CUET UG History Booster Test 2 - Religious Beliefs and Practices -

🚀

CUET UG History Booster Test 2 - Religious Beliefs and Practices

⏱️ 30 Minutes

❓ 20 Questions

📌 Answers are locked once submitted — results and explanations appear at the end.

CUET UG History Booster Test 2 - Religious Beliefs and Practices

1 / 20

QUESTION 1 OF 20

Consider the following statements on the mosaic of religious beliefs:
1. It included the continued and extended worship of major deities like Vishnu and Shiva.
2. Textual records perfectly map all religious practices without any gaps.

Answer Review

1 Consider the following statements on the mosaic of religious beliefs:
1. It included the continued and extended worship of major deities like Vishnu and Shiva.
2. Textual records perfectly map all religious practices without any gaps.

A Both 1 and 2 are correct

B Only 1 is correct

C Only 2 is correct

D Neither 1 nor 2 is correct

💡 Short Explanation

Worship of Vishnu and Shiva expanded. Religious practices were diverse. Textual sources do not record every practice.

✅ Correct Answer Explanation

Statement 1 is correct because NCERT describes the continued and extended worship of major deities such as Vishnu, Shiva, and the goddess. Statement 2 is incorrect because historians acknowledge gaps in textual evidence, and many local practices remain undocumented. Therefore, only Statement 1 is correct, making Option B the right answer.

❓ Why Other Options Are Incorrect

Option A → Incorrect because Statement 2 is false.
Option C → Incorrect because Statement 1 is true while Statement 2 is false.
Option D → Incorrect because the worship of major deities clearly continued and expanded.

🎯 Strategy

Used: Elimination

Application:

Evaluate each statement independently using NCERT evidence.

Final Logic:

Statement 1 is true; Statement 2 is false.

🧠 Memory Trick

Vishnu–Shiva Continued, Sources Limited

📚 Class XII – Themes in Indian History Part II – Chapter: Bhakti-Sufi Traditions – Topic: Mosaic of Religious Beliefs

2 Match the following terms related to forms of worship with their descriptions:

List I	List II
1. Hagiography	a. Accessible Sanskrit texts
2. Stupa	b. Architectural structure for worship
3. Puranas	c. Biographies of saints
4. Tantric	d. Ignored caste differences in rituals

A 1-b, 2-c, 3-d, 4-a

B 1-a, 2-d, 3-c, 4-b

C 1-c, 2-b, 3-a, 4-d

D 1-d, 2-a, 3-b, 4-c

💡 Short Explanation

Hagiographies are saint biographies. Stupas are sacred structures. Tantric rituals often ignored caste distinctions.

✅ Correct Answer Explanation

Hagiographies are biographies of saints (c). Stupas are religious architectural structures (b). Puranas were composed in accessible Sanskrit (a). Tantric practices often ignored caste distinctions within ritual settings (d). Thus the correct matching is 1-c, 2-b, 3-a, 4-d, making Option C correct.

❓ Why Other Options Are Incorrect

Option A → Reverses hagiography and stupa meanings.
Option B → Incorrectly assigns Puranas and Tantric practices.
Option D → Misidentifies all major terms.

🎯 Strategy

Used: Elimination

Application:

Match the most familiar terms first.

Final Logic:

Only Option C correctly pairs all four items.

🧠 Memory Trick

H–Saint, S–Structure, P–Popular, T–Tolerance

📚 Class XII – Themes in Indian History Part II – Chapter: Bhakti-Sufi Traditions – Topic: Forms of Worship

3 Assertion (A): The visual representation of Vishnu in Puri (Jagannatha) was identical to his depictions in other parts of the country.
Reason (R): The deity was originally a local wooden figure integrated into the Puranic framework as Vishnu.

A Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.

B Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.

C A is true, but R is false.

D A is false, but R is true.

💡 Short Explanation

Jagannatha had a unique form. Originated from a local tradition. Later identified with Vishnu.

✅ Correct Answer Explanation

The Assertion is false because Jagannatha's visual representation differs significantly from conventional images of Vishnu found elsewhere. The Reason is true because the deity originated as a local wooden figure and was later incorporated into the Puranic tradition as a form of Vishnu. Therefore Option D is correct.

❓ Why Other Options Are Incorrect

Option A → Assertion is false.
Option B → Assertion is not true.
Option C → Reason is historically correct.

🎯 Strategy

Used: Elimination

Application:

Check the truth of the Assertion and Reason separately.

Final Logic:

Assertion false; Reason true.

