Assam, India - Quizzes (S/P) - Part 7

The Kamakhya temple, a prominent Shakti Peetha, is located on Nilachal Hill in Guwahati, Assam, India. It is dedicated to Goddess Kamakhya and is a significant pilgrimage site, especially for Tantric worshippers. The temple's location on Nilachal Hill adds to its spiritual significance, and the hill offers scenic views of the surrounding area and the Brahmaputra River.

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The Kamakhya temple, a prominent Shakti Peetha, is located on Nilachal Hill in Guwahati, Assam, India. It is dedicated to Goddess Kamakhya and is a significant pilgrimage site, especially for Tantric worshippers. The temple's location on Nilachal Hill adds to its spiritual significance, and the hill offers scenic views of the surrounding area and the Brahmaputra River.

Magh Bihu, also known as Bhogali Bihu, is a harvest festival celebrated in Assam, India, in the month of Magh (January-February). It marks the end of the harvesting season and is associated with feasting and bonfires. The name "Bhogali" comes from "bhog," which means food and enjoyment, reflecting the celebratory nature of the festival with an abundance of food after the harvest.

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Magh Bihu, also known as Bhogali Bihu, is a harvest festival celebrated in Assam, India, in the month of Magh (January-February). It marks the end of the harvesting season and is associated with feasting and bonfires. The name "Bhogali" comes from "bhog," which means food and enjoyment, reflecting the celebratory nature of the festival with an abundance of food after the harvest.

Batik is a technique of wax-resist dyeing applied to whole cloth, or cloth made using this technique.

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Batik is a technique of wax-resist dyeing applied to whole cloth, or cloth made using this technique.

Majuli Island, located in the Brahmaputra River in Assam, India, is recognized as the world's largest river island. It's not only a geographical marvel but also a significant cultural hub, known for its numerous Satras (monasteries) and its rich Neo-Vaishnavite heritage. The island's unique ecosystem supports diverse flora and fauna, making it a biodiversity hotspot. However, Majuli faces a serious threat from erosion due to the dynamic nature of the Brahmaputra River.

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Majuli Island, located in the Brahmaputra River in Assam, India, is recognized as the world's largest river island. It's not only a geographical marvel but also a significant cultural hub, known for its numerous Satras (monasteries) and its rich Neo-Vaishnavite heritage. The island's unique ecosystem supports diverse flora and fauna, making it a biodiversity hotspot. However, Majuli faces a serious threat from erosion due to the dynamic nature of the Brahmaputra River.

Borgeets are devotional songs composed by the 15th-16th century Assamese saint-poet Srimanta Sankaradeva and his disciple Madhavadeva. These songs are central to the Ekasarana Dharma, a Neo-Vaishnavite movement in Assam. Written in Brajavali, a mixed literary language, Borgeets praise Lord Krishna and narrate his divine acts. They are set to classical ragas and talas and are traditionally performed in Namghars (prayer halls) and Sattras (monasteries). Borgeets are an integral part of Assamese cultural and religious heritage.

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Borgeets are devotional songs composed by the 15th-16th century Assamese saint-poet Srimanta Sankaradeva and his disciple Madhavadeva. These songs are central to the Ekasarana Dharma, a Neo-Vaishnavite movement in Assam. Written in Brajavali, a mixed literary language, Borgeets praise Lord Krishna and narrate his divine acts. They are set to classical ragas and talas and are traditionally performed in Namghars (prayer halls) and Sattras (monasteries). Borgeets are an integral part of Assamese cultural and religious heritage.

Ojapali is a traditional form of storytelling prevalent in Assam, India, that combines elements of song, dance, and narration. It is typically performed by a group of individuals, with the lead performer (Oja) narrating the story, while the others (Pali) provide musical accompaniment and rhythmic movements. Ojapali performances often depict mythological tales, historical events, or social themes, and play an important role in preserving and transmitting cultural heritage. There are different forms of Ojapali, such as Biyah Oja, which is particularly associated with the Darrang district.

