Which of the following statements about Srimanta Shankardeva is/are correct? 1. In the late fifteenth century Shankardeva emerged as one of the leading proponents of Vaishnavism in Assam 2. He was the founder of Gaudiya Vaishnavism 3. His teachings are known as Bhagavati Dharma 4. He encouraged the establishment of satra and naam ghar Select the answer using the code given below:
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.2 and 3 only
- C.1, 3 and 4 only
- D.1, 2, 3 and 4
Correct answer
Explanation
The correct answer is C, 1, 3 and 4 only. Statements 1, 3 and 4 describe Shankardeva correctly; statement 2 is wrong because Gaudiya Vaishnavism was founded by Chaitanya Mahaprabhu of Bengal.
Srimanta Shankardeva (1449–1568) rose in the late fifteenth century as the leading voice of Vaishnava bhakti in Assam. His teachings, called the Bhagavati dharma because they drew on the Bhagavad Gita and the Bhagavata Purana, centred on surrender to a single deity, Vishnu as Krishna, and are also known as Ekasarana dharma. He set up satras, monasteries for passing on knowledge, and naam ghars, village prayer halls, both still central to Assamese life. He also wrote the Kirtana-ghosha and created the Ankiya Nat plays and Borgeet songs.
A is wrong because it includes statement 2 and leaves out 3 and 4.
B is wrong because it includes statement 2 and leaves out 1 and 4.
D is wrong because statement 2 is false.
Exam tip: Shankardeva, Assam, Ekasarana or Bhagavati dharma, satra and naam ghar; Chaitanya, Bengal, Gaudiya Vaishnavism.
Practice Questions
View allConsider the following statements about ancient Indian inscriptions :
1. The earliest inscriptions are in Sanskrit.
2. Kharosthi script, used in inscriptions in the north-west, was deciphered with the help of coins of Indo-Greek kings who ruled over the area.
3. Most of the inscriptions mention grand, unique events, and routine agricultural practices do not find mention.
How many of the above statements is/are correct ?
- A.1
- B.2
- C.3
- D.None
Show answer
Statements 2 and 3 are correct; statement 1 is wrong because the earliest inscriptions are in Prakrit, not Sanskrit.
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