🧠 Memory Trick

Jagannatha = Local to Vishnu

📚 Class XII – Themes in Indian History Part II – Chapter: Bhakti-Sufi Traditions – Topic: Jagannatha Cult

4 Which of the following statements about Shiva worship in this period is incorrect?

A Shiva was completely marginalized and rarely visible in texts.

B Shiva was one of the major deities whose worship expanded significantly.

C Devotees often projected Shiva as the supreme deity.

D Tantric ideas influenced Shaivism in several regions.

💡 Short Explanation

Shiva remained a major deity. Shaivism expanded widely. Tantric influences affected Shaiva traditions.

✅ Correct Answer Explanation

Shiva was one of the principal deities of the Puranic tradition, and his worship expanded considerably during this period. Devotees frequently regarded him as supreme, and Tantric influences shaped many Shaiva traditions. Therefore Option A is incorrect because Shiva was not marginalized.

❓ Why Other Options Are Incorrect

Option B → Correctly reflects expanding Shaiva worship.
Option C → Devotees often viewed Shiva as supreme.
Option D → Tantric ideas influenced Shaivism extensively.

🎯 Strategy

Used: Extreme Word Filter

Application:

Watch for exaggerated terms like "completely marginalized."

Final Logic:

A major deity cannot be described as marginalized.

🧠 Memory Trick

Shiva = Supreme, Not Marginal

📚 Class XII – Themes in Indian History Part II – Chapter: Bhakti-Sufi Traditions – Topic: Shaivism

5 If a historian discovers an uncarved stone smeared with ochre in a medieval Indian village, it most likely indicates the application of:

A A discarded architectural pillar

B A boundary marker

C The worship of a local goddess

D An early Buddhist relic

💡 Short Explanation

Local goddesses were often worshipped simply. Ochre-smeared stones served as sacred symbols. Such worship predated formal iconography.

✅ Correct Answer Explanation

NCERT notes that local goddesses were frequently represented by simple stones smeared with ochre rather than elaborate icons. Such objects served as focal points of village worship. Therefore Option C is correct. The remaining options are not associated with this specific religious practice.

❓ Why Other Options Are Incorrect

Option A → No evidence suggests ritual significance as a pillar.
Option B → Boundary markers were not typically worshipped.
Option D → Buddhist relics had different ritual contexts.

🎯 Strategy

Used: Contextual/Tonal Matching

Application:

Associate the archaeological clue with known worship practices.

Final Logic:

Ochre-smeared stones commonly represented local goddesses.

🧠 Memory Trick

Ochre Stone = Goddess Shrine

📚 Class XII – Themes in Indian History Part II – Chapter: Bhakti-Sufi Traditions – Topic: Goddess Traditions

6 Fill in the blank: To integrate local deities into the Puranic framework, goddesses were often provided with an identity as the wife of principal male deities, such as equating them with ______, the wife of Shiva.

A Lakshmi

B Parvati

C Saraswati

D Sita

💡 Short Explanation

Local goddesses were assimilated. Parvati is Shiva's consort. Integration strengthened Puranic traditions.

✅ Correct Answer Explanation

Many local goddesses were integrated into the Puranic framework by identifying them with Parvati, the wife of Shiva. This allowed regional traditions to be linked with broader Sanskritic beliefs. Lakshmi is associated with Vishnu, Saraswati with learning, and Sita with Rama. Therefore Option B is correct.

❓ Why Other Options Are Incorrect

Option A → Lakshmi is Vishnu's consort.
Option C → Saraswati is not Shiva's wife.
Option D → Sita is associated with Rama.

🎯 Strategy

Used: Direct Recall

Application:

Recall the consort of Shiva.

Final Logic:

Parvati is Shiva's wife.

🧠 Memory Trick

Shiva ↔ Parvati

📚 Class XII – Themes in Indian History Part II – Chapter: Bhakti-Sufi Traditions – Topic: Integration of Goddess Cults

7 Arrange the sequence of religious dissemination and historical analysis in chronological order:
1. Spread of Brahmanical ideas via simple Sanskrit texts.
2. Composition of early Vedic mantras.
3. Formulation of the concept of 'great' and 'little' traditions by sociologists.

A 2, 1, 3

B 1, 2, 3

C 3, 2, 1

D 2, 3, 1

💡 Short Explanation

Vedic mantras are earliest. Puranic dissemination came later. Sociological concepts are modern.

