense contribution to Assamese literature.
28. Hemchandra Barua is famous for compiling:
A) Kirtan Ghoxa
B) Hemkosh
C) Naam Ghoxa
D) Buranji
Answer: B) Hemkosh
Explanation:
Hemkosh is the first Assamese dictionary based on Sanskrit spellings, compiled by Hemchandra Barua.
29. The historical chronicles of Assam are known as:
A) Charit Puthi
B) Buranji
C) Kirtan
D) Namghar
Answer: B) Buranji
Explanation:
Buranjis are historical records maintained mainly during the Ahom period. They are valuable sources for studying Assam’s history and culture.
30. Which dynasty ruled Assam for nearly 600 years and significantly influenced its culture?
A) Koch Dynasty
B) Ahom Dynasty
C) Gupta Dynasty
D) Pala Dynasty
Answer: B) Ahom Dynasty
Explanation:
The Ahom Dynasty ruled Assam from 1228 to 1826. Their long rule shaped Assamese culture, administration, architecture, language, and social traditions. The Ahoms successfully resisted several Mughal invasions and left a lasting cultural legacy.
Exam Preparation Tip
For APSC, ADRE, Assam Police, Assam TET, Grade III & Grade IV, SSC, Railway, and Banking examinations, focus especially on:
- Srimanta Sankardeva and Madhavdeva
- Sattriya Dance
- Bihu Festivals
- Satras and Majuli
- Muga, Eri, and Pat Silk
- Kamakhya Temple and Ambubachi Mela
- Buranjis and Ahom Dynasty
- Tribal Festivals and Folk Dances of Assam
These topics are among the most frequently asked questions in Assam-related competitive examinations.
