Literary & Cultural Icons of Assam MCQs
Assam General Knowledge
Module 11: Assam Important Personalities MCQs
Topic: Literary & Cultural Icons of Assam MCQs
Sub-Topic I: Medieval Literary & Cultural Icons (Bhakti & Neo-Vaishnavism)
MCQ 1
Who is regarded as the greatest medieval literary and cultural icon of Assam?
A. Madhavdeva
B. Srimanta Sankardeva
C. Damodardev
D. Haridev
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Srimanta Sankardeva (1449–1568) was a saint, poet, playwright, and social reformer who laid the foundation of Neo-Vaishnavism and Assamese literature.
MCQ 2
The Neo-Vaishnavite movement of Assam primarily emphasised:
A. Idol worship
B. Monotheism and devotion to Vishnu
C. Tantric rituals
D. Political reform
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Neo-Vaishnavism stressed Bhakti (devotion) to a single God (Krishna/Vishnu) and rejected caste discrimination.
MCQ 3
Who was the chief disciple and literary successor of Srimanta Sankardeva?
A. Damodardev
B. Madhavdeva
C. Haridev
D. Gopal Ata
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Madhavdeva enriched Assamese literature through Naam-Ghoxa, Borgeet, and devotional poetry.
MCQ 4
The Satras established by Sankardeva and Madhavdeva functioned mainly as:
A. Military centres
B. Economic hubs
C. Religious, cultural, and literary institutions
D. Royal courts
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Satras became centres for religion, literature, music, dance, and social reform.
MCQ 5
Which classical dance form of India originated from the Vaishnavite culture of Assam?
A. Odissi
B. Manipuri
C. Kathak
D. Sattriya
Correct Answer: D
Explanation:
Sattriya dance, created within the Satras, is a classical dance form introduced by Sankardeva.
Sub-Topic II: Early Modern Assamese Literary Icons (19th Century)
MCQ 6
Who is known as the father of modern Assamese literature?
A. Lakshminath Bezbaroa
B. Hemchandra Barua
C. Padmanath Gohain Baruah
D. Benudhar Rajkhowa
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Hemchandra Barua compiled Hemkosh, the first comprehensive Assamese dictionary.
MCQ 7
Which literary work is Hemchandra Barua best known for?
A. Jonaki
B. Hemkosh
C. Banhi
D. Axomiya Sahitya
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Hemkosh laid the foundation for standardised Assamese vocabulary.
MCQ 8
Who played a pioneering role in Assamese drama during the 19th century?
A. Lakshminath Bezbaroa
B. Padmanath Gohain Baruah
C. Gunabhiram Barua
D. All of the above
Correct Answer: D
Explanation:
These writers contributed significantly to early modern Assamese drama and prose.
MCQ 9
Which movement revived Assamese literature in the late 19th century?
A. Pragjyotisha Movement
B. Jonaki Movement
C. Buranji Movement
D. Swadeshi Movement
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
The Jonaki Movement introduced romanticism and modern literary forms in Assamese.
MCQ 10
The magazine Jonaki was published from:
A. Guwahati
B. Jorhat
C. Calcutta
D. Dibrugarh
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Jonaki was published from Calcutta, then a major intellectual centre.
Sub-Topic III: Literary Icons of the Jonaki & Romantic Era
MCQ 11
Who is popularly known as “Sahityarathi” of Assam?
A. Padmanath Gohain Baruah
B. Lakshminath Bezbaroa
C. Jyotiprasad Agarwala
D. Birendra Kumar Bhattacharya
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Lakshminath Bezbaroa enriched Assamese literature through satire, poetry, essays, and folklore.
MCQ 12
Lakshminath Bezbaroa is especially famous for:
A. Epic poetry only
B. Short stories and satire
C. Political writings
D. Religious scriptures
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
His satirical and humorous writings modernised Assamese prose.
MCQ 13
Which genre was most influenced by the Jonaki movement?
A. Religious literature
B. Romantic poetry and modern prose
C. Historical chronicles
D. Scientific writing
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Romanticism and emotional expression dominated Jonaki-era literature.
MCQ 14
Who among the following was both a poet and a dramatist of this era?
A. Hemchandra Barua
B. Lakshminath Bezbaroa
C. Padmanath Gohain Baruah
D. All of the above
Correct Answer: D
Explanation:
All contributed to multiple literary forms.
MCQ 15
The Jonaki era is significant because it:
A. Rejected Assamese language
B. Introduced modern literary standards
C. Focused only on folklore
D. Opposed Western education
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
It modernised Assamese literature with new styles, themes, and genres.
Sub-Topic IV: Cultural Icons of 20th-Century Assam
MCQ 16
Who is known as the cultural renaissance figure of Assam?
A. Lakshminath Bezbaroa
B. Bishnu Prasad Rabha
C. Jyotiprasad Agarwala
D. Homen Borgohain
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Jyotiprasad Agarwala was a poet, dramatist, filmmaker, and freedom fighter.
MCQ 17
Jyotiprasad Agarwala is remembered as the:
A. First Assamese novelist
B. First Assamese filmmaker
C. First Assamese journalist
D. First Assamese historian
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
He directed Joymoti (1935), the first Assamese film.
MCQ 18
Which cultural icon is known as “Kalaguru” of Assam?
A. Jyotiprasad Agarwala
B. Bishnu Prasad Rabha
C. Phani Sarma
D. Homen Borgohain
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Bishnu Prasad Rabha contributed to music, dance, drama, and revolutionary culture.