✅ Correct Answer Explanation

Early Vedic mantras were composed first (2). The spread of Brahmanical ideas through accessible Sanskrit texts such as the Puranas occurred later (1). The sociological concepts of "great" and "little" traditions were formulated by Robert Redfield in the twentieth century (3). Hence the correct order is 2 → 1 → 3.

❓ Why Other Options Are Incorrect

Option B → Places Brahmanical dissemination before Vedic compositions.
Option C → Starts with a twentieth-century concept.
Option D → Places sociological theory before historical developments.

🎯 Strategy

Used: Elimination

Application:

Arrange events from ancient to modern.

Final Logic:

Vedas → Puranas → Redfield.

🧠 Memory Trick

Veda → Puranas → Sociology

📚 Class XII – Themes in Indian History Part II – Chapter: Bhakti-Sufi Traditions – Topic: Dissemination of Brahmanical Ideas

8 The transformation of a local deity carved by tribal specialists into Lord Jagannatha signifies:

A The complete eradication of tribal traditions

B The refusal of Brahmanas to accept local customs

C The imposition of rigid Vedic orthodoxy

D The continuous dialogue between Sanskritic traditions and local traditions

💡 Short Explanation

Local traditions were incorporated. Sanskritic and regional beliefs interacted. Jagannatha exemplifies cultural synthesis.

✅ Correct Answer Explanation

The Jagannatha tradition demonstrates how Brahmanical traditions absorbed and reworked local beliefs rather than eliminating them. The local deity was incorporated into the Puranic framework while retaining distinctive features. Therefore Option D is correct. The other options incorrectly imply rejection or destruction of local traditions.

❓ Why Other Options Are Incorrect

Option A → Tribal traditions were not eradicated.
Option B → Brahmanas often accepted and adapted local customs.
Option C → The process was not rigidly orthodox.

🎯 Strategy

Used: Contextual/Tonal Matching

Application:

Identify the theme of cultural interaction emphasized by NCERT.

Final Logic:

Jagannatha symbolizes synthesis, not replacement.

🧠 Memory Trick

Jagannatha = Dialogue of Traditions

📚 Class XII – Themes in Indian History Part II – Chapter: Bhakti-Sufi Traditions – Topic: Integration of Local Cults

9 Assertion (A): Puranic texts were compiled and preserved in simple Sanskrit verse.
Reason (R): The authority of the Vedas was entirely rejected by all communities during this period.

A Both A and R are true, and R explains A.

B A is true, but R is false.

C A is false, but R is true.

D Both A and R are false.

💡 Short Explanation

Puranas used accessible Sanskrit. Vedas continued to be revered. Complete rejection never occurred.

✅ Correct Answer Explanation

The Assertion is true because Puranic texts were composed in relatively simple Sanskrit to reach wider audiences. The Reason is false because the Vedas continued to enjoy authority even when new traditions emerged. Therefore Option B is correct.

❓ Why Other Options Are Incorrect

Option A → The Reason is false.
Option C → The Assertion is true.
Option D → The Assertion is historically correct.

🎯 Strategy

Used: Elimination

Application:

Evaluate Assertion and Reason separately.

Final Logic:

Assertion true; Reason false.

🧠 Memory Trick

Simple Puranas, Revered Vedas

📚 Class XII – Themes in Indian History Part II – Chapter: Bhakti-Sufi Traditions – Topic: Puranic Literature

10 Which statement best explains the historical impact of the accessibility of Puranic literature?

A It was restricted strictly to the Brahmanas.

B It was written in complex Vedic Sanskrit to limit its reach.

C It explicitly meant to be accessible to women and Shudras who were excluded from Vedic learning.

D It was exclusively available to ruling elites and kings.

💡 Short Explanation

Puranas reached wider audiences. Women and Shudras gained access. Religious ideas spread more broadly.

✅ Correct Answer Explanation

NCERT states that Puranic texts were intentionally composed in accessible Sanskrit and were meant to be available to women and Shudras, who were generally excluded from Vedic learning. This broadened religious participation. Therefore Option C is correct, while the other options emphasize restriction rather than accessibility.

❓ Why Other Options Are Incorrect

Option A → Puranas were not restricted to Brahmanas.
Option B → They were written in simpler Sanskrit.
Option D → Access was not limited to elites.

🎯 Strategy

Used: Contextual/Tonal Matching

Application:

Focus on the word "accessibility" in the question.

Final Logic:

Puranas expanded access to religious knowledge.

