Test Your Knowledge: 20 MCQs on Marriage Types, Sacrament, and Contract with Answers

Master the concept of marriage with these 20 MCQs covering its types, sacramental nature, and legal contractual aspects. Includes answers and detailed explanations.

1. Which of the following best defines marriage?
A) A temporary social agreement
B) A legally and socially recognized union
C) A financial contract between families
D) A casual relationship
Answer: B
Explanation: Marriage is recognized as a legal and social institution that establishes rights and obligations between individuals, their families, and society.

2. What is monogamy?
A) Marriage between one man and multiple women
B) Marriage between one woman and multiple men
C) Marriage between two individuals
D) Group marriage involving multiple partners
Answer: C
Explanation: Monogamy refers to a marriage in which one individual has only one spouse at a time.

3. Polygyny refers to:
A) A marriage between one man and multiple women
B) A marriage between one woman and multiple men
C) Marriage within one's social group
D) Marriage outside one's social group
Answer: A
Explanation: Polygyny is a form of polygamy where a man has more than one wife.

4. Which form of marriage is characterized by one woman having multiple husbands?
A) Polygamy
B) Monogamy
C) Polyandry
D) Exogamy
Answer: C
Explanation: Polyandry is a type of marriage where a woman has more than one husband.

5. Endogamy refers to marriage:
A) Within the same social, religious, or cultural group
B) Outside one's social or cultural group
C) Between one man and multiple women
D) Between one woman and multiple men
Answer: A
Explanation: Endogamy involves individuals marrying within their specific group, preserving cultural or social boundaries.

6. Exogamy is best defined as:
A) Marriage between close relatives
B) Marriage outside one's social or cultural group
C) A sacred union blessed by religion
D) A temporary marital contract
Answer: B
Explanation: Exogamy requires individuals to marry outside their social, cultural, or ethnic groups.

7. In Hinduism, marriage is traditionally regarded as:
A) A contract
B) A sacrament
C) A financial transaction
D) A temporary arrangement
Answer: B
Explanation: In Hinduism, marriage is seen as a sacred bond or sacrament that unites two individuals spiritually and socially.

8. Which type of marriage involves two or more individuals of opposite genders marrying simultaneously?
A) Monogamy
B) Polygamy
C) Group marriage
D) Endogamy
Answer: C
Explanation: Group marriage involves multiple individuals marrying each other simultaneously, forming a collective marital relationship.

9. What distinguishes marriage as a sacrament from marriage as a contract?
A) Sacrament is legally binding, while a contract is not
B) A sacrament involves religious rituals, while a contract is legally enforceable
C) A contract is for religious purposes, while a sacrament is temporary
D) A sacrament is financial, while a contract is cultural
Answer: B
Explanation: Marriage as a sacrament is rooted in religious beliefs and rituals, while a contract focuses on legal enforceability.

10. Which religion prominently views marriage as a sacred sacrament?
A) Islam
B) Christianity
C) Buddhism
D) Secularism
Answer: B
Explanation: Christianity regards marriage as a sacrament, emphasizing its spiritual and divine nature.

11. In Islamic tradition, marriage is primarily considered:
A) A sacrament
B) A contract
C) A spiritual practice
D) A casual agreement
Answer: B
Explanation: In Islam, marriage is treated as a civil contract with clear rights and responsibilities for both partners.

12. Which of the following is NOT a type of marriage?
A) Polygyny
B) Polyandry
C) Monogamy
D) Patriarchy
Answer: D
Explanation: Patriarchy is a social system, not a type of marriage.

13. The legal aspect of marriage as a contract ensures:
A) Religious sanctity of the union
B) Mutual rights and obligations between spouses
C) Financial independence of both parties
D) Temporary arrangements for cohabitation
Answer: B
Explanation: Marriage as a contract involves legally binding rights and responsibilities for both partners.

14. In which type of marriage do individuals marry outside their own kin or social group?
A) Exogamy
B) Endogamy
C) Polygyny
D) Monogamy
Answer: A
Explanation: Exogamy promotes diversity by encouraging individuals to marry outside their social or cultural group.

15. What does dowry traditionally signify in certain marriage customs?
A) A financial burden on the groom
B) A gift or payment from the bride's family to the groom's family
C) A token of love between the couple
D) An agreement to annul the marriage
Answer: B
Explanation: In certain traditions, dowry refers to the transfer of money, property, or gifts from the bride’s family to the groom’s family.

16. Marriage as a contract is primarily recognized in:
A) Secular societies
B) Religious communities
C) Matriarchal systems
D) Caste-based societies
Answer: A
Explanation: Secular societies emphasize the legal and contractual aspects of marriage, separating it from religious practices.

17. Which type of marriage often aims to maintain cultural or caste purity?
A) Exogamy
B) Endogamy
C) Polygamy
D) Polyandry
Answer: B
Explanation: Endogamy is often practiced to preserve cultural or caste integrity within a group.

18. What is the key characteristic of polygamy?
A) Multiple partners in marriage
B) Single spouse in a marriage
C) Temporary cohabitation agreements
D) Marriage within close kin
Answer: A
Explanation: Polygamy involves one individual being married to multiple partners at the same time.

19. Marriage as a sacrament focuses on:
A) Legal enforceability
B) Spiritual and social sanctity
C) Financial independence of spouses
D) Temporary social obligations
Answer: B
Explanation: Marriage as a sacrament emphasizes its spiritual and social dimensions, often rooted in religious traditions.

20. The Hindu marriage ritual "Saptapadi" refers to:
A) The exchange of garlands
B) The seven vows taken around a sacred fire
C) Signing of a marriage contract
D) Blessings from elders
Answer: B

Explanation: Saptapadi refers to the seven vows taken by the couple while walking around the sacred fire, symbolizing their commitment.