Question

Many of the modest brick and terracotta temples in _______________ were built with the support of several low social groups, such as the Kolus and Kansaris.
A. Bihar
B. Odisha
C. Bengal
D. Uttar Pradesh

Answer 1

Hint: In the sixteenth century, people began migrating from the fertile west of Bengal to the forested, sparsely populated south-eastern parts of Bengal. On their way east, they cleared the forests and began farming there. They sowed rice there. In time, local communities of transforming fishers and farmers, often tribes, merged with the new farming community.

Complete answer:
The impetus for temple construction, which began in the late 15th century in Bengal, ended in the 19th century. Temples and other religious structures, as mentioned in previous chapters, were built by powerful individuals and groups to demonstrate their power and proclaim devotion. Many 'low' 'community groups in Bengal, such as the Kolu (oil press) and Cancer (metalworkers) have helped to build many temples with bricks and terracotta. Many families in these social groups are taking advantage of the new economic opportunities created by incoming European trading companies. They have proclaimed their improved social and economic status through the construction of temples. Local gods, once worshiped in thatched-roof cottages in the valleys, were erected as statues in temples when they received Brahmins. The temples began by copying the roof styles of these roofs (dochala) or four-dimensional (chauchala) roofs. This led to the construction of buildings in the Bengali style. Many humble brick temples and plains in Bengal were built with the support of the lower classes, such as the Kolu (oil press) and Cancer (steel). With the advent of European trading companies, their social and economic conditions improved. As their social and economic status improved, they proclaimed their status with the construction of temples.

Hence, the correct answer is option (c).

Note:The emigration coincided with the establishment of the Mughal regime over Bengal with its capital in the central delta east of Dhaka. Officials and workers acquired land. They often set up mosques that served as centers of religious change for the local people.