Composite Culture : The Sufi and Bhakti Movements

The Alvars were saint-poets devoted to which deity?

1. Vishnu
2. Brahma
3. Krishna

Answer

Vishnu

The famous Durgah of Muinuddin Chishti is located at

1. Delhi
2. Ajmer
3. Bhopal
4. Fatehpur Sikri

Answer

Ajmer

Choose the wrong pair.

1. Muinuddin Chishti: Ajmer
2. Nasiruddin Chirag: Delhi
3. Salim Chishti: Sikri
4. Nizamuddin Auliya: Patan

Answer

Nizamuddin Auliya: Patan

Which of the following statements regarding Kabir is wrong?

1. He was born at Banaras
2. He was a doctor by profession
3. He was the chief disciple of Ramananda
4. He was against religious hypocrisy and emphasised on good conduct.

Answer

He was a doctor by profession

Who was the most famous disciple of Ramanand?

1. Kabir
2. Chaitanya
3. Namdeva
4. Jnaneswar

Answer

Kabir

Which statements are true about Bhakti cult?

(i) It removed bitterness.
(ii) It checked the spread of conversion.
(iii) It had no impact on Indian rulers.
(iv) It gave rise to vernacular literature.

1. Only (i) & (ii)
2. Only (i) & (iii)
3. Only (i), (ii), & (iv)
4. Only (ii), (iii) & (iv)

Answer

Only (i), (ii), & (iv)

Who was Francis Xaveir?

1. Spanish preacher
2. Portugese sailor
3. Persian preacher
4. None of these

Answer

Spanish preacher

'Mira Bai was a great Bhakti saint of Rajasthan'. Which of the following statements correctly describes the same?

1. She belonged to a princely house of Rajasthan
2. She was a Bhakti saint of Rajasthan and a great devotee of Lord Krishna who preached in local dialect wandering from one place to another
3. She taught social equality
4. She was a princess

Answer

She was a Bhakti saint of Rajasthan and a great devotee of Lord Krishna who preached in local dialect wandering from one place to another

Read the two statements given below about the Renaissance and select the option that shows the correct relationship between (A) and (B):

(A) The Bhakti Movement encouraged the use of vernacular languages instead of Sanskrit.

(B) Bhakti saints composed poetry and religious texts in languages like Awadhi, Brajbhasha, and Marathi to make spirituality accessible to the masses.

1. (B) contradicts (A)
2. (B) is the reason for (A)
3. (A) is true but (B) is false
4. (A) and (B) are independent of each other

Answer

(B) is the reason for (A)

Which of the following statements is incorrect regarding the given image?

1. He was born at Apagaon in Maharashtra
2. He condemned caste system, idol worship and religious rituals
3. His patron deity was Krishna
4. His followers are called Varkaris

Answer

His patron deity was Krishna

Which period marked the rise of Indo-Islamic culture?

Answer

The establishment of the Delhi Sultanate in the 13th century marked a transformative period in India's cultural history, giving rise to Indo-Islamic culture

Who was allowed to build St. Francis Church in 1506?

Answer

The Portuguese that came to India in the sixteenth century were allowed to build St. Francis Church in 1506.

Hazrat Nizamuddin was a Sufi saint from which order?

Answer

Hazrat Nizamuddin was a Sufi saint of Chishti order.

What is the primary teaching of the Bhakti Movement?

Answer

The primary teaching of the Bhakti Movement is devotion (bhakti) to God, emphasizing a personal, direct relationship with the divine.

Name any two writers influenced by Sufi philosophy.

Answer

Two writers influenced by Sufi philosophy are Amir Khusrau and Nasiruddin Chirag Delhavi.

Who were the Nayanars, and whom did they worship?

Answer

The Nayanars were saint-poets devoted to Shiva. They composed and sang hymns in praise of Shiva during the early stages of the Bhakti Movement in South India.

Read the following excerpt and answer the questions that follow:

"Sufism, Mystical movement within Islam that seeks to find divine love and knowledge through direct personal experience of God. It consists of a variety of mystical paths that are designed to ascertain the nature of mankind and God and to facilitate the experience of divine love and wisdom in the world."

(Source: https://www.britannica.com/summary/Sufism)

(a) Where did Sufism originate, and how did it spread to India?

(b) What does Sufism regard as necessary for gaining the knowledge of God?

Answer

(a) Sufism was a reform movement of Islam, which actually started in Persia and later on penetrated into India.

(b) Sufism regards direct personal experience of God, inner purity, self-discipline, and free thinking as necessary for gaining the knowledge of God.

What architectural style is evident in the dargah complex of Ajmer Sharif?

Answer

The architectural style evident in the Dargah complex of Ajmer Sharif is a blend of Indo-Persian and Mughal architectural styles.

Discuss Mirabai's devotion to Lord Krishna and its impact on the Bhakti Movement.

Answer

Mirabai preached the value of devotion to Krishna whereby one can get salvation from the endless circles of death and birth. Her devotional songs remain very popular among the masses, and her simple yet powerful lyrics played a significant role in spreading the Bhakti movement and challenging social norms, especially regarding women's role in society.

Compare the core beliefs of Bhakti saints and Sufi mystics.

Answer

The core beliefs of Bhakti saints and Sufi mystics are given below:

Why is the Bhakti Movement considered a turning point in medieval Indian history?

Answer

The Bhakti Movement was a turning point in medieval Indian history because it challenged religious orthodoxy, rejected caste discrimination, and promoted equality and personal devotion to God. It simplified religion by opposing rituals and encouraging righteous living. By using local languages, Bhakti saints made spiritual ideas accessible to the common people. The movement also fostered unity across regions and inspired future reform movements

What role did the St. Francis Xavier play in spreading Christianity in India?

