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Introduction
The Bhakti movement emerged during the medieval period in India as a socio-religious movement aimed at purging Hinduism of its evils and protecting it from the spread of Islam. The movement focused on devotion (Bhakti) as a means to achieve salvation and was propagated by various Hindu saints and reformers like Ramananda, Kabir, Sadna, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, Ravidas, and Guru Nanak Dev. The Vaishnava and Shaiva sects of Hinduism particularly adopted this devotional approach. Sufism in Islam also progressed during this period and greatly influenced the lives of people.
Textual traditions regarding religious beliefs are crucial for understanding the history of the Bhakti-Sufi movements. These traditions include contributions from poet-saints who expressed themselves orally in regional languages, with their compositions later compiled by disciples or devotees. However, these sources pose challenges for historians due to their fluid nature and the tendency for later generations to modify or abandon certain ideas.
The Bhakti movement originated in South India and was advocated by Shankaracharya. It gained momentum during the Delhi Sultanate (1206-1526) in response to iconoclastic Muslim preachers who criticised Hinduism and sought to convert Hindus to Islam. In order to defend itself, Hinduism attempted to purge itself of empty rituals, the caste system, and idol worship.
Textual questions and answers
Very Short Answer Type Questions
1. What does Bhakti movement mean?
Answer: The Bhakti movement was a socio-religious movement that aimed to purify Hinduism and save it from the onslaught of Islam.
2. Who were Alvars?
Answer: Alvars were the Tamil poet-saints of South India who devoted themselves to the worship of Vishnu.
3. Who were Nayanars?
Answer: Nayanars were the Tamil poet-saints devoted to the worship of Shiva.
4. Where did the Bhakti movement originate?
Answer: The Bhakti movement originated in South India.
5. What is the meaning of Devotion?
Answer: Devotion refers to a profound dedication or reverence to a deity or god.
Short Answer Type Questions
1. Describe the origin of Bhakti movement.
Answer: The origin of the Bhakti movement can be traced back to the late 7th century CE in the Tamil region of South India. It was initiated by the Alvars (devotees of Vishnu) and Nayanars (devotees of Shiva) who composed devotional hymns in Tamil. This movement later spread to North India and became a significant part of the Indian socio-religious life.
2. How was the Bhakti movement an all-India movement?
Answer: The Bhakti movement was an all-India movement because it transcended regional boundaries and spread across the length and breadth of the country. The movement was initiated in South India by the Alvars and Nayanars and gradually moved to North India. The teachings of saints like Kabir, Guru Nanak, Mirabai, and Chaitanya Mahaprabhu reached various parts of India, promoting the ideals of devotion, love, and equality, thus making it a pan-Indian movement.
3. ‘Kabir was and is to the present a source of inspiration for those who questioned entrenched social institutions and ideas in their search for divine.’ Explain.
Answer: Kabir’s teachings questioned the entrenched social institutions and religious orthodoxy. He criticized the caste system, rituals, and the hypocrisy of both Hindu and Muslim religious leaders. Kabir’s emphasis on a personal devotion to a formless god and his use of the vernacular language made his teachings accessible to the common people. His couplets and songs continue to inspire those who seek to challenge social inequalities and search for a direct connection with the divine.
4. “Sufism evolved as a reaction to the growing materialism of the Caliphate as a religious and political institution.” Elucidate.
Answer: Sufism evolved as a reaction to the growing materialism and formalism of the Caliphate. The Sufis sought a direct and personal experience of God, emphasizing the inner, mystical path over external religious practices and political power. They stressed on love, devotion, and the annihilation of the self to achieve union with the divine, thus providing an alternative to the rigid and materialistic practices of the time.
5. “In the late 12th century, the Chishtis adapted to the local environment and adopted features of Indian devotional traditions.” Explain.
Answer: In the late 12th century, the Chishti Sufi order in India adapted to the local environment by incorporating elements of Indian devotional traditions. They adopted practices such as singing of devotional songs (Sama), which resonated with the local culture. The Chishtis also engaged in acts of charity, service to humanity, and lived simple lives, which endeared them to the local population and helped in the spread of their teachings.
Long Answer Type Questions
1. Describe the salient features of the Bhakti movement.
Answer: During the medieval period, southern as well as northern India witnessed the growth of many socio-religious movements. They aimed at purging Hinduism of its evils and saving it from the onslaught of Islam. A series of Hindu saints and reformers started religious reform movements which adopted the method of devotion (Bhakti) to achieve salvation. The methods of expression of devotion ranged from the routine worship of deities within temples, and singing and chanting of devotional compositions. This was particularly true of the Vaishnava and Shaiva. Thus began the Bhakti movement. The most famous and popular among the reformers were Ramananda, Kabir, Sadna, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, Ravidas, and Guru Nanak Dev. The Bhakti movement greatly influenced the social, religious, cultural, and political life of the people. Like the Bhakti movement, Sufism in Islam also progressed during the medieval period. Sufism also greatly influenced the lives of the people.
