Consider the following statements regarding the Nath literature of Bengal: 1. It includes songs of Maynamati and Gopichandra. 2. It contains stories concerning the worship of Dharma Thakur. 3. It represents a literary tradition that was independent of Sanskrit influence. 4. It was primarily popular in the western parts of Bengal where Brahmanical influence was strong. Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Correct Option The correct option is (a). Explanation The early Bengali literature is generally divided into two categories: one indebted to Sanskrit and the other independent of it. The Nath literature belongs to the second category, representing a distinct vernacular tradition rooted in oral transmission and local yogic cults. Statement-wise Analysis - Statement 1 is Correct: Nath literature specifically includes the songs of Maynamati and Gopichandra. These narratives often depict the ascetic path and the relationship between the queen mother (Maynamati) and her son (Gopichandra), encouraging him to renounce the world. - Statement 2 is Correct: In the classification of Bengali folk literature independent of Sanskrit, stories concerning the worship of Dharma Thakur are grouped alongside Nath literature. Dharma Thakur is a popular local deity, often worshipped in the form of a stone or a piece of wood. - Statement 3 is Correct: This category of literature (including Nath songs and Dharma Thakur stories) circulated orally and was independent of Sanskrit influence. Unlike the Mangalkavyas or translations of Epics, these texts did not rely on Puranic traditions or Sanskrit grammar. - Statement 4 is Incorrect: This literature was primarily popular in Eastern Bengal, where the influence of Brahmanas was relatively weak. This lack of rigid Brahmanical control allowed oral and non-Puranic traditions to flourish more freely compared to Western Bengal. Key Takeaway Nath literature in Bengal represents a vernacular tradition independent of Sanskrit, popular in Eastern Bengal, and includes oral narratives like the songs of Maynamati and Gopichandra.

Consider the following statements regarding the Nath… - NCERT Class 7 History MCQ

NCERT Class 7 History — Chapter 7: The Making of Regional Cultures

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Consider the following statements regarding the Nath literature of Bengal:

It includes songs of Maynamati and Gopichandra.
It contains stories concerning the worship of Dharma Thakur.
It represents a literary tradition that was independent of Sanskrit influence.
It was primarily popular in the western parts of Bengal where Brahmanical influence was strong.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

NCERT textbook question

From NCERT Our Past -2 · Page 88

Options

A1, 2 and 3 only
B2, 3 and 4 only
C1 and 4 only
D1, 2, 3 and 4

Did you get this right?

Solution

Correct Option

The correct option is (a).

Explanation

The early Bengali literature is generally divided into two categories: one indebted to Sanskrit and the other independent of it. The Nath literature belongs to the second category, representing a distinct vernacular tradition rooted in oral transmission and local yogic cults.

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1 is Correct: Nath literature specifically includes the songs of Maynamati and Gopichandra. These narratives often depict the ascetic path and the relationship between the queen mother (Maynamati) and her son (Gopichandra), encouraging him to renounce the world.
Statement 2 is Correct: In the classification of Bengali folk literature independent of Sanskrit, stories concerning the worship of Dharma Thakur are grouped alongside Nath literature. Dharma Thakur is a popular local deity, often worshipped in the form of a stone or a piece of wood.
Statement 3 is Correct: This category of literature (including Nath songs and Dharma Thakur stories) circulated orally and was independent of Sanskrit influence. Unlike the Mangalkavyas or translations of Epics, these texts did not rely on Puranic traditions or Sanskrit grammar.
Statement 4 is Incorrect: This literature was primarily popular in Eastern Bengal, where the influence of Brahmanas was relatively weak. This lack of rigid Brahmanical control allowed oral and non-Puranic traditions to flourish more freely compared to Western Bengal.

Key Takeaway

Nath literature in Bengal represents a vernacular tradition independent of Sanskrit, popular in Eastern Bengal, and includes oral narratives like the songs of Maynamati and Gopichandra.

Your note

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