Question:
Write a brief note on early Bengali literature.
Answer:
There are two categories of early Bengali literature:
- The first includes translations of the Sanskrit epics, the Mangalakavyas, auspicious poems, dealing with local deities, and Bhakti literature such as the biographies of Chaitanyadeva, the leader of the Vaishnava Bhakti movement.
- The second includes Nath literature such as the songs of Maynamati and Gopichandra, stories concerning the worship of Dharma Thakur, and fairy tales, Folk tales and ballads. The texts belonging to the first category are written while those belonging to the second category circulated orally.
The Making of Regional Cultures
Q 1.
Mention all the six dance forms that are recognised as classical.
Q 2.
Where did Kathak develop?
Q 3.
Why did conquerors try to control the temple of Jagannatha at Puri?
Q 4.
What do terracotta plaques on the walls of temples and viharas depict?[V. Imp.]
Q 5.
What do terracotta plaques on the walls of temples and viharas depict?[V. Imp.]
Q 6.
Do you use different languages for (a) speaking, (b) reading, (c) writing? Find out about one major composition in language that you use and discuss why you find it interesting.
Q 7.
Under whose patronage did kathak grow into a major art form?
Q 8.
Describe the most important features of the culture of your region, focussing on buildings, performing arts and painting.
Q 9.
How were the Rajput rulers most distinctive?
Q 10.
What are the Important architectural features of the temples of Bengal?
Q 11.
On what objects do we fiend paintings of ordinary people?
Q 12.
What is the Brihaddharma Parana?
Q 13.
What are miniatures?
Q 14.
Why was the second category of the early Bengali literature not written down?
Q 15.
Why do we know much more about the cultural practices of rulers than about those of ordinary people?
Q 16.
Who were the Kathaks?
Q 17.
Why were the Bengal Brahmanas allowed to eat fish?
Q 18.
Who was Anantavarman?
Q 19.
What is Manipravalam? Name abook written in that language.
Q 20.
What distinguished Kangra painting from the paintings?
Q 21.
Who were the major patrons of Kathak?
Q 22.
How did regional cultures evolve? [V. Imp.]
Q 23.
Why did minstrels proclaim the achievements of heroes?
Q 24.
Match the following :
Anantavarnam – Kerala
Jagannatha – Bengal
Mahodayapurma – Orissa
Lilatilakam – Kangra
Mangalakavya – Puri
Miniature – Kerala
Q 25.
Who were the Naths? .
Q 26.
Choose one state each from north, west, south, east and central India. For each of these, prepare a list of foods that are commonly consumed, highlighting any differences and similarities that you notice.
Q 27.
Why were temples built in Bengal?
Q 28.
How are women depicted in the stories about Rajput heroes?
Q 29.
How did Bengali develop as a regional language?
Q 30.
What are the chief food items of the Bengalis?
Q 31.
How did the Cheras draw upon Sanskritic traditions?
Q 32.
How did miniature painting develop under the Mughal patronage? [V. Imp.]
Q 33.
Choose another set of five states from each these regions and prepare a list of clothes that are generally worn by women and men in each. Discuss your findings.
Q 34.
Whom did King Anangabhima III dedicate his kingdom to? What did he proclaim himself ?
Q 35.
Mention the role of the Chercis in the development of Malayalam.
Q 36.
Who were the pirs? What was their position in the society? [V. Imp.]
Q 37.
What do you know about Rajput tradition of heroism? Write in brief [V. Imp.]
Q 38.
What is the significance of fish in Bengal? [Imp.]
Q 39.
What was called Rajputana by the British?
Q 40.
Write a brief note on early Bengali literature.
Q 41.
Define the term Kathak.
Q 42.
Give a detailed description ofKathak, a popular classical dance form of north India. [V. Imp.]
