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Kashiram Das Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

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Study Guide: Kashiram Das and the Bengali Mahabharata

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Kashiram Das and the Bengali Mahabharata Study Guide

Kashiram Das: Biographical Context

The name 'Das' in Kashiram Das's name functions as a surname indicating his family lineage.

Answer: False

Explanation: The appellation 'Das' in Kashiram Das's name is a devotional title meaning 'servant' within the Vaishnava tradition, rather than a surname denoting family lineage.

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Kashiram Das was born in the village of Singi, located in the Bardhaman district of Bengal.

Answer: True

Explanation: Kashiram Das's place of birth is recorded as the village of Singi, situated within the Bardhaman district of Bengal.

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Kashiram Das belonged to a Hindu family that followed the Shaivite tradition.

Answer: False

Explanation: Kashiram Das's family adhered to the Vaishnava tradition, a devotional branch of Hinduism, rather than the Shaivite tradition.

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Kashiram Das had no siblings who were also involved in literary pursuits.

Answer: False

Explanation: Kashiram Das had two brothers, Ghanashyam Das and Gadadhar, who were also noted poets, active within the Vaishnava Padavali tradition.

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There is no uncertainty regarding the exact birthplace of Kashiram Das.

Answer: False

Explanation: Scholarly discourse indicates a degree of uncertainty surrounding Kashiram Das's precise birthplace, with suggestions of his father having moved from Bardhaman to Orissa.

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What does the title 'Das' signify in Kashiram Das's name?

Answer: It is a title meaning 'servant' within the Vaishnava tradition.

Explanation: The appellation 'Das' in Kashiram Das's name functions not as a surname but as a devotional title signifying 'servant' within the Vaishnava tradition.

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In which village was Kashiram Das born?

Answer: Singi

Explanation: Kashiram Das's place of birth is recorded as the village of Singi, situated within the Bardhaman district of Bengal.

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What was the religious affiliation of Kashiram Das's family?

Answer: They belonged to the Vaishnava tradition.

Explanation: Kashiram Das's family adhered to the Vaishnava tradition, a significant devotional sect within Hinduism centered on the worship of Vishnu.

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Which of the following was NOT a brother of Kashiram Das mentioned as a poet?

Answer: Abhiram Mukhuti

Explanation: The source identifies Ghanashyam Das and Gadadhar as Kashiram Das's brothers who were poets. Abhiram Mukhuti is mentioned as a potential teacher or guide, not a brother.

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What is the potential uncertainty regarding Kashiram Das's birthplace?

Answer: His father may have moved from Bardhaman to Orissa, possibly making his birthplace Orissa.

Explanation: Scholarly discourse indicates a degree of uncertainty surrounding Kashiram Das's precise birthplace, with suggestions of his father having moved from the Bardhaman region to Orissa.

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Kashiram Das's family belonged to which social caste mentioned in the source?

Answer: Kayastha

Explanation: Kashiram Das hailed from a Bengali family belonging to the Kayastha caste and adhering to the Vaishnava tradition.

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Kashiram Das: Literary Craft and Influences

Kashiram Das wrote his literary works in Sanskrit, drawing heavily from classical Indian texts.

Answer: False

Explanation: Kashiram Das composed his literary works primarily in Bengali, although he possessed scholarly knowledge of Sanskrit and drew from classical Indian texts.

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Kashiram Das primarily used the payar chhanda, a traditional Bengali poetic meter.

Answer: True

Explanation: Kashiram Das predominantly employed the 'payar chhanda,' a widely utilized Bengali poetic meter, in his literary compositions.

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Kashiram Das's scholarly expertise was limited to Bengali literature, with no knowledge of Sanskrit.

Answer: False

Explanation: Kashiram Das's scholarly expertise encompassed both Bengali literature and Sanskrit, contradicting the notion that his knowledge was limited solely to Bengali.

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Kashiram Das was inspired to translate the Mahabharata after reading the Sanskrit text privately.

Answer: False

Explanation: It is recounted that Kashiram Das was moved to commence his Bengali translation of the Mahabharata subsequent to hearing the Sanskrit original recited within the environs of his patron's residence.

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Abhiram Mukhuti is mentioned as a potential guide for Kashiram Das's Mahabharata project.

