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Which of the following statements about the Vaishnava saint of Assam, Shankardeva, is/are correct? 1. His teachings are often known as the Bhagavati dharma. 2. He encouraged the establishment of satras or monasteries and namghars or prayer halls for the transmission of spiritual knowledge. 3. His major compositions include the Kirtana-ghosha.
Explanation
Srimanta Sankardeva was a pivotal 15th-century Vaishnava saint in Assam. His teachings are known as Bhagavati dharma because they were rooted in the Bhagavad Gita and the Bhagavata Purana [2]. He introduced the 'Ekasarana Nama Dharma', emphasizing absolute surrender to one God, Vishnu or Krishna. To facilitate the transmission of spiritual knowledge and community worship, he encouraged the establishment of 'satras' (monasteries) and 'namghars' (prayer halls), which remain central to Assamese socio-religious life [1]. Furthermore, Sankardeva was a prolific literary figure; his major compositions include the 'Kirtana-ghosha', a collection of poetical works meant for congregational singing [1]. Since all three statements accurately describe his contributions and theological framework, option 3 is correct.
Sources
- [1] THEMES IN INDIAN HISTORY PART II, History CLASS XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 6: Bhakti-Sufi Traditions > Shankaradeva > p. 165
- [2] https://mssv.ac.in/media-library/uploads/iSbAV355wd7CriGmaPS24lZEoX1yZwpLdRwjc3Qg.pdf