🧠 Memory Trick

Puranas = Wider Access

📚 Class XII – Themes in Indian History Part II – Chapter: Bhakti-Sufi Traditions – Topic: Accessibility of Puranic Literature

11 Which is an incorrect statement regarding Redfield's "Great" and "Little" traditions?

A The terms were coined by sociologist Robert Redfield.

B Great traditions emanated from dominant social categories.

C Peasants observed local practices termed as little traditions.

D These traditions remained completely static and isolated from each other over time.

💡 Short Explanation

Redfield coined the terms. Great and Little traditions interacted continuously. They were dynamic, not isolated.

✅ Correct Answer Explanation

Robert Redfield proposed the concepts of Great and Little traditions to explain interactions between elite and local cultural practices. NCERT emphasizes that these traditions constantly influenced one another and evolved over time. Therefore Option D is incorrect. Options A, B, and C accurately describe Redfield's framework and its application.

❓ Why Other Options Are Incorrect

Option A → Correctly identifies Robert Redfield.
Option B → Great traditions were linked with dominant groups.
Option C → Little traditions often reflected local peasant practices.

🎯 Strategy

Used: Extreme Word Filter

Application:

The phrase "completely static and isolated" signals an absolute statement that contradicts historical interaction.

Final Logic:

Great and Little traditions continuously interacted.

🧠 Memory Trick

Great + Little = Interaction

📚 Class XII – Themes in Indian History Part II – Chapter: Bhakti-Sufi Traditions – Topic: Great and Little Traditions

12 If a peasant follows state-sponsored temple rituals but also performs a distinct ritual to a local village spirit, this perfectly exemplifies:

A The simultaneous interaction of Great and Little traditions.

B Total rejection of the Puranic system.

C Strict adherence to the orthodox Vedic sacrificial system.

D An abandonment of local customs.

💡 Short Explanation

Elite and local traditions coexisted. People participated in both forms. Cultural interaction was common.

✅ Correct Answer Explanation

The example shows participation in both state-sponsored temple worship (Great Tradition) and local village rituals (Little Tradition). Redfield's model highlights this coexistence and interaction. Therefore Option A is correct. The situation does not indicate rejection, strict orthodoxy, or abandonment of local customs.

❓ Why Other Options Are Incorrect

Option B → Temple participation shows no rejection of the Puranic system.
Option C → The example includes local rituals beyond Vedic practices.
Option D → Local customs clearly continue.

🎯 Strategy

Used: Contextual/Tonal Matching

Application:

Match the example with Redfield's concept.

Final Logic:

Both traditions operate simultaneously.

🧠 Memory Trick

Temple + Village Spirit = Great + Little

📚 Class XII – Themes in Indian History Part II – Chapter: Bhakti-Sufi Traditions – Topic: Interaction of Traditions

13 Fill in the blank: Forms of worship associated with the goddess that often ignored differences of caste and class within the ritual context were widely classified as ________.

A Vedic

B Tantric

C Sramanic

D Sufi

💡 Short Explanation

Tantric worship emphasized inclusiveness. Ritual participation crossed social boundaries. Goddess worship was often linked with Tantra.

✅ Correct Answer Explanation

NCERT notes that many Tantric practices associated with goddess worship often ignored distinctions of caste and class within ritual settings. Such forms of worship differed from more rigid social hierarchies. Therefore Option B is correct. The remaining options refer to different religious traditions and practices.

❓ Why Other Options Are Incorrect

Option A → Vedic rituals generally followed established social norms.
Option C → Sramanic traditions are separate religious movements.
Option D → Sufism belongs to an entirely different context.

🎯 Strategy

Used: Direct Recall

Application:

Recall the NCERT description of goddess-centered worship.

Final Logic:

Inclusive ritual worship is associated with Tantra.

🧠 Memory Trick

Tantra = Beyond Caste

📚 Class XII – Themes in Indian History Part II – Chapter: Bhakti-Sufi Traditions – Topic: Tantric Practices

14 Assertion (A): Tantric practices were highly restrictive and confined only to the upper classes.
Reason (R): Many Tantric ideas influenced both Shaivism and Buddhism in various regions.

A Both A and R are true, and R explains A.

B Both A and R are true, but R does not explain A.

C A is false, but R is true.

D A is true, but R is false.

💡 Short Explanation

Tantric rituals were often inclusive. They crossed caste boundaries. Their influence spread widely.

✅ Correct Answer Explanation

The Assertion is false because Tantric practices were often open to both men and women and frequently ignored caste and class distinctions. The Reason is true because Tantric ideas significantly influenced both Shaivism and Buddhism across many regions. Therefore Option C is correct.