Answer: True

Explanation: Kashiram Das potentially received guidance for his monumental undertaking from his preceptor, Abhiram Mukhuti of Haraharpur.

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What poetic meter did Kashiram Das commonly use in his works?

Answer: Payar chhanda

Explanation: Kashiram Das predominantly employed the 'payar chhanda,' a widely utilized Bengali poetic meter, in his literary compositions.

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Kashiram Das's scholarly expertise included proficiency in which language?

Answer: Sanskrit

Explanation: Kashiram Das possessed scholarly expertise in Sanskrit and was a devotee of the Vaishnava tradition, demonstrating a profound engagement with classical Indian literary canons.

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What event reportedly inspired Kashiram Das to undertake the translation of the Mahabharata?

Answer: Hearing the Sanskrit text recited at his patron's home.

Explanation: It is recounted that Kashiram Das was moved to commence his Bengali translation of the Mahabharata subsequent to hearing the Sanskrit original recited within the environs of his patron's residence.

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Who is mentioned as a potential mentor for Kashiram Das in his Mahabharata translation project?

Answer: Abhiram Mukhuti

Explanation: Kashiram Das potentially received guidance for his monumental undertaking from his preceptor, Abhiram Mukhuti, hailing from Haraharpur.

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The Kashidasi Mahabharat: Creation and Authorship

Scholars generally believe Kashiram Das authored all eighteen books of the Mahabharata attributed to him.

Answer: False

Explanation: While the Kashidasi Mahabharat text attributes the entire work to Kashiram Das, scholarly consensus suggests he composed only the initial four books (parvas); the remainder was completed by his relatives.

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The Adi, Sabha, Vana, and Virata parvas are definitively attributed to Kashiram Das's composition.

Answer: True

Explanation: The initial four parvas of the Mahabharata epic—namely, the Adi, Sabha, Vana, and Virata parvas—are definitively ascribed to Kashiram Das's compositional efforts.

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The Virata Parva of the Kashidasi Mahabharat was composed in the Gregorian year 1604.

Answer: True

Explanation: The concluding vanity refrain within the Virata Parva explicitly states its composition date as the Shaka year 1526, equivalent to 1604 CE.

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Kashiram Das himself completed the entire Kashidasi Mahabharat before his death.

Answer: False

Explanation: Kashiram Das is believed to have commenced the Vana-parva but passed away shortly thereafter. The continuation and completion of the remaining books were undertaken by his relatives.

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The entire Kashidasi Mahabharat work was finalized around the year 1610 AD.

Answer: True

Explanation: The comprehensive Kashidasi Mahabharat project was brought to its finalization circa 1610 AD, encompassing Kashiram Das's foundational compositions and the subsequent contributions by his relatives.

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Kashiram Das originally titled his Bengali Mahabharata translation 'Mahabharata-Katha'.

Answer: False

Explanation: Kashiram Das originally designated his Bengali adaptation of the epic with the title 'Bharata-Panchali', not 'Mahabharata-Katha'.

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In the title Bharata-Panchali, 'Panchali' refers to the epic's main protagonist, Arjuna.

Answer: False

Explanation: Within the title 'Bharata-Panchali,' the term 'Panchali' refers to the traditional narrative song form prevalent in Bengal, not the epic's protagonist Arjuna.

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What is the primary literary contribution for which Kashiram Das is known?

Answer: A Bengali re-telling of the epic Mahabharata.

Explanation: Kashiram Das is primarily recognized for his comprehensive Bengali adaptation of the epic Mahabharata, known as the Kashidasi Mahabharat.

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According to scholarly consensus, which part of the Mahabharata did Kashiram Das himself compose?

Answer: The first four books (parvas).

Explanation: Scholarly consensus suggests that Kashiram Das personally composed only the initial four books, or parvas, of the eighteen; the subsequent parvas were completed by his relatives.

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The date Shaka 1526, corresponding to 1604 CE, is associated with the composition of which part of the Kashidasi Mahabharat?

Answer: Virata Parva

Explanation: The concluding vanity refrain within the Virata Parva explicitly states its composition date as the Shaka year 1526, equivalent to 1604 CE.

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Who completed the Kashidasi Mahabharat after Kashiram Das's death?

Answer: His relatives, including his son-in-law and nephew.