MCQ 19
Bishnu Prasad Rabha was also known for his role as a:
A. Religious saint
B. Classical musician only
C. Revolutionary and artist
D. Historian
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
He combined cultural creativity with revolutionary ideology.
MCQ 20
Which art form was significantly modernised by Jyotiprasad Agarwala?
A. Sculpture
B. Cinema and theatre
C. Painting
D. Architecture
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
He modernised Assamese cinema and stage drama.
Sub-Topic V: Modern & Contemporary Literary Icons
MCQ 21
Who is a prominent modern Assamese novelist and journalist?
A. Lakshminath Bezbaroa
B. Birendra Kumar Bhattacharya
C. Homen Borgohain
D. Nilmani Phookan
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Homen Borgohain is known for realistic novels and essays.
MCQ 22
Which Assamese writer received the Jnanpith Award?
A. Lakshminath Bezbaroa
B. Homen Borgohain
C. Birendra Kumar Bhattacharya
D. Nilmani Phookan
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Birendra Kumar Bhattacharya received the Jnanpith Award (1979).
MCQ 23
Nilmani Phookan is best known as a:
A. Novelist
B. Dramatist
C. Poet
D. Historian
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Nilmani Phookan is a renowned modern Assamese poet.
MCQ 24
Modern Assamese literature mainly reflects:
A. Mythology only
B. Social realism and human values
C. Religious doctrines
D. Colonial loyalty
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Modern writers address society, identity, and human experience.
MCQ 25
Contemporary Assamese literature is characterised by:
A. Lack of diversity
B. Experimental themes and styles
C. Decline of readership
D. Rejection of tradition
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
It blends tradition with experimentation and realism.
Sub-Topic VI: Overall Significance & Exam Perspective
MCQ 26
Literary and cultural icons of Assam are important because they:
A. Represent only regional history
B. Shaped Assamese identity and culture
C. Are irrelevant today
D. Focused only on religion
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
They shaped language, culture, identity, and social values.
MCQ 27
Questions on literary and cultural icons are common in:
A. International exams
B. Assam-based competitive exams
C. Defence exams only
D. Foreign university tests
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
APSC, Assam Police, TET, and Grade III & IV exams frequently include this topic.
MCQ 28
Which value best reflects Assamese cultural tradition?
A. Isolation
B. Cultural harmony
C. Militarism
D. Colonialism
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Assamese culture emphasises harmony, inclusiveness, and humanism.
MCQ 29
The legacy of Sankardeva is most visible today in:
A. Political institutions
B. Satras, Sattriya dance, and Borgeet
C. Industrial growth
D. Colonial administration
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
His legacy lives through religious institutions and cultural practices.
MCQ 30
Overall, literary and cultural icons of Assam represent:
A. Fragmented traditions
B. A continuous cultural evolution
C. Isolated artistic efforts
D. Declining heritage
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
They represent a continuous and evolving cultural heritage of Assam.
✅ Exam Relevance Note
These MCQs are strictly aligned with the Assam-specific General Knowledge curriculum and are highly relevant for APSC, UPSC, Assam Police, TET, Forest, Banking, Grade III & IV, as well as SEBA, AHSEC, ASSEB, CBSE, CEE, and College & University-level examinations across Assam.
-
Assam literary personalities GK
-
Cultural icons of Assam MCQs
-
Assamese writers and artists GK
-
Sankardeva Madhavdeva MCQs
-
Assamese literature and culture questions
-
APSC Assam culture GK
-
Assam important personalities MCQs
⭐ Why Literary & Cultural Icons of Assam MCQs Are Important
A clear understanding of the literary and cultural icons of Assam is essential for mastering Assam Important Personalities in competitive examinations. This MCQ set systematically covers medieval Bhakti saints, pioneers of modern Assamese literature, Jonaki-era writers, cultural renaissance figures, and contemporary literary icons, ensuring strong chronological clarity and concept-based learning.
Prepared strictly in alignment with the APSC CCE syllabus, these MCQs are equally valuable for UPSC, Assam Police, TET, Forest, Banking, Grade III & IV, as well as SEBA, AHSEC, ASSEB, CBSE, CEE, and College & University-level examinations across Assam. Regular practice enhances cultural awareness, factual precision, and exam confidence.
❓ FAQ Section
Q1. Are Literary & Cultural Icons of Assam MCQs important for APSC exams?
Yes. Questions related to Assamese literary figures, cultural reformers, and artists are frequently asked in APSC CCE Preliminary and Mains examinations.
Q2. Do these MCQs include medieval saints like Sankardeva and Madhavdeva?
Absolutely. The MCQs cover Bhakti movement leaders, Neo-Vaishnavite saints, and their cultural contributions, which are core Assam GK topics.
Q3. Are modern and contemporary Assamese writers included in these questions?
Yes. The content includes modern novelists, poets, journalists, and Jnanpith Award winners of Assam.
Q4. Are these MCQs useful for Assam Police, TET, and Grade III & IV exams?
Definitely. Assam culture and personalities GK is a high-priority section for Assam Police, TET, Grade III & IV, and Forest examinations.
Q5. Are detailed explanations provided for better understanding?
Yes. Each MCQ includes a clear, easy-to-understand, and exam-oriented explanation, suitable for both beginners and advanced aspirants.