1. Which language gradually developed in Bengal as a regional language?
A) Sanskrit
B) Pali
C) Bengali
D) Persian
2. Which ruling dynasty in the eighth century made Bengal the center of a regional kingdom?
A) Cholas
B) Pandyas
C) Palas
D) Chalukyas
3. During which Mughal emperor’s reign did Bengal become a suba (province)?
A) Babur
B) Akbar
C) Jahangir
D) Aurangzeb
4. Which of the following statements about early Bengali literature is correct?
A) It was entirely derived from Persian and Arabic texts
B) It consisted of both Sanskrit-influenced and independent folk traditions
C) It only included translations of Hindu epics
D) It was written only by Brahmin scholars
5. What was the purpose of Mangalakavyas, a type of early Bengali literature?
A) To describe the lives of Mughal emperors
B) To narrate stories about local deities and auspicious themes
C) To document trade routes in Bengal
D) To translate Greek philosophy into Bengali
6. Which ascetic group’s literature, such as songs of Maynamati and Gopichandra, played a role in early Bengali literature?
A) Vaishnavites
B) Nath Yogis
C) Shaivites
D) Jain monks
7. Which thirteenth-century Sanskrit text allowed Bengal’s Brahmins to consume fish, despite traditional dietary restrictions?
A) Manusmriti
B) Brihaddharma Purana
C) Arthashastra
D) Ramcharitmanas
8. What was one major reason for the influence of Sanskrit in Bengal during early centuries?
A) The settlement of Brahmins from Magadha and north India
B) The dominance of Persian as an administrative language
C) The arrival of European traders
D) The widespread adoption of Buddhism
9. Which category of early Bengali literature was independent of Sanskrit influence?
A) Translations of epics
B) Bhakti literature
C) Stories of Dharma Thakur and folk tales
D) Mangalakavyas
10. What was a major influence on the Bengali dialects that later formed the modern Bengali language?
A) Turkish and Greek languages
B) Tribal, Persian, and European languages
C) Latin and Hebrew
D) Dravidian and Celtic languages
—
Answers and Explanations
1. C) Bengali
Bengali gradually emerged as a regional language under various influences over centuries.
2. C) Palas
The Pala dynasty ruled Bengal in the eighth century, establishing it as a regional kingdom.
3. B) Akbar
During Akbar’s reign in 1586, Bengal became a suba (province) of the Mughal Empire.
4. B) It consisted of both Sanskrit-influenced and independent folk traditions
Early Bengali literature included both Sanskrit-influenced works and folk traditions such as Nath literature.
5. B) To narrate stories about local deities and auspicious themes
Mangalakavyas were auspicious poems centered around local deities and traditions.
6. B) Nath Yogis
Nath literature, such as the songs of Maynamati and Gopichandra, contributed to early Bengali literature.
7. B) Brihaddharma Purana
The Brihaddharma Purana allowed Bengal’s Brahmins to eat certain fish due to its popularity in the region.
8. A) The settlement of Brahmins from Magadha and north India
Brahmins settling in Bengal influenced the linguistic and cultural adoption of Sanskrit.
9. C) Stories of Dharma Thakur and folk tales
This category of early Bengali literature developed independently of Sanskrit influences.
10. B) Tribal, Persian, and European languages
Bengali absorbed words from tribal languages, Persian, and later European languages.