2. Describe the effects of Bhakti movement on Indian society during the medieval period of the Indian history.
Answer: The Bhakti Movement was one of the greatest socio-religious reform movements in Indian history. Its influence spread all over India and had far-reaching political, economic, and social effects.
Religious Effects:
- Saved Hinduism: The Bhakti movement saved Hinduism from degeneration. Many evils had crept into Hinduism, making it unpopular. The movement condemned the caste system, untouchability, and wasteful rituals, restoring Hinduism to its ancient glory.
- Lowered the Prestige of the Brahmanas: The Bhakti Movement reduced the importance of the Brahmanas, who emphasized empty rituals and superstitions. The reformers condemned these evils, lowering the Brahmanas’ status.
- Places of Pilgrimage Increased: Many places developed into pilgrimage centres due to the Bhakti movement. Followers established buildings, monasteries, shrines, temples, and gurdwaras, connected with the lives of saints and reformers.
- Setback to Buddhism: The Bhakti movement further weakened Buddhism, which was already declining. It gave great impetus to Hinduism, leading many Buddhists to revert to Hinduism.
- Checked the Propaganda of Islam: The Bhakti movement checked the spread of Islam by adopting some of its tenets, such as the unity of God and condemnation of idol worship and the caste system.
- Emergence of Sikhism: The Bhakti movement led to the birth of Sikhism. Guru Nanak Dev and his successors preached the doctrines of the movement, eventually leading to the establishment of the Khalsa Panth in 1699.
Social and Cultural Impact:
- Improvement in Social Relations between Hindus and Muslims: The Bhakti movement improved social relations between Hindus and Muslims. Reformers preached amity and tolerance, reducing mutual bitterness.
- Broadened People’s Outlook: The movement developed a broad outlook among the people, condemning superstitions and blind faith in rituals. Reformers preached that God blessed those who performed good deeds.
- Promoted the Spirit of Social Service: Bhakti reformers encouraged donations for the welfare of the poor and disabled, creating a spirit of social service among the people.
- Uplifted Lower Classes: Reformers condemned the caste system and untouchability, accepting people of low castes as followers and raising their status and prestige.
- Development of Composite Art: The movement led to the development of Hindu-Muslim art, creating a spirit of religious toleration. Artists from both communities developed a mixed style of architecture.
- Enrichment of Literature: The Bhakti movement enriched literature in various languages, leading to significant progress in Sanskrit, Marathi, Bengali, Gujarati, and Hindi.
Political Effects:
- Influenced the Religious Policy of Akbar: Influenced by the Bhakti reformers, Akbar adopted a policy of religious toleration, abolished Jazia, and gave religious freedom to Hindus.
- Rise of Sikhs and Marathas as Political Powers: The Bhakti movement led to the rise of Sikhs and Marathas as political forces. In Punjab, the movement gave birth to the Sikh religion, while in Maharashtra, it encouraged Shivaji to establish a Hindu kingdom.
3. Describe briefly the ideas of the Chishti and Suhrawardi orders of Sufism.
Answer: The Ideas of the Chishti Order:
- The Chishti order was established in India by Khwaja Muinuddin Chishti, who came to India from Persia in the 12th century.
- The Chishtis believed in the concept of Wahdat-ul-Wujud (Unity of Being), which emphasized the oneness of God and the unity of all creation.
- They practiced extreme asceticism and devotion to God. They led simple and austere lives, often wearing coarse woolen garments (Sufi means “wool”).
- The Chishtis emphasized love and devotion to God as the means to attain union with Him. They believed that music and poetry could be used to express and inspire devotion to God.
- The Chishti saints established khanqahs (Sufi hospices) where they lived, meditated, and taught their disciples. These khanqahs became centers of spiritual learning and social service.
- The Chishtis believed in serving humanity, and they often engaged in feeding and helping the poor and needy. They believed that serving others was a way of serving God.
- The Chishti saints also believed in the importance of seeking guidance from a spiritual mentor (pir or murshid) and the need for a strong bond between the disciple (murid) and the mentor.
The Ideas of the Suhrawardi Order:
- The Suhrawardi order was founded by Sheikh Bahauddin Zakariya in Multan, Punjab, in the 13th century.
