Dharma Thakur Regional Deity Quiz

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What term was used to refer to saints, Sufis, Hindu and Buddhist deities, and animistic spirits in Bengal?

Pirs (correct)

Gurus

Fakirs

Mullahs

Why did many of the modest brick and terracotta temples in Bengal receive support from 'low' social groups?

To assert their communal identity (correct)

To challenge the ruling elite

To seek political power

To showcase their wealth

What was the significance of the cult of pirs in Bengal?

Promoted agricultural development

Brought about religious transformation (correct)

Led to a surge in temple construction

Encouraged educational advancements

In Bengal, who were the major supporters of the construction of temples?

'Low' social groups Signup and view all the answers

What economic opportunity arose with the arrival of European trading companies in Bengal?

New job opportunities for artisans Signup and view all the answers

Why did some families from 'low' social groups construct temples in Bengal?

To demonstrate their increasing social and economic status Signup and view all the answers

Where was Dharma Thakur often worshipped?

In the form of a stone or a piece of wood Signup and view all the answers

Why are texts belonging to the second category difficult to date?

They were circulated orally Signup and view all the answers

In which region were the texts belonging to the second category particularly popular?

Eastern Bengal Signup and view all the answers

What role did community leaders play in the new settlements?

Teachers and adjudicators Signup and view all the answers

What helped bring about religious transformation in the forested areas of south-eastern Bengal?

Clearing forests and rice cultivation Signup and view all the answers

What did officials and functionaries establish in new settlements to serve as religious transformation centers?

Mosques Signup and view all the answers

What architectural feature do temples in Bengal start to copy when local deities gain recognition by the Brahmanas?

Double-roofed structures Signup and view all the answers

In which district of West Bengal did some temples have outer walls decorated with paintings, ornamental tiles, or terracotta tablets of high excellence according to the text?

Bankura Signup and view all the answers

What was a prominent feature of the interior of the temples mentioned in the text?

Relatively plain appearance Signup and view all the answers

Which traditional food items are mentioned as being prominent in the menu of even poor Bengalis according to the text?

Rice and fish Signup and view all the answers

What type of architectural structure is mentioned to evolve into the typical Bengali style in temple architecture?

Double-roofed or four-roofed structures Signup and view all the answers

Where does the transformation of local deities gaining recognition by Brahmanas occur, leading to their images being housed in temples?

Villages Signup and view all the answers