Q. Who founded the four Mathas in the four corners of India?
(a) Shankaracharya
(b) Ramanujacharya
(c) Bhaskaracharya
(d) Madhvacharya
Ans: (a) Shankaracharya
Explanation: The founder of the four Mathas (monastic institutions) in the four corners of India was (a) Shankaracharya. Shankaracharya, also known as Adi Shankara, was an influential philosopher, theologian, and saint who lived during the 8th century CE. He is credited with the establishment of four Mathas in different regions of India to propagate and preserve the Advaita Vedanta philosophy. These Mathas are located in the cities of Sringeri (in the south), Puri (in the east), Dwarka (in the west), and Badrinath (in the north). Each Matha is associated with one of Shankaracharya’s disciples and serves as a center for spiritual and philosophical teachings.