- 1. The Lan Xang Kingdom, often referred to as the Kingdom of a Million Elephants, was a historic kingdom located in the region of present-day Laos. Established in the 14th century by Fa Ngum, who unified various tribal groups and established a centralized government, the kingdom flourished as a powerful entity in Southeast Asia, reaching its zenith during the 16th and 17th centuries. Its strategic location along the Mekong River facilitated trade and cultural exchanges with neighboring kingdoms, leading to significant economic prosperity and the flourishing of Buddhist culture. The kingdom became famous for its impressive architectural achievements, including the construction of magnificent temples such as That Luang in Vientiane, which became a symbol of Laotian identity. Lan Xang also played a pivotal role in the spread of Theravada Buddhism, which deeply influenced the region’s culture, art, and society. Despite facing challenges from neighboring powers like Ayutthaya and Burma, Lan Xang maintained its independence for centuries until it eventually succumbed to internal strife and external pressures, leading to its fragmentation into three smaller kingdoms: Luang Prabang, Vientiane, and Champasak. The legacy of the Lan Xang Kingdom continues to resonate in Laos today, where its historical significance is celebrated as a foundational part of the nation’s heritage and identity.
When was the Lan Xang Kingdom established?
A) 1400
B) 1500
C) 1200
D) 1353
- 2. Who was the founder of the Lan Xang Kingdom?
A) Fa Ngum
B) Setthathirath
C) Khamtai
D) Chakkraphat
- 3. Lan Xang was located mainly in which modern-day country?
A) Thailand
B) Laos
C) Cambodia
D) Vietnam
- 4. Which religion was prominent in the Lan Xang Kingdom?
A) Buddhism
B) Catholicism
C) Islam
D) Hinduism
- 5. What year did Lan Xang split into three separate kingdoms?
A) 1600
B) 1800
C) 1750
D) 1707
- 6. Which culture influenced Lan Xang significantly?
A) Khmer
B) Thai
C) Malay
D) Chinese
- 7. What was the main language spoken in Lan Xang?
A) Chinese
B) Khmer
C) Lao
D) Thai
- 8. What type of government did Lan Xang have?
A) Colonial rule
B) Republic
C) Monarchy
D) Feudal system
- 9. In which century did Lan Xang experience decline?
A) 19th Century
B) 16th Century
C) 18th Century
D) 14th Century
- 10. Which festival is celebrated in Laos that traces its roots back to Lan Xang?
A) Christmas
B) Songkran
C) Diwali
D) Boun Pi Mai (Lao New Year)
- 11. What was the primary royal insignia of Lan Xang?
A) Golden dragon
B) Phoenix
C) Lion
D) Three-headed elephant
- 12. What was the traditional architecture style in Lan Xang?
A) Renaissance
B) Baroque
C) Lao style wats
D) Gothic
- 13. The traditional textile of Lan Xang was made from what material?
A) Linen
B) Silk
C) Cotton
D) Wool
- 14. What was the dominant type of art in Lan Xang?
A) Cubism
B) Pop art
C) Religious art
D) Abstract art
- 15. What was a primary agricultural product of Lan Xang?
A) Barley
B) Corn
C) Rice
D) Oats
- 16. What does 'Lan Xang' mean in English?
A) Kingdom of Gold
B) Land of Peace
C) Million Elephants
D) Land of Rivers
- 17. Which river was crucial to the Lan Xang Kingdom’s economy?
A) Thames River
B) Yangtze River
C) Mekong River
D) Amazon River
- 18. What was a significant trade good for the Lan Xang Kingdom?
A) Gold
B) Spices
C) Elephants
D) Silk
- 19. The city of Luang Prabang was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in what year?
A) 1995
B) 1985
C) 1990
D) 2000
- 20. Lan Xang had strong trade relations with which major empire?
A) Roman Empire
B) Ottoman Empire
C) Ming dynasty
D) Mughal Empire
- 21. The Lan Xang Kingdom was divided into how many principalities in its later years?
A) Five
B) Four
C) Two
D) Three
- 22. Lan Xang was divided into which three principalities?
A) Pakse, Ubon, Khon Kaen
B) Luang Namtha, Xieng Khouang, Attapeu
C) Savanakhet, Nong Khai, Vang Vieng
D) Vientiane, Luang Prabang, Champasak
- 23. The kingdom declined and was eventually annexed by which country?
A) Siam (Thailand)
B) China
C) Vietnam
D) France
- 24. What was the official currency used in the Lan Xang Kingdom?
A) Copper
B) Rice
C) Gold
D) Silver
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