- The Suhrawardi order emphasized the importance of Sharia (Islamic law) and the adherence to the external practices of Islam. They believed that following the Sharia was essential for spiritual progress.
- The Suhrawardis believed in the importance of both the external and internal aspects of Islam. They emphasized the need for a balance between outward observance of religious practices and inner spiritual development.
- The Suhrawardi saints believed in the concept of Fana (annihilation of the self) and Baqa (subsistence in God). They taught that the self must be annihilated in order to attain union with God and that true spiritual life begins after this union.
- The Suhrawardis established khanqahs as centers of spiritual learning and practice. These khanqahs were places where disciples could receive spiritual training and guidance.
- The Suhrawardi saints believed in the importance of knowledge and learning. They often engaged in teaching and writing, and they produced a rich body of Sufi literature.
- The Suhrawardis also believed in the importance of serving humanity. They engaged in various forms of social service, such as feeding the poor and helping the needy.
4. Examine the influence of the Sufism on the social, religious and cultural life of the people.
Answer: The influence of Sufism on the social, religious, and cultural life of the people was profound and far-reaching. Sufism, with its emphasis on love, devotion, and the inner spiritual life, had a significant impact on various aspects of society.
Social Influence:
- Sufism promoted social equality and inclusiveness. Sufi saints preached that all human beings were equal in the eyes of God, regardless of their caste, creed, or social status. This message resonated with people from different backgrounds and helped to bridge social divides.
- The khanqahs (Sufi hospices) and dargahs (Sufi shrines) served as centers of social welfare and community service. They provided food, shelter, and medical care to the needy and the destitute, regardless of their religious or social background.
- Sufi saints emphasized the importance of compassion, kindness, and service to humanity. They encouraged their followers to engage in acts of charity and social service, which helped to create a sense of community and social responsibility.
Religious Influence:
- Sufism emphasized the importance of inner spirituality and personal devotion to God. This focus on the inner life helped to deepen the religious experience of individuals and encouraged a more personal and direct relationship with the Divine.
- Sufi teachings and practices often incorporated elements from local religious traditions, leading to a syncretic form of worship that was accessible and appealing to a broad audience. This inclusiveness helped to foster religious tolerance and mutual respect among people of different faiths.
- The Sufi practice of zikr (remembrance of God) and sama (spiritual music and dance) provided new forms of devotional expression that were embraced by people from diverse religious backgrounds. These practices helped to create a sense of unity and shared spiritual experience.
Cultural Influence:
- Sufism had a significant impact on the cultural life of the people, particularly in the areas of literature, music, and art. Sufi poetry, with its themes of divine love and longing for union with God, became a major genre of literary expression. Poets like Rumi, Hafiz, and Amir Khusro made lasting contributions to the literary heritage of the Islamic world.
- Sufi music, especially the qawwali tradition, became an important part of the cultural life of the Indian subcontinent. Qawwali performances, with their powerful and emotive renditions of devotional poetry, attracted large audiences and became a popular form of spiritual and cultural expression.
- Sufi architecture, with its distinctive styles and features, contributed to the development of Islamic art and architecture. The construction of khanqahs, dargahs, and mosques patronized by Sufi saints and their followers left a lasting legacy on the architectural landscape of the region.
5. Examine how and why rulers tried to establish connections with the traditions of the Nayanars and the Sufis.
Answer: During the medieval period, rulers tried to establish connections with the traditions of the Nayanars and the Sufis for several reasons:
Connections with the Nayanars:
- The Nayanars were a group of Tamil saint-poets who were devoted to the worship of Lord Shiva. Their hymns and devotional songs were widely popular among the masses in South India.
- Rulers sought to establish connections with the Nayanars to gain legitimacy and acceptance among their subjects. By associating themselves with the popular religious traditions of the Nayanars, rulers could strengthen their authority and rule.
- The rulers built temples and patronized the construction of shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva, which were often associated with the Nayanar saints. This patronage helped to promote the rulers’ image as devout and pious leaders.
- The rulers also supported the composition and compilation of Nayanar hymns and devotional literature. This patronage helped to preserve and disseminate the religious traditions of the Nayanars.
- By aligning themselves with the Nayanar tradition, rulers could also promote social cohesion and unity among their subjects. The Nayanar tradition emphasized devotion to Lord Shiva and the importance of bhakti (devotion), which resonated with the religious sentiments of the people.
Connections with the Sufis:
- Sufism was a mystical Islamic tradition that emphasized love, devotion, and the inner spiritual life. Sufi saints and their teachings were widely respected and revered by people from all walks of life.