❓ Why Other Options Are Incorrect

Option A → Assertion is not true.
Option B → Assertion remains false.
Option D → Reason is historically correct.

🎯 Strategy

Used: Elimination

Application:

Evaluate the Assertion and Reason independently.

Final Logic:

Assertion false; Reason true.

🧠 Memory Trick

Tantra = Inclusive Influence

📚 Class XII – Themes in Indian History Part II – Chapter: Bhakti-Sufi Traditions – Topic: Influence of Tantric Ideas

15 Match the following elements regarding religious differences:

List I	List II
1. Agni	a. Continued to be revered as authoritative
2. Vishnu	b. Marginalized in later Puranic texts
3. Tantric practitioners	c. Often ignored the authority of the Vedas
4. Vedas	d. Emerged as a principal deity in Puranic traditions

A 1-a, 2-b, 3-c, 4-d

B 1-c, 2-d, 3-a, 4-b

C 1-b, 2-c, 3-d, 4-a

D 1-b, 2-d, 3-c, 4-a

💡 Short Explanation

Agni became less prominent. Vishnu gained central importance. Vedas remained authoritative.

✅ Correct Answer Explanation

Agni became relatively marginal in later Puranic traditions (b). Vishnu emerged as a principal deity (d). Many Tantric practitioners ignored Vedic authority (c). The Vedas nevertheless continued to be revered as authoritative texts (a). Thus the correct matching is 1-b, 2-d, 3-c, 4-a, making Option D correct.

❓ Why Other Options Are Incorrect

Option A → Incorrectly reverses Agni and Vedas.
Option B → Misidentifies Agni and Tantric practitioners.
Option C → Incorrectly matches Vishnu and Tantric traditions.

🎯 Strategy

Used: Elimination

Application:

Match the most familiar religious associations first.

Final Logic:

Only Option D correctly pairs all four items.

🧠 Memory Trick

Agni–Marginal, Vishnu–Principal, Tantra–Ignore, Vedas–Authority

📚 Class XII – Themes in Indian History Part II – Chapter: Bhakti-Sufi Traditions – Topic: Religious Differences and Puranic Developments

16 Consider the following:
1. Vishnu and Shiva appear in Vedic mantras but lack elaborate mythologies there.
2. The transition from Vedic to Puranic beliefs meant the complete abandonment of the Vedas.
Which is correct?

A Only 1 is correct

B Only 2 is correct

C Both 1 and 2 are correct

D Neither 1 nor 2 is correct

💡 Short Explanation

Vishnu and Shiva existed in Vedic literature. Elaborate mythologies developed later. Vedas continued to be respected.

✅ Correct Answer Explanation

Statement 1 is correct because Vishnu and Shiva are mentioned in Vedic texts but without the elaborate mythologies seen in Puranic traditions. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Vedas continued to be revered even after the rise of Puranic beliefs. Therefore Option A is correct.

❓ Why Other Options Are Incorrect

Option B → Statement 2 is false.
Option C → Both statements are not correct.
Option D → Statement 1 is historically accurate.

🎯 Strategy

Used: Elimination

Application:

Test the validity of each statement separately.

Final Logic:

Statement 1 true; Statement 2 false.

🧠 Memory Trick

Vedic Mention, Puranic Expansion

📚 Class XII – Themes in Indian History Part II – Chapter: Bhakti-Sufi Traditions – Topic: Vedic and Puranic Traditions

17 Tensions between those valuing the Vedic tradition and those engaging in Tantric practices were primarily due to:

A Disputes over temple land ownership

B Disagreement over the language of hagiographies

C Tantric practitioners frequently ignoring the authority of the Vedas and regulated rituals

D Buddhist interference in Hindu matters

💡 Short Explanation

Vedic authority remained important. Tantric practices often challenged orthodoxy. Ritual differences caused tensions.

✅ Correct Answer Explanation

NCERT notes that many Tantric practitioners ignored the authority of the Vedas and moved beyond regulated ritual practices. This often brought them into conflict with those who valued orthodox Vedic traditions. Therefore Option C is correct. The other options are not identified as the primary cause of tension.

❓ Why Other Options Are Incorrect

Option A → Land disputes are not emphasized here.
Option B → Language was not the central issue.
Option D → The conflict centered on ritual authority, not Buddhist interference.

🎯 Strategy

Used: Contextual/Tonal Matching

Application:

Identify the core ideological difference highlighted in NCERT.

Final Logic:

Disagreement over Vedic authority created tension.

