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Alandi is primarily recognized as the birthplace of Sant Dnyaneshwar.
Answer: False
Explanation: The source material identifies Alandi primarily as the resting place ('samadhi') of Sant Dnyaneshwar, not his birthplace.
Sant Dnyaneshwar took 'sanjeevan samadhi' in Alandi in the year 1296.
Answer: True
Explanation: The historical records indicate that Sant Dnyaneshwar undertook his 'sanjeevan samadhi' in Alandi in the year 1296.
The temple built over Dnyaneshwar's Samadhi was initially constructed in the 17th century.
Answer: False
Explanation: The temple structure over Dnyaneshwar's Samadhi was initially constructed between approximately 1580 and 1600, which falls within the late 16th century, not the 17th century.
Alandi is a pilgrimage center mainly for followers of Jainism.
Answer: False
Explanation: Alandi is primarily a pilgrimage center for Marathi Hindus, associated with Sant Dnyaneshwar, not for followers of Jainism.
The Dnyaneshwar Samadhi Complex includes the Siddheshwar temple and the Ajanvriksha tree.
Answer: True
Explanation: Key components of the Dnyaneshwar Samadhi Complex include the Siddheshwar temple and the Ajanvriksha tree.
Besides the main Samadhi, Alandi contains temples dedicated to Vitthal-Rukmini and Narsimha Saraswati.
Answer: True
Explanation: In addition to the main Samadhi, Alandi features religious sites including temples dedicated to Vitthal-Rukmini and Narsimha Saraswati.
What is the primary significance of Alandi?
Answer: It is a significant pilgrimage site and the resting place of Sant Dnyaneshwar.
Explanation: Alandi's primary significance lies in its status as a major pilgrimage center and the resting place ('samadhi') of Sant Dnyaneshwar.
In what century did Sant Dnyaneshwar take 'sanjeevan samadhi' in Alandi?
Answer: 13th Century
Explanation: Sant Dnyaneshwar took 'sanjeevan samadhi' in Alandi in the year 1296, which falls within the 13th century.
Which of the following is a key component of the Dnyaneshwar Samadhi Complex?
Answer: Both A and C
Explanation: Key components of the Dnyaneshwar Samadhi Complex include the Siddheshwar temple and the Ajanvriksha tree.
What does the term 'sanjeevan samadhi' refer to in the context of Sant Dnyaneshwar?
Answer: A form of voluntary entombment or shrine.
Explanation: In the context of Sant Dnyaneshwar, 'sanjeevan samadhi' refers to a voluntary entombment or the establishment of a shrine.
The town of Alandi is located in the state of Gujarat, near the Tapi River.
Answer: False
Explanation: Alandi is situated in Maharashtra, India, along the Indrayani River, in proximity to Pune, not in Gujarat near the Tapi River.
The average elevation of Alandi is approximately 577 feet above sea level.
Answer: False
Explanation: The average elevation of Alandi is approximately 577 meters, which equates to 1,893 feet above sea level, not 577 feet.
The Indrayani River in Alandi is known for its pristine water quality.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Indrayani River flowing through Alandi is characterized by significant pollution due to sewage discharge, and is not known for pristine water quality.
Pilgrims use the ghats on the Indrayani River primarily for bathing during festivals.
Answer: False
Explanation: The ghats on the Indrayani River are primarily utilized by pilgrims for the ceremonial immersion of relatives' ashes, rather than for bathing during festivals.
Alandi provides limited accommodation options, mainly consisting of small guesthouses.
Answer: False
Explanation: Alandi offers extensive accommodation options, primarily through numerous 'dharmashalas' (traditional rest houses), rather than being limited to small guesthouses.
Noise pollution is not a significant issue in Alandi due to its religious exemptions.
Answer: False
Explanation: Noise pollution is a significant issue in Alandi, stemming from continuous religious activities and wedding ceremonies, despite certain exemptions.
The lack of proper drainage in Alandi contributes to the pollution of the Indrayani River.
Answer: True
Explanation: The inadequacy of Alandi's drainage infrastructure directly contributes to the pollution of the Indrayani River, as untreated sewage is discharged into it.
Fishing is actively encouraged in the Indrayani River stretch at Alandi to support the local economy.
Answer: False
Explanation: Fishing is prohibited in the Indrayani River stretch at Alandi, as it is designated a sanctuary, and is not encouraged to support the local economy.
Alandi's population was recorded as 28,576 in the 2001 census.
Answer: False
Explanation: The population figure of 28,576 for Alandi was recorded in the 2011 census, not the 2001 census.
Which river flows through Alandi?
Answer: Indrayani River
Explanation: The Indrayani River flows through Alandi.
What is the average elevation of Alandi in feet?
Answer: 1,893 feet
Explanation: The average elevation of Alandi is 1,893 feet above sea level, equivalent to 577 meters.
What is the traditional use of the ghats on the Indrayani River in Alandi for pilgrims?
Answer: For ceremonial immersions of relatives' ashes.
Explanation: Pilgrims traditionally use the ghats on the Indrayani River in Alandi for the ceremonial immersion of their relatives' ashes.