- Rulers sought to establish connections with the Sufis to gain spiritual legitimacy and moral authority. By associating themselves with respected Sufi saints, rulers could enhance their image as just and righteous leaders.
- The rulers patronized the construction of Sufi khanqahs (hospices) and dargahs (shrines) where Sufi saints lived and were buried. These sites became centers of pilgrimage and spiritual learning, attracting large numbers of devotees.
- The rulers also sought the blessings and spiritual guidance of Sufi saints. It was believed that the prayers and blessings of Sufi saints could bring prosperity and success to the rulers and their kingdoms.
- By supporting Sufi institutions and traditions, rulers could also promote social harmony and cohesion. Sufism emphasized the universal values of love, compassion, and tolerance, which resonated with people of different religious and cultural backgrounds.
Multiple Choice Questions
1. Sufism is the coined word of the 19th century of:
A. Arabic
B. Persian
C. English
D. Urdu
Answer: C. English
2. Match the right pairs and select the right option.
| Saints 1. Ravidas 2. Kabir 3. Dhanna 4. Sena 5. Pipa | Caste i. Jat ii. Rajput iii. Barber iv. Cobbler v. Weaver |
A. 1-(iv), 2-(v), 3-(i), 4-(iii), 5-(ii)
B. 1-(iii), 2-(ii), 3-(iv), 4-(v), 5-(i)
C. 1-(i), 2-(iii), 3-(iv), 4-(v), 5-(ii)
D. 1-(v), 2-(iii), 3-(ii), 4-(i), 5-(iv)
Answer: A. 1-(iv), 2-(v), 3-(i), 4-(iii), 5-(ii)
3. State which of the following statements is incorrect?
A. Kabir was unique among the saint poets that emerged in the 14th-15th century.
B. Guru Nanak was born in a Hindu family of traders.
C. Mirabai is a famous poetess of the Bhakti Tradition.
D. Shankardev Shaiv emerged in the 14th-15th century in Gujarat for the spread of religion.
Answer: D. Shankardev Shaiv emerged in the 14th-15th century in Gujarat for the spread of religion.
4. Khwaja Muinuddin’s dargah is known as –
A. Garib Nawaz
B. Garib Khana
C. Shah Nawaz
D. Nawaz dargah
Answer: A. Garib Nawaz
5. Which Mughal Emperor went to Khwaja Muinuddin’s durbar 14 times?
A. Babur
B. Humayun
C. Akbar
D. Shah Jahan
Answer: C. Akbar
Competency-Based Questions
Multiple Choice Questions
1. Given below are the places in which the Bhakti movement originated and spread across the country. Arrange them in the correct chronological order.
(i) Assam
(ii) Karnataka
(iii) Tamil Nadu
(iv) Maharashtra
Options:
(a) (i), (iv), (iii), (ii)
(b) (ii), (iii), (i), (iv)
(c) (iii), (ii), (iv), (i)
(d) (iv), (i), (ii), (iii)
Answer: (c) (iii), (ii), (iv), (i)
2. Find out the correct chronological order of ‘the Chishti Silsila’ from the following options:
I. Shaikh Nizamuddin Auliya
II. Shaikh Fariduddin Ganj – Shakar
III. Shaikh Nasiruddin Chiragh-i Delhi
IV. Shaikh Muinuddin Sijzi
Options:
(a) I, II, III and IV
(b) II, III, IV and I
(c) III, II, I and IV
(d) IV, II, I and III
Answer: (d) IV, II, I and III
3. Identify and name the preceptor or Guru of the Sikh community whose works and contributions are given below:
I. He laid the foundation of the Khalsa Panth.
II. He bestowed the Sikhs with five distinct symbols.
III. He consolidated the community as a socio-religious and military force.
IV. He compiled the compositions of the ninth guru, Guru Tegh Bahadur in Guru Granth Sahib.
Options:
(a) Guru Arjan Dev
(b) Guru Gobind Singh
(c) Guru Angad
(d) Guru Teg Bahadur
Answer: (b) Guru Gobind Singh
4. Read the following statements regarding Kabir and select the appropriate option:
I. Kabir was a nirguna saint.
II. He believed in formless supreme God.
III. He wanted to remove the differences based on caste and religion.
IV. He condemned the superstitious cults and ritualism.
Options:
(a) I and II
(b) I, II and III
(c) I, II, III and IV
(d) II and IV
Answer: (c) I, II, III and IV
5. Arrange the following in chronological order and select the correct option from the given options:
(i) Guru Gobind Singh
(ii) Guru Arjan Dev
(iii) Guru Har Krishan Dev
(iv) Guru Nanak Dev
Options:
(a) (i), (iv), (iii), (ii)
(b) (ii), (iii), (iv), (i)
(c) (iii), (i), (ii), (iv)
(d) (iv), (ii), (iii), (i)
Answer: (d) (iv), (ii), (iii), (i)
Case-based Questions
1. Read the following passage and give answers to the questions:
A visitor from Deccan in the 18th century in his book Muraqqa-i-Delhi writes about the shrine of Nasiruddin Chirag-i-Delhi.