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Ojapali is a traditional form of storytelling prevalent in Assam, India, that combines elements of song, dance, and narration. It is typically performed by a group of individuals, with the lead performer (Oja) narrating the story, while the others (Pali) provide musical accompaniment and rhythmic movements. Ojapali performances often depict mythological tales, historical events, or social themes, and play an important role in preserving and transmitting cultural heritage. There are different forms of Ojapali, such as Biyah Oja, which is particularly associated with the Darrang district.

The traditional Assamese wedding attire for women is the Mekhela Chador. It's a two-piece garment: the Mekhela is a long, cylindrical cloth draped around the waist, and the Chador is a longer cloth draped over the shoulder. Traditionally made of silk (often Muga silk) and adorned with intricate embroidery, the Mekhela Chador is considered elegant and culturally significant. While modern brides may choose other outfits, the Mekhela Chador remains a cherished part of Assamese wedding traditions.

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The traditional Assamese wedding attire for women is the Mekhela Chador. It's a two-piece garment: the Mekhela is a long, cylindrical cloth draped around the waist, and the Chador is a longer cloth draped over the shoulder. Traditionally made of silk (often Muga silk) and adorned with intricate embroidery, the Mekhela Chador is considered elegant and culturally significant. While modern brides may choose other outfits, the Mekhela Chador remains a cherished part of Assamese wedding traditions.

Kongali Bihu, also known as Kati Bihu, is an Assamese harvest festival celebrated in autumn (October-November). Unlike Rongali Bihu (spring) and Magh Bihu (winter), Kongali Bihu is a more somber occasion. It marks a lean period in the agricultural cycle, before the new harvest. Celebrations are typically simple, involving lighting lamps in paddy fields and offering prayers for a bountiful harvest. It symbolizes a time of scarcity and anticipation.

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Kongali Bihu, also known as Kati Bihu, is an Assamese harvest festival celebrated in autumn (October-November). Unlike Rongali Bihu (spring) and Magh Bihu (winter), Kongali Bihu is a more somber occasion. It marks a lean period in the agricultural cycle, before the new harvest. Celebrations are typically simple, involving lighting lamps in paddy fields and offering prayers for a bountiful harvest. It symbolizes a time of scarcity and anticipation.

The Ahom Kingdom, which ruled Assam for over six centuries, was renowned for its powerful military and, especially, its strong navy. This naval strength played a key role in their resistance against the Mughal Empire. Lachit Borphukan, a celebrated Ahom general, is particularly famous for his leadership in the Battle of Saraighat (1671) where his strategic brilliance and naval tactics led to a decisive Ahom victory against the Mughals, halting their expansion into Assam.

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The Ahom Kingdom, which ruled Assam for over six centuries, was renowned for its powerful military and, especially, its strong navy. This naval strength played a key role in their resistance against the Mughal Empire. Lachit Borphukan, a celebrated Ahom general, is particularly famous for his leadership in the Battle of Saraighat (1671) where his strategic brilliance and naval tactics led to a decisive Ahom victory against the Mughals, halting their expansion into Assam.

Ankia Nat is a traditional form of one-act play from Assam, India, developed by the saint-scholar Srimanta Sankaradeva. These plays are primarily religious, depicting episodes from Hindu scriptures, particularly the life of Krishna. They are performed in Brajavali, a unique literary language, and feature a Sutradhara (narrator) who guides the story. Ankia Nats incorporate elements of music, dance (often Sattriya), and elaborate costumes and masks. They played a crucial role in disseminating Neo-Vaishnavite teachings and remain an important part of Assamese cultural heritage.

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Ankia Nat is a traditional form of one-act play from Assam, India, developed by the saint-scholar Srimanta Sankaradeva. These plays are primarily religious, depicting episodes from Hindu scriptures, particularly the life of Krishna. They are performed in Brajavali, a unique literary language, and feature a Sutradhara (narrator) who guides the story. Ankia Nats incorporate elements of music, dance (often Sattriya), and elaborate costumes and masks. They played a crucial role in disseminating Neo-Vaishnavite teachings and remain an important part of Assamese cultural heritage.