What are 'dharmashalas' in Alandi primarily used for?
Answer: As lodging facilities for pilgrims and venues for ceremonies.
Explanation: 'Dharmashalas' in Alandi primarily serve as lodging facilities for pilgrims and also function as venues for religious ceremonies and weddings.
What environmental challenge does Alandi face concerning the Indrayani River?
Answer: Untreated sewage discharge leading to pollution.
Explanation: A significant environmental challenge faced by Alandi concerning the Indrayani River is the pollution caused by untreated sewage discharge due to inadequate drainage systems.
What is the primary cause of noise pollution in Alandi?
Answer: Continuous religious activities and wedding ceremonies.
Explanation: The primary contributors to noise pollution in Alandi are the continuous religious activities and the numerous wedding ceremonies held within the town.
What is the traditional policy regarding fishing in the Indrayani River stretch at Alandi?
Answer: Fishing is prohibited as the stretch is considered a sanctuary.
Explanation: Traditionally, fishing is prohibited in the Indrayani River stretch at Alandi because it is designated as a sanctuary.
The modern Palkhi tradition, involving carrying Sant Dnyaneshwar's symbolic sandals, was initiated in the 19th century by the Pawar family.
Answer: True
Explanation: The contemporary Palkhi tradition, which involves the ceremonial transport of Sant Dnyaneshwar's symbolic sandals ('paduka'), was indeed initiated in the 19th century (specifically the 1820s) by Haibatrao Buva Arphalkar Pawar.
Ekadashi days attract between 60,000 and 70,000 pilgrims to Alandi.
Answer: True
Explanation: The observance of Ekadashi days significantly increases pilgrim numbers in Alandi, typically drawing between 60,000 and 70,000 devotees.
The annual Pandharpur Wari procession from Alandi lasts for approximately 10 days.
Answer: False
Explanation: The annual Pandharpur Wari procession originating from Alandi is a 21-day pilgrimage, not approximately 10 days.
The biggest festival in Alandi, known as a 'yatra,' occurs on the eleventh day of the dark fortnight of the Hindu month Kartik.
Answer: True
Explanation: The principal festival in Alandi, referred to as a 'yatra,' is celebrated on Kartika Vadya Ekadashi, corresponding to the eleventh day of the dark lunar fortnight in the Hindu month of Kartik.
The 'paduka' carried in the Palkhi procession represent the symbolic silver sandals of Sant Dnyaneshwar.
Answer: True
Explanation: The 'paduka' transported during the Palkhi procession are indeed symbolic representations of Sant Dnyaneshwar's silver sandals.
The Varkari sect is unrelated to the pilgrimage activities in Alandi.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Varkari sect is intrinsically linked to the pilgrimage activities in Alandi, as its followers constitute a primary demographic of visitors.
The Kartik Festival in Alandi is primarily an economic event with little religious significance.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Kartik Festival in Alandi holds both significant religious importance, being close to Sant Dnyaneshwar's samadhi anniversary, and considerable economic impact, rather than being primarily economic with little religious significance.
Who initiated the modern Palkhi tradition in the 1820s?
Answer: Haibatrao Buva Arphalkar Pawar
Explanation: The modern Palkhi tradition, initiated in the 1820s, was started by Haibatrao Buva Arphalkar Pawar.
What is the significance of Ekadashi days in Alandi?
Answer: They attract a large number of pilgrims, typically 60,000-70,000.
Explanation: Ekadashi days are significant in Alandi as they attract a substantial number of pilgrims, estimated between 60,000 and 70,000.
What is the approximate distance covered during the annual Pandharpur Wari procession originating from Alandi?
Answer: 223 kilometers
Explanation: The annual Pandharpur Wari procession from Alandi to Pandharpur spans an approximate distance of 223 kilometers.
What is the significance of the Kartik Festival in Alandi?
Answer: It marks the anniversary of Dnyaneshwar's samadhi and has economic importance.
Explanation: The Kartik Festival in Alandi is significant as it coincides with the anniversary of Sant Dnyaneshwar's samadhi and holds considerable economic importance for the local community.
What does the 'Palkhi' tradition involve?
Answer: Carrying symbolic sandals (paduka) of saints in procession.
Explanation: The 'Palkhi' tradition entails the ceremonial procession carrying the symbolic sandals ('paduka') of saints.
Mahadji Shinde received control of Alandi from the Peshwa in 1778 and sponsored temple upkeep.
Answer: True
Explanation: Historical accounts confirm that Mahadji Shinde was granted control of Alandi by the Peshwa in 1778, and his family subsequently sponsored temple renovations and maintenance for approximately twenty years.
Alandi's municipal council primarily generated revenue by taxing local industries.
Answer: False
Explanation: The primary source of revenue for Alandi's municipal council was derived from taxes imposed upon the substantial pilgrim population, rather than from local industries.
Marathi is the predominant language spoken in Alandi.
Answer: True
Explanation: Marathi serves as the predominant language spoken within Alandi, functioning as its primary lingua franca.
Alandi's literacy rate is higher than the national average for India.
Answer: False
Explanation: Alandi's average literacy rate of 73% is marginally lower than the national average for India, which stands at approximately 74.04%.
