Practicing Success
Read the passage and answer the question: The developments that followed the coming of Islam were not confined to ruling elites; in fact, they permeated far and wide, through the subcontinent, amongst different social strata – peasants, artisans, warriors, and merchants, to name a few. All those who adopted Islam accepted, in principle, the five “pillars” of Islam. However, the universal features were often overlaid with diversities in practice derived from sectarian affiliations (Sunni, Shi‘a), and the influence of local customary practices of converts from different social milieus. The complex blend of a universal faith with local traditions is perhaps best exemplified in the architecture of mosques. Some architectural features of mosques are universal. However, there are several features that show variations. |
Which of the following terms was used for Greek migrants? |
Shakas Turushka Yavanas None of the above. |
Yavanas |
The correct answer is Option 3 - Yavanas We often take the terms Hindu and Muslim for granted, as labels for religious communities. Yet, these terms did not gain currency for a very long time. Historians who have studied Sanskrit texts and inscriptions dating between the eighth and fourteenth centuries point out that the term musalman or Muslim was virtually never used. Instead, people were occasionally identified in terms of the region from which they came. So, the Turkish rulers were designated as Turushka, Tajika were people from Tajikistan and Parashika were people from Persia. Sometimes, terms used for other peoples were applied to the new migrants. For instance, the Turks and Afghans were referred to as Shakas and Yavanas (a term used for Greeks). |