🧠 Memory Trick

Tantra vs Veda

📚 Class XII – Themes in Indian History Part II – Chapter: Bhakti-Sufi Traditions – Topic: Religious Conflicts

18 Fill in the blank: Those who valued the Vedic tradition often condemned practices that went beyond the closely regulated contact with the divine through the performance of ________ or precisely chanted mantras.

A temple singing

B local dances

C idol worship

D sacrifices

💡 Short Explanation

Vedic religion emphasized sacrifice. Ritual precision was important. Mantras accompanied sacrificial rites.

✅ Correct Answer Explanation

The Vedic tradition emphasized carefully regulated contact with the divine through sacrifices and precisely recited mantras. Practices that moved beyond these established methods were often criticized by orthodox groups. Therefore Option D is correct. The other options are not the standard Vedic means of ritual communication.

❓ Why Other Options Are Incorrect

Option A → Temple singing was not the primary Vedic ritual.
Option B → Local dances were not central to Vedic worship.
Option C → Idol worship was not the key practice referred to here.

🎯 Strategy

Used: Direct Recall

Application:

Recall the central ritual element of Vedic religion.

Final Logic:

Sacrifices and mantras formed the core of Vedic worship.

🧠 Memory Trick

Veda = Sacrifice + Mantra

📚 Class XII – Themes in Indian History Part II – Chapter: Bhakti-Sufi Traditions – Topic: Vedic Ritual Practices

📄 Passage

"At one level, this indicates the continued and even extended worship of the major deities – Vishnu, Shiva and the goddess – each of whom was visualised in a variety of forms. Historians who have tried to understand these developments suggest that there were at least two processes at work. One was a process of disseminating Brahmanical ideas... At the same time, there was a second process at work – that of the Brahmanas accepting and reworking the beliefs and practices of these and other social categories."

Based on the passage, what dual process led to the emergence of the visible religious landscape?

A Dissemination of Brahmanical ideas and reworking of local beliefs

B Imposition of Islamic laws and Tantric rituals

C Rejection of all Puranic texts and adoption of Vedas

D Eradication of temple worship in favor of abstract meditation

💡 Short Explanation

Brahmanical ideas spread widely. Local traditions were incorporated. Religious synthesis shaped worship.

✅ Correct Answer Explanation

The passage clearly identifies two simultaneous processes: the dissemination of Brahmanical ideas and the acceptance and reworking of local beliefs by Brahmanas. This interaction created the religious landscape described by historians. Therefore Option A is correct. The remaining options are unsupported by the passage.

❓ Why Other Options Are Incorrect

Option B → Islamic laws are unrelated to the passage.
Option C → The passage does not discuss rejection of Puranas.
Option D → Temple worship continued and expanded.

🎯 Strategy

Used: Contextual/Tonal Matching

Application:

Focus on the exact two processes mentioned in the passage.

Final Logic:

Brahmanical dissemination plus local adaptation produced religious synthesis.

🧠 Memory Trick

Spread + Adapt = Religious Landscape

📚 Class XII – Themes in Indian History Part II – Chapter: Bhakti-Sufi Traditions – Topic: Dissemination and Integration of Beliefs

📄 Passage

The visualising of deities in a "variety of forms" by devotees led to which applied temple practice?

A Exclusive use of fire altars for worship

B Creating distinct sculptures and expanding localized temple worship

C Banning of local deity worship

D Conducting rituals strictly in Pali

💡 Short Explanation

Deities appeared in multiple forms. Temples reflected local traditions. Sculptural diversity expanded worship.

✅ Correct Answer Explanation

The visualization of Vishnu, Shiva, and the goddess in numerous forms encouraged the creation of varied images, sculptures, and localized temple traditions. This helped different communities express devotion through distinct representations. Therefore Option B is correct. The other options contradict the broader religious developments described in NCERT.

❓ Why Other Options Are Incorrect

Option A → Worship expanded beyond fire altars.
Option C → Local deity worship was often incorporated, not banned.
Option D → Pali was not the universal ritual language of these traditions.

🎯 Strategy

Used: Contextual/Tonal Matching

Application:

Connect "variety of forms" with visible religious and temple practices.

Final Logic:

Multiple divine forms encouraged diverse temple images and worship traditions.

🧠 Memory Trick

Many Forms → Many Temples

📚 Class XII – Themes in Indian History Part II – Chapter: Bhakti-Sufi Traditions – Topic: Visual Representation of Deities

CUET UG History Booster Test 2 - Religious Beliefs and Practices

Test Complete!

Answer Review