The Kurhade-Patil and Ghundare-Patil clans are noted for their dominance in Alandi's civic life.
Answer: True
Explanation: The civic sphere of Alandi is characterized by the notable dominance of two closely affiliated Maratha clans: the Kurhade-Patil and the Ghundare-Patil.
Alandi's local government is headed by a Mayor elected through indirect means.
Answer: False
Explanation: Alandi's local government is administered by a Municipal Council headed by a Mayor (Nagaradhyaksha) who is directly elected, not indirectly.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) held a majority in the Alandi town council after the 2016 elections.
Answer: True
Explanation: Post the 2016 municipal elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) secured a majority within the 18-member Alandi town council.
Alandi's economy traditionally relies heavily on agriculture due to its rural setting.
Answer: False
Explanation: Traditionally, Alandi's economy has been predominantly centered on its role as a pilgrimage destination, rather than relying heavily on agriculture.
Industrial development is actively encouraged in Alandi to boost its economy.
Answer: False
Explanation: Industrial development is actively restricted in Alandi due to its significant religious and pilgrimage status, rather than being encouraged.
Alandi is a popular venue for weddings, hosting hundreds of ceremonies daily during peak season.
Answer: True
Explanation: Alandi is recognized as a popular venue for weddings, frequently hosting hundreds of ceremonies daily during peak matrimonial seasons.
Brahmins in Alandi primarily focus on selling religious souvenirs to pilgrims.
Answer: False
Explanation: Brahmins in Alandi primarily officiate at religious services for pilgrims, rather than focusing on selling religious souvenirs, which is typically done by vendors.
How did Alandi's municipal council primarily generate revenue after receiving municipal status?
Answer: By levying taxes on the large number of pilgrims.
Explanation: Alandi's municipal council primarily generated revenue by imposing taxes on its substantial pilgrim population.
Which of the following is NOT true about Alandi's literacy rate compared to the national average?
Answer: Alandi's literacy rate is higher than the national average.
Explanation: The statement 'Alandi's literacy rate is higher than the national average' is not true; its average literacy rate of 73% is lower than India's national average of approximately 74.04%.
Which two Maratha clans are mentioned as dominating Alandi's civic life?
Answer: Kurhade-Patil and Ghundare-Patil
Explanation: The Kurhade-Patil and Ghundare-Patil clans are identified as the Maratha clans dominating Alandi's civic life.
Who is the current MLA for the Khed Alandi Assembly constituency as of the 2024 Vidhan Sabha elections?
Answer: Babaji Kale of Shiv Sena (UBT)
Explanation: As of the 2024 Vidhan Sabha elections, Babaji Kale of Shiv Sena (UBT) is the current MLA for the Khed Alandi Assembly constituency.
What has traditionally been the central focus of Alandi's economy?
Answer: Providing services to pilgrims.
Explanation: Traditionally, Alandi's economy has centrally focused on providing services to the large number of pilgrims visiting the town.
Why is industrial development restricted in Alandi?
Answer: Its status as a major pilgrimage center.
Explanation: Industrial development is restricted in Alandi primarily due to its established status as a major pilgrimage center.
What do vendors typically sell in Alandi, catering to pilgrims?
Answer: Garlands, turmeric, and religious souvenirs.
Explanation: Vendors in Alandi typically sell items such as garlands, turmeric, religious souvenirs, and books, catering to the needs of pilgrims.
Which group officiates at religious services for pilgrims in Alandi?
Answer: Groups of Brahmins
Explanation: Groups of Brahmins are responsible for officiating at religious services for pilgrims in Alandi.
The legend of 'Dnyaneshwar's Wall' involves Sant Changdev riding a tiger.
Answer: True
Explanation: The legend of 'Dnyaneshwar's Wall' recounts Sant Changdev's arrival riding a tiger, an event central to the narrative.
Dehu, associated with Sant Tukaram, is located far from Alandi and holds no relation.
Answer: False
Explanation: Dehu, the town associated with Sant Tukaram, is geographically proximate to Alandi and shares a significant cultural and religious connection within the Varkari tradition.
The town of Aalankapuri is another name for Alandi.
Answer: True
Explanation: Aalankapuri is indeed cited as an alternative name or nickname for the town of Alandi.
What is the legend associated with 'Dnyaneshwar's Wall'?
Answer: A wall moved miraculously when Dnyaneshwar and his siblings met Sant Changdev.
Explanation: The legend of 'Dnyaneshwar's Wall' pertains to a miraculous event where a wall moved as Sant Dnyaneshwar and his siblings met Sant Changdev.
Which nearby town is associated with Sant Tukaram?
Answer: Dehu
Explanation: The nearby town of Dehu is associated with the saint Sant Tukaram.
Which of the following is a nearby site of historical and religious importance mentioned in relation to Alandi?
Answer: Dehu
Explanation: Dehu is mentioned as a nearby site of historical and religious importance in relation to Alandi.
Alandi is also known by which nickname mentioned in the source?
Answer: Aalankapuri
Explanation: The nickname mentioned in the source for Alandi is Aalankapuri.