With reference to the Jagannatha cult in Orissa, consider the following statements: 1. The deity Jagannatha was originally a local god who was later identified with Vishnu. 2. In the twelfth century, King Anangabhima III decided to erect a temple for Purushottama Jagannatha at Puri. 3. King Anantavarman dedicated his kingdom to the deity and proclaimed himself as the "deputy" of the god. 4. The Mughals and the Marathas attempted to gain control over the temple to make their rule acceptable to local people. Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Correct Option The correct option is (c) 1 and 4 only. Explanation The cult of Jagannatha in Puri, Odisha, represents a significant example of the integration of regional and tribal traditions into Brahmanical Hinduism during the medieval period. This process involved the identification of local deities with major Puranic gods, a characteristic feature of the religious developments in the 12th century onwards. Statement-wise Analysis - Statement 1 is Correct: The deity Jagannatha (literally, "Lord of the World") was originally a local god, likely of tribal origin, who was later identified with Vishnu. This local origin is evidenced by the fact that the deity's image is made of wood (unlike the stone or metal images typical of Brahmanical temples) and is carved in a distinct, non-classical style. - Statement 2 is Incorrect: It was King Anantavarman Chodaganga Deva of the Ganga dynasty, in the 12th century, who decided to erect a temple for Purushottama Jagannatha at Puri. The statement incorrectly attributes this to King Anangabhima III. - Statement 3 is Incorrect: It was King Anangabhima III who, in 1230 CE, dedicated his kingdom to the deity and proclaimed himself as the "deputy" (Rauta) of the god. The statement incorrectly attributes this act to King Anantavarman. - Statement 4 is Correct: The temple of Jagannatha gained immense political and social authority. Consequently, subsequent conquerors of Orissa, including the Mughals, the Marathas, and the English East India Company, attempted to gain control over the temple. They believed that controlling the temple would help make their rule acceptable to the local people. Key Takeaway: The Jagannatha cult exemplifies the synthesis of local tribal traditions with Puranic Vaishnavism. Historically, the temple served as a center of political legitimacy, with the Ganga dynasty kings ruling as "deputies" of the god, a practice that influenced later conquerors to seek control over the shrine.

With reference to the Jagannatha cult in… - NCERT Class 7 History MCQ

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

mcqhard

With reference to the Jagannatha cult in Orissa, consider the following statements:

The deity Jagannatha was originally a local god who was later identified with Vishnu.
In the twelfth century, King Anangabhima III decided to erect a temple for Purushottama Jagannatha at Puri.
King Anantavarman dedicated his kingdom to the deity and proclaimed himself as the "deputy" of the god.
The Mughals and the Marathas attempted to gain control over the temple to make their rule acceptable to local people.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

NCERT textbook question

From NCERT Our Past -2 · Page 80

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 (c) 1 and 4 only.

Explanation

The cult of Jagannatha in Puri, Odisha, represents a significant example of the integration of regional and tribal traditions into Brahmanical Hinduism during the medieval period. This process involved the identification of local deities with major Puranic gods, a characteristic feature of the religious developments in the 12th century onwards.

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1 is Correct: The deity Jagannatha (literally, "Lord of the World") was originally a local god, likely of tribal origin, who was later identified with Vishnu. This local origin is evidenced by the fact that the deity's image is made of wood (unlike the stone or metal images typical of Brahmanical temples) and is carved in a distinct, non-classical style.
Statement 2 is Incorrect: It was King Anantavarman Chodaganga Deva of the Ganga dynasty, in the 12th century, who decided to erect a temple for Purushottama Jagannatha at Puri. The statement incorrectly attributes this to King Anangabhima III.
Statement 3 is Incorrect: It was King Anangabhima III who, in 1230 CE, dedicated his kingdom to the deity and proclaimed himself as the "deputy" (Rauta) of the god. The statement incorrectly attributes this act to King Anantavarman.
Statement 4 is Correct: The temple of Jagannatha gained immense political and social authority. Consequently, subsequent conquerors of Orissa, including the Mughals, the Marathas, and the English East India Company, attempted to gain control over the temple. They believed that controlling the temple would help make their rule acceptable to the local people.

Key Takeaway: The Jagannatha cult exemplifies the synthesis of local tribal traditions with Puranic Vaishnavism. Historically, the temple served as a center of political legitimacy, with the Ganga dynasty kings ruling as "deputies" of the god, a practice that influenced later conquerors to seek control over the shrine.

Your note

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