ASSAM QUIZ 2

What is a Japi?

Answer

Japi or Jaapi is a traditional headgear or hat, prepared and used by Assamese people. A common Japi is made from leaves of a palm tree (tokou pat) and bamboo. It is usually used by farmers while they work in the fields. There’s an another type of Japi called “Fulam Japi or Horudoiya Japi”, which is used for decorating, gifting and felicitation purposes. Fulam Japi is made from palm leaves, bamboo, cotton cloth, coloured wool, mica, yarn etc. Typically it has a red colour border. Japi is a symbol of Assamese tradition, culture and craftsmanship.

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Who founded the Barpeta Satra?

Answer

Sri Sri Madhabdeva. A Satra is a religious institution, unique to Vaishnavism in Assam. In 1505, Sri Sri Madhabdev founded the Barpeta Satra. Madhabdeva stayed at Barpeta Satra for 8 long years. Before leaving to take responsibilities as Chief disciple of Srimanta Sankardeva, he handed over the responsibilities to Sri Mathura Das Burha Aata. Thus Burha Ata became the first Satradhikar of the Barpeta Satra. Burha Ata organized the administration of the Satra and developed it as one of the greatest institutions of Vaishnavite culture in Assam. The Aksaya- Banti (eternal lamp) lit by Madhabdev is still kept burning in the Barpeta Satra.

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Who planned a bridge over Brahmaputra during Ahom age?

Answer

Ahom General Kolia Bhomora Barphukan. Brahmaputra is long, trans-boundary river, which run from great Himalayas to Bay of Bengal through Tibet, China, India and Bangladesh. In Assam it becomes as wide as 10 kilometers. The need of a bridge over this river was felt even during the period of Ahom rule. Intelligent Ahom General Kolia Bhomora Barphukan prepared an elaborate plant to construct a bridge over Brahmaputra river. It was in early 16th century. The Ahom General started with site selection (connecting Bhomorguri hills near present day Tezpur with Kamakhya hill of Nagaon district) and even collected special boulders for the massive bridge. But the General passed away and the ambitious project died with him.

After more than 400 years, the second bridge on river Brahmaputra came up near Tezpur. It was built near the place selected by Kolia Bhomora Barphukan for his bridge. Inaugurated in 1987, the bridge is now known as Kolia Bhomora Setu.

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What is Dark Age of Assamese language?

Answer

The 37 years long period from 1836 to 1873 is called “Dark Age of Assamese language”. In 1836, British made Bengali the official language of Assam. The colonial rulers took the decision without considering the views of local people. Introduction of Bengali created social, economical and political implications. Progress of education became slow, students faced hardship due to non-use of mother tongue and peasants got deprived from judicial services. Assamese educated, middle class protested this move and demanded replacement of Bengali. Foremost among those who took the cause of Assamese language were Anandaram Dhekial Phukan, Hemachandra Barua, Gunabhirama Barua, Nathan Brown and others. But the British took nearly four decades (37 years) to change their minds. In 1873, British restored Assamese as official language of Assam. The period between 1836 to 1873 is referred to as the Dark Age for Assamese language.

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Which Ahom King was known as Bhaga Raja?

Answer

Swargadeo Jayaditya Singha or Suramphaa was known as Bhaga Raja or Bhoga Roja. But why such a name? According to historians, Jayaditya Singha earned the nickname because he was deposed from the throne. The word “Bhaga” in Assamese means “broken or to end something”. But that was after his death. Another view is that Surampha once ran away from the battle. So, he earned the title “Bhaga Raja” meaning “King that ran away”.

Jayaditya Singha was the son of Swargadeo Pratap Singha. His Ahom name was Surampha. He ascended the throne in 1641. It is said that Jayaditya Singha lived a scandalous life. He first lived with one of his father’s wives and later fell in love with a married woman. Surampha was childless. So, he adopted a nephew of that woman’s husband and declared him as heir. Before his accession, Surampha had promised his younger brother Sutyinpha to make him heir. So, he didn’t kept his promise. In the meantime Ahom nobles started to plot against the King. So, they removed Surampha and arranged to place Sutyinphaa on the throne. Suramphaa was deposed and killed in a remote place.

Source: Gait, Edward Albert, Sir. A history of Assam.

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What is Rabha Hasong Autonomous Council?

Answer

Rabha Hasong Autonomous Council (RHAC) is an autonomous administrative area within Assam state of India. It was formed under the Rabha Hasong Autonomous Council Act of 1995. The autonomous council was established through a state legislation for socio-economic, educational and cultural advancement of the Rabha tribe.

Jurisdiction of Rabha Hasong Autonomous Council includes almost entire Goalpara district, excluding Balijan, Lakhipur and Matia revenue circles; and Rani in Kamrup district. It covers discontinuous satellite areas and Rabha Hasong village councils in areas with not more than 50% tribal population. Headquarters of the council is located at Dudhnoi of Goalpara district. As per the Rabha Hasong Autonomous Council Act, the General Council consists of 40 members out of which 36 are directly elected.

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What is Apong?

Answer

Apong is a rice beer, which is traditionally prepared by some tribes of North-East India. Apong is an integral part of the life of the Mising (or Mishing) people of Assam. It is brewed in every Mising household. Adi people of Arunachal Pradesh also prepares Apong.

Apong is prepared by fermenting rice. The Mishing Apong comes in two types – Nogin Apong and Poro Apong. The Nogin Apong is whitish in colour, while Poro Apong has a dark greenish colour. The method of preparation is different. So, the two apongs also differ in their taste and colour.

Source: Pegu, Nomal Chandra (1981). The Mishings of the Brahmaputra Valley.

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What was the First Short Story Collection in Bodo Language?

Answer

Phwimal Mizing. Chittaranjan Mushahary’s “Phwimal Mizing” was the first Bodo language short story collection. The word “Phwimal Mizing” means “viewless vision”. It was a collection of three short stories. The Bodo short story anthology was published in the year 1970. Over the years, Bodo literature has developed and flourished as a new sphere of cultural expression. Bodo language is now one of the 22 scheduled languages recognized by the Constitution of India.

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What is Deodhani Nritya?

Answer

Deodhani Nritya is a traditional dance of Assam. It is associated with the worship of the snake goddess Manasa. The word “Deodhani” is derived from two words, i.e. Deo meaning God and Dhani meaning woman. Deodhani is performed both in solo and group.

Deodhani depicts the dance of a woman in deep trance. The dancers keep their hair open during the performance. As per mythology, Behulaa (a character in Padma Purana) had to dance before the goddess Manasa to get back her husband’s (Lakhindar) life.

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Which Ahom King was known as Gobar Raja?

Answer

Gobar Roja or Gobar Raja was a Ahom King. After the death of Swargadeo Suhung in 1675, Gobar Roja ascended the throne of Ahom Kingdom in Assam. Just like his predecessor, Gobar Roja was installed by Debera Borbarua. But within three weeks, he got deposed off and executed by Atanu Buragohain.

Gobar Roja was the first king of the Tungkhungia branch of Ahom dynasty. Gadadhar Singha, who became the King of Ahom Kingdom in 1681, was the son of Gobar Raja. Tungkhungia branch ruled Ahom kingdom till it’s end in 1826.

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