Which one of the following statements is not correct regarding ‘Shank…

The correct answer is Option (2) → He did not emphasize on the need for naam-kirtan

Option (1) He was the leading proponent of Vaishnavism in Assam — A correct statement (not the answer). In the late fifteenth century he emerged as one of the leading proponents of Vaishnavism in Assam. His teachings, the Bhagavati dharma, were based on the Bhagavad Gita and the Bhagavata Purana and asked for complete surrender to Vishnu.

Option (2) He did not emphasize on the need for naam-kirtan — Incorrect statement (the answer). It is the other way round: Shankaradeva emphasised the need for naam kirtan, the recitation of the names of the lord in sat sanga, congregations of pious devotees. The word ‘not’ turns his central practice into its opposite.

Option (3) His major compositions include Kirtana-ghosha — A correct statement (not the answer). The Kirtana-ghosha is named as one of his major compositions.

Option (4) He encouraged the establishment of satra or monasteries for the transmission of spiritual knowledge — A correct statement (not the answer). He encouraged satra or monasteries for passing on spiritual knowledge, and naam ghar or prayer halls. Many of these institutions still flourish in Assam.