Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) based on the topic “The Origins and Spread of Vaishnavism in Assam” along with their answers

1. Vaishnavism in Assam is primarily associated with which saint?

• a) Adi Shankaracharya
• b) Chaitanya Mahaprabhu
• c) Sankardev
• d) Ramanuja
  Answer: c) Sankardev

2. Which kingdom played a significant role in the spread of Vaishnavism in Assam?

• a) Ahom Kingdom
• b) Chola Dynasty
• c) Gupta Empire
• d) Mughal Empire
  Answer: a) Ahom Kingdom

3. Sankardev is considered the founder of which sect of Vaishnavism in Assam?

• a) Madhva Sampradaya
• b) Ramanandi Sampradaya
• c) Ekasarana Dharma
• d) Pushtimarg
  Answer: c) Ekasarana Dharma

4. Which text was translated into Assamese by Sankardev to make religious teachings more accessible?

• a) Ramayana
• b) Mahabharata
• c) Bhagavata Purana
• d) Upanishads
  Answer: c) Bhagavata Purana

5. What form of worship did Sankardev promote as part of Vaishnavism in Assam?

• a) Idol worship
• b) Bhakti and Nama Kirtana
• c) Fire rituals
• d) Pilgrimages
  Answer: b) Bhakti and Nama Kirtana

6. Who was the prominent disciple of Sankardev who helped spread Vaishnavism in Assam?

• a) Chaitanya
• b) Madhavdev
• c) Ramanuja
• d) Tulsidas
  Answer: b) Madhavdev

7. Which of the following is a key philosophical tenet of the Vaishnavism promoted by Sankardev?

• a) Dualism
• b) Monotheism
• c) Polytheism
• d) Non-dualism
  Answer: b) Monotheism

8. What are the community prayer halls established by Sankardev called?

• a) Mathas
• b) Sattras
• c) Temples
• d) Viharas
  Answer: b) Sattras

9. Which form of dramatic performance became popular in Assam due to Vaishnavism?

• a) Kathak
• b) Ankia Naat
• c) Bharatnatyam
• d) Yakshagana
  Answer: b) Ankia Naat

10. Sankardev emphasized devotion to which form of Vishnu in his teachings?

• a) Rama
• b) Krishna
• c) Narasimha
• d) Vamana
  Answer: b) Krishna

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11. Which Ahom king is known for providing royal patronage to Vaishnavism in Assam?

• a) Suhungmung
• b) Rudra Singha
• c) Siva Singha
• d) Pratap Singha
  Answer: b) Rudra Singha

12. What is the significance of the “Kirtan Ghoxa” in Assamese Vaishnavism?

• a) A collection of epic poems
• b) A manual of religious rituals
• c) A collection of devotional songs
• d) A guide to temple construction
  Answer: c) A collection of devotional songs

13. What role did Sattras play in the spread of Vaishnavism in Assam?

• a) Agricultural hubs
• b) Centers for Vaishnavite education and devotion
• c) Military outposts
• d) Trade centers
  Answer: b) Centers for Vaishnavite education and devotion

14. Madhavdev, the disciple of Sankardev, is credited with writing which significant work?

• a) Gita Govinda
• b) Naam Ghosa
• c) Ramcharitmanas
• d) Mahabharata
  Answer: b) Naam Ghosa

15. Which of the following is NOT a feature of Assamese Vaishnavism?

• a) Idol worship
• b) Bhakti-based devotion
• c) Establishment of Sattras
• d) Singing of devotional songs
  Answer: a) Idol worship

16. Which dance form was introduced by Sankardev to propagate Vaishnavism?

• a) Sattriya
• b) Manipuri
• c) Bharatanatyam
• d) Kathakali
  Answer: a) Sattriya

17. In Vaishnavism of Assam, who is considered as the supreme god?

• a) Shiva
• b) Vishnu
• c) Krishna
• d) Brahma
  Answer: c) Krishna

18. Which river’s valley was the main area for the spread of Vaishnavism in Assam?

• a) Ganges
• b) Brahmaputra
• c) Yamuna
• d) Indus
  Answer: b) Brahmaputra

19. Which sacred text became a central text of Vaishnavism in Assam under Sankardev’s influence?

• a) Rig Veda
• b) Bhagavata Purana
• c) Atharva Veda
• d) Manusmriti
  Answer: b) Bhagavata Purana

20. What was the primary method Sankardev used to propagate his religious ideas?

• a) Writing philosophical treatises
• b) Dramas and songs
• c) Military conquests
• d) Building temples
  Answer: b) Dramas and songs

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21. The spread of Vaishnavism in Assam contributed to the development of which language?

• a) Hindi
• b) Bengali
• c) Assamese
• d) Sanskrit
  Answer: c) Assamese

22. Vaishnavism in Assam focuses on devotion (bhakti) to which form of God?

• a) Nirguna Brahman (formless)
• b) Saguna Brahman (with attributes)
• c) Multiple deities
• d) Nature
  Answer: b) Saguna Brahman (with attributes)

23. Which king’s rule is closely associated with the flourishing of Vaishnavism in Assam?

• a) King Dharmapala
• b) King Rudra Singha
• c) King Bindusara
• d) King Harshavardhana
  Answer: b) King Rudra Singha

24. What was the main opposition faced by Sankardev during his propagation of Vaishnavism?

• a) Mughals
• b) Brahmanical orthodoxy
• c) Buddhist monks
• d) Tribal resistance
  Answer: b) Brahmanical orthodoxy

25. Which major festival in Assam is associated with the spread of Vaishnavism?

• a) Holi
• b) Bihu
• c) Raas Mahotsav
• d) Diwali
  Answer: c) Raas Mahotsav

26. Which Ahom ruler invited Sankardev to his court?

• a) Rudra Singha
• b) Suhungmung
• c) Gadadhar Singha
• d) Purandar Singha
  Answer: b) Suhungmung

27. Which term refers to the devotional songs sung in the Sattras of Assam?

• a) Bhajans
• b) Borgeet
• c) Kirtans
• d) Alap
  Answer: b) Borgeet

28. Which is considered the oldest Sattra in Assam?

• a) Dakhinpat Sattra
• b) Barpeta Sattra
• c) Majuli Sattra
• d) Auniati Sattra
  Answer: c) Majuli Sattra

29. The followers of Vaishnavism in Assam are known as?

• a) Vaishnavas
• b) Sattradhikars
• c) Ekasaranas
• d) Bhakats
  Answer: d) Bhakats

30. What is the name of the community prayer and dance performed in Sattras?

• a) Raasleela
• b) Nam-Prasanga
• c) Sankirtan
• d) Garba
  Answer: b) Nam-Prasanga

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These MCQs cover the key aspects of the origins and spread of Vaishnavism in Assam, focusing on the teachings of Sankardev, the role of Sattras, and the cultural and religious impacts of the movement.