Explanation: The continuation and completion of the remaining books were undertaken by Kashiram Das's son-in-law, nephew, and other familial associates.

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What was the original title Kashiram Das gave to his Bengali epic?

Answer: Bharata-Panchali

Explanation: Kashiram Das originally designated his Bengali adaptation of the epic with the title 'Bharata-Panchali'.

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In the title Bharata-Panchali, what does 'Panchali' refer to?

Answer: The narrative song tradition common in Bengal.

Explanation: Within the title 'Bharata-Panchali,' the term 'Panchali' refers to the traditional narrative song form prevalent in Bengal.

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Which of the following is NOT a book (parva) definitively attributed to Kashiram Das's composition?

Answer: Udyoga Parva

Explanation: The Adi, Sabha, Vana, and Virata parvas are definitively attributed to Kashiram Das's composition. The Udyoga Parva is among those completed by his relatives.

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The term 'Bharata' in Kashiram Das's original title refers to:

Answer: The Bharata dynasty central to the epic.

Explanation: Within the title 'Bharata-Panchali,' the term 'Bharata' signifies the Bharata dynasty, which forms the central lineage of the epic.

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What is the approximate completion date for the entire Kashidasi Mahabharat, including contributions by relatives?

Answer: Around 1610 AD

Explanation: The comprehensive Kashidasi Mahabharat project was brought to its finalization circa 1610 AD, encompassing Kashiram Das's foundational compositions and the subsequent contributions by his relatives.

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The Kashidasi Mahabharat: Content and Adaptation

Kashiram Das is primarily celebrated for his poetic rendition of the Ramayana in Bengali.

Answer: False

Explanation: Kashiram Das is renowned for his Bengali adaptation of the Mahabharata, not the Ramayana. The source material indicates his primary contribution is the Kashidasi Mahabharat.

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Kashiram Das omitted lengthy philosophical sections, like the Bhagavad Gita, from his Mahabharata adaptation.

Answer: True

Explanation: Kashiram Das's adaptation selectively removed extensive philosophical discourses, such as the Bhagavad Gita, to maintain narrative flow and audience engagement.

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Kashiram Das's adaptation included the full Bhagavad Gita discourse.

Answer: False

Explanation: Kashiram Das's adaptation omitted lengthy philosophical discourses, including the Bhagavad Gita, to maintain narrative flow.

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Kashiram Das elaborated significantly on the story of Mohini, expanding a minor detail from the original text.

Answer: True

Explanation: In contrast to his omission of philosophical segments, Kashiram Das significantly expanded upon the narrative of Mohini, based on a mere two-line sloka from the original Sanskrit text.

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How did Kashiram Das adapt the Mahabharata narrative compared to the original Sanskrit text?

Answer: He omitted lengthy philosophical sections but elaborated on other narratives.

Explanation: Kashiram Das's adaptation involved omitting lengthy philosophical sections, such as the Bhagavad Gita, while elaborating on other narratives like the story of Mohini.

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What narrative element did Kashiram Das significantly elaborate upon, expanding from just two lines in the original?

Answer: The story of Mohini.

Explanation: In contrast to his omission of philosophical segments, Kashiram Das significantly expanded upon the narrative of Mohini, based on a mere two-line sloka from the original Sanskrit text.

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Kashiram Das: Patronage and Educational Role

Kashiram Das received patronage from a zamindar family residing in Midnapore.

Answer: True

Explanation: Kashiram Das benefited from the patronage of a distinguished zamindar family situated in Midnapore.

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In Midnapore, Kashiram Das operated a madrasa for Islamic studies.

Answer: False

Explanation: Kashiram Das operated a 'pathshala,' a traditional educational institution, in Midnapore, not a madrasa for Islamic studies.

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Who provided patronage to Kashiram Das during his literary work?

Answer: A zamindar family in Midnapore

Explanation: Kashiram Das benefited from the patronage of a distinguished zamindar family situated in Midnapore.

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What type of educational institution did Kashiram Das run in Midnapore?

Answer: A pathshala (traditional school)

Explanation: Beyond his literary endeavors, Kashiram Das also managed a 'pathshala,' a traditional educational institution, in Midnapore.