Each Sufi shrine was associated with some distinctive features. Dargah Quli Khan, a visitor from the Deccan, wrote about the shrine of Nasiruddin Chiragh-i-Delhi in his Muraqqa-i-Delhi (Album of Delhi) in the 18th century: “The Shaikh (in the grave) is not the lamp of Delhi but of the entire country. People turn up there in crowds, particularly on Sunday. In the month of Diwali, the entire population of Delhi visits it and stays in tents around the spring tank for days. They take baths to obtain cures from chronic diseases. Muslims and Hindus pay visits in the same spirit. From morning till evening, people come and also make themselves busy in merry-making in the shade of the trees.”
1. How and when did the people pay homage to Nasiruddin Chiragh-i-Delhi Shrine?
Answer: People turn up there in crowds, particularly on Sunday. In the month of Diwali, the entire population of Delhi visits it and stays in tents around the spring tank for days.
2. Why did the people take bath in the spring tank?
Answer: They take baths to obtain cures from chronic diseases.
3. When and where did the people make them busy in merry-making?
Answer: From morning till evening, people come and also make themselves busy in merry-making in the shade of the trees.
2. Read the following case carefully and answer the following questions:
In the late fifteenth century, Shankaradeva emerged as one of the leading proponents of Vaishnavism in Assam. His teachings, often known as the Bhagavati dharma because they were based on the Bhagavad Gita and the Bhagavata Purana, focused on absolute surrender to the supreme deity, in this case Vishnu. He emphasised the need for naam kirtan, recitation of the names of the lord in sat sanga or congregations of pious devotees. He also encouraged the establishment of satra or monasteries for the transmission of spiritual knowledge, and naam ghar or prayer halls. Many of these institutions and practices continue to flourish in the region. His major compositions include the Kirtana-ghosha.
(i) Shankaradeva became a proponent of:
(a) Sufism
(b) Vaishnavism
(c) Buddhism
(d) Jainism
Answer: (b) Vaishnavism
(ii) Which of the following were features of Bhagvati dharma?
(a) Naam kirtan
(b) Devotion of Vishnu
(c) Transmission of spiritual knowledge
(d) All of the Above
Answer: (d) All of the Above
(iii) What was the major contributions of Shankaradeva?
(a) Kirtana-Ghosha
(b) Establishment of Satra
(c) Formation of Char Dhams
(d) Both (a) and (b)
Answer: (d) Both (a) and (b)
(iv) The teaching in Bhagavati Dharma were based on:
(a) Bhagvata Purana
(b) Bhagvata Gita
(c) Both (a) and (b)
(d) Neither (a) nor (b)
Answer: (c) Both (a) and (b)
Extra/additional questions and answers
1. What was the aim of the socio-religious movements during the Medieval period in India?
Answer: The aim of the socio-religious movements during the Medieval period in India was to purge Hinduism of its evils and save it from the onslaught of Islam.
36. How did Sufism become an all-India movement?
Answer: Sufism became an all-India movement as it spread all over India, including the Deccan during the reign of Muhammad-bin-Tughlaq. The Sufis used similar methods to those of early Christian missionaries, employing the local language to propagate their ideas and establishing Khanqahs to maintain contact with people. Their work was not limited to Muslims; they sought to spread Islam among Hindus, particularly those of the lower castes. In some Muslim sections, they were more popular than the Mullas, leading to the Sultans granting rent-free lands to the Khanqahs and their Shaikhs.
Extra/additional MCQs
1. What did the socio-religious movements aim to achieve during the Medieval period in India?
A. Purify Hinduism B. Spread Christianity C. Promote Sufism D. Save Hinduism from Islam
Answer: D. Save Hinduism from Islam
79. The shrine of which Sufi saint is located in Ajmer?
A. Shaikh Farid B. Shaikh Salim Chishti C. Shaikh Nizamuddin Auliya D. Shaikh Muinuddin Chishti
Answer: D. Shaikh Muinuddin Chishti
Ron’e Dutta is a journalist, teacher, aspiring novelist, and blogger. He manages Online Free Notes and reads Victorian literature. His favourite book is Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte and he hopes to travel the world. Get in touch with him by sending him a friend request.
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