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Publication and Legacy of the Kashidasi Mahabharat

The Kashidasi Mahabharata was less popular than earlier Bengali versions.

Answer: False

Explanation: Contrary to the statement, the Kashidasi Mahabharata rapidly became the standard and most popular version of the epic in Bengali, surpassing earlier adaptations.

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The Kashidasi Mahabharat belongs to the mangalkavya tradition of Bengali literature.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Kashidasi Mahabharat was composed within the 'mangalkavya' tradition, a prominent genre of Bengali literature frequently focusing on deities and epic narratives.

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Kashiram Das's famous vanity refrain translates to 'The Mahabharata tales are like poison; Kashiram Das warns against listening.'

Answer: False

Explanation: The renowned vanity refrain translates to: 'The Mahabharata tales are akin to amrita (nectar of immortality); Kashiram Das states that listening to them bestows merit.'

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A folk saying attributed to Kashiram Das warns that 'anger causes sin, anger causes suffering, and anger causes the demise of one's lineage.'

Answer: True

Explanation: A widely recognized folk aphorism attributed to Kashiram Das is 'krodhe pap, krodhe tap, krodhe kulokshoy,' which conveys the profound message: 'anger engenders sin, anger inflicts suffering, and anger leads to the destruction of one's lineage.'

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The Kashidasi Mahabharat was first printed by the Calcutta University Press in the early 20th century.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Kashidasi Mahabharat saw its initial printing by the Serampore Mission Press in the 19th century. Calcutta University Press was involved in later publications.

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Jayagopal Tarkalankar edited the complete Kashidasi Mahabharat for its publication by the Serampore Mission Press.

Answer: True

Explanation: The comprehensive editorial work for the Kashidasi Mahabharat was undertaken by Jayagopal Tarkalankar, with its subsequent publication facilitated by the Serampore Mission Press in 1936.

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Which of the following works attributed to Kashiram Das is known to be lost?

Answer: Satyanarayaner Punthi

Explanation: Several other literary works are attributed to Kashiram Das, including 'Satyanarayaner Punthi,' 'Svapna-Parba,' and 'Nalopakhyan.' Regrettably, these compositions are presently lost to posterity.

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How did the Kashidasi Mahabharat fare in popularity compared to earlier Bengali translations?

Answer: It rapidly became the standard and most popular version.

Explanation: Despite the existence of earlier Bengali Mahabharata adaptations, the Kashidasi Mahabharata rapidly ascended to become the definitive and most widely favored version for recitation and study in Bengal.

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What is the meaning of Kashiram Das's famous vanity refrain, 'mohabharater kotha omrito soman / Kashiram das kohe shune punyoban'?

Answer: 'The Mahabharata tales are like amrita (nectar of immortality); listening brings merit.'

Explanation: The renowned vanity refrain translates to: 'The Mahabharata tales are akin to amrita (nectar of immortality); Kashiram Das states that listening to them bestows merit.'

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The folk saying 'krodhe pap, krodhe tap, krodhe kulokshoy' attributed to Kashiram Das warns against the consequences of:

Answer: Anger

Explanation: A widely recognized folk aphorism attributed to Kashiram Das is 'krodhe pap, krodhe tap, krodhe kulokshoy,' which conveys the profound message that anger engenders sin, inflicts suffering, and leads to the destruction of one's lineage.

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Which press was involved in the early printing of parts of the Kashidasi Mahabharat?

Answer: Serampore Mission Press

Explanation: Portions of the Kashidasi Mahabharat were among the earliest Bengali texts to be disseminated through print, coinciding with the establishment of the Serampore Mission Press during the 19th century.

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Who edited the complete text of the Kashidasi Mahabharat for its 1936 publication?

Answer: Jayagopal Tarkalankar

Explanation: The comprehensive editorial work for the Kashidasi Mahabharat was undertaken by Jayagopal Tarkalankar, with its subsequent publication facilitated by the Serampore Mission Press in 1936.

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What is the cultural significance of the Kashidasi Mahabharat mentioned in the source?

Answer: Its verses and sayings have become integrated into Bengali folklore and common parlance.

Explanation: The Kashidasi Mahabharat possesses profound cultural significance, extending beyond its literary merit. Its verses and aphorisms have been thoroughly integrated into Bengali folklore and everyday discourse.

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