Answer

St. Francis Xavier played a significant role in spreading Christianity in India by traveling extensively, preaching the Christian religion, and converting many people. Despite facing numerous difficulties, he remained determined and successfully reached a wide area, impacting regions that no other Christian preacher had been able to. His apostolic zeal, coupled with the miracles attributed to him, helped in the rapid spread of Christianity.

Describe the factors responsible for the rise of composite culture.

Answer

The factors responsible for the rise of composite culture are:

1. Alvars and Nayanars: The Bhakti Movement began in Tamil Nadu (7th-12th centuries) with the Alvars (devoted to Vishnu) and Nayanars (devoted to Shiva). These saint-poets traveled, composing emotional hymns of love, devotion, and surrender, challenging priestly authority and ritualism. The movement later spread northward.
2. Reaction Against Orthodox Ritualism: The complexity and rigidity of religious rituals, along with Brahmanical dominance, created a demand for a more accessible, emotionally fulfilling spiritual path.
3. Decline of Buddhism and Jainism: The decline of Buddhism due to internal weaknesses and invasions, along with the waning influence of Jainism, created a religious vacuum that allowed the Bhakti Movement to rise as an alternative spiritual path.
4. Socio-Political Conditions: Turkish invasions and non-Hindu rule in the north led to social turmoil, prompting people to seek solace in a more personal form of worship.
5. Influence of Sufi Mysticism: Sufism's emphasis on love and personal union with God deeply influenced the Bhakti Movement, promoting a similar devotional approach within Hinduism.
6. Sankaracharya and his Teachings: Sankaracharya (788-820 CE) revived Hinduism by reinterpreting the Upanishads, emphasizing knowledge as the path to salvation, and laying the foundation for Bhakti culture.
7. Rigidity of the Caste System: The Bhakti reformers attracted the lower castes, offering an egalitarian approach that welcomed all people, regardless of caste or wealth, into the path of devotion.

How did the Bhakti Movement challenge the existing socio-religious order and contribute to building a more inclusive society?

Answer

The Bhakti Movement challenged the existing socio-religious order by rejecting the rigid caste system, priestly authority, and orthodox rituals. It promoted the idea that devotion to God was accessible to all, regardless of caste, creed, or social status. Bhakti saints emphasized personal devotion and emotional connection to God over ceremonial rituals, which undermined the Brahmanical control over religious practices.

By preaching love, equality, and surrender to God, the movement attracted lower castes and marginalized groups who were otherwise excluded from mainstream religious practices. This approach helped build a more inclusive society by advocating that divinity was open to everyone, irrespective of their social or economic background.

With reference to the picture given below answer the following questions.

(a) How does Kabir's early life reflect the unique circumstances that shaped his teachings?

(b) How do Kabir's dohas continue to inspire people in modern society?

(c) How did Kabir criticise image worship through his teachings?

Answer

(a) Kabir's early life, marked by uncertainty and unique circumstances, significantly shaped his teachings. His birth story of being the child of a Hindu widow or possibly a Muslim, suggests a blending of both Hindu and Muslim influences. Raised by Niru, a Muslim weaver, Kabir was exposed to both religious traditions from an early age. This diversity likely contributed to his later teachings of religious tolerance and the belief that both Hindus and Muslims are essentially the same, as they are “pots of the same clay.” Kabir's upbringing in such a diverse environment, combined with his own spiritual experiences, made him particularly sensitive to the futility of external rituals and religious divisions, which he later challenged through his dohas.

(b) Kabir's dohas continue to inspire people today by addressing timeless themes of inner purity, sincerity, and devotion to God. His criticism of external rituals, such as bathing in the Ganges or undertaking pilgrimages, resonates in modern society, where many still place importance on outward practices rather than internal devotion. His rejection of caste distinctions and the hypocrisy he saw in both religious groups, i.e. Brahmins and Maulvis, appeals to modern values of equality and spiritual integrity. Kabir's call for direct, personal devotion to God, free from ritualistic barriers, is especially relevant in today’s world where there is often a desire to transcend societal and religious divisions.

(c) Kabir criticized image worship by emphasizing that such external practices are meaningless without inner purity and sincere devotion. He believed that rituals like idol worship were of no spiritual value if the person lacked true devotion and moral integrity. Kabir's teachings pointed to the futility of focusing on physical representations of God, such as idols or images, and instead advocated for a deeper, personal connection with the divine through Bhakti (devotion) and inner transformation.

With reference to significance of Bhakti Movements, Christian Missionaries and Sufism, answer the following questions:

(a) Elaborate on the missionary work of St. Francis Xavier in Goa and its long-term effects on Indian society.

(b) Compare and contrast the Bhakti and Sufi movements in terms of their approach to spirituality.

Answer

(a) St. Francis Xavier's missionary work in Goa, from 1542, had a lasting impact on the region. He faced numerous challenges but tirelessly preached Christianity, converting many people. His efforts played a key role in establishing Christianity in Goa, which became a strong Christian center. The long-term effects include the foundation of Christian communities, churches, and educational institutions in Goa. His preserved body in the Bom Jesus Church symbolizes his enduring influence, and his canonization further cemented his legacy as a significant missionary in the region.

(b) Comparison between the Bhakti and Sufi movements in terms of their approach to spirituality:

Sufi Movement —

1. The Sufi movement emphasized love and devotion to God as the path to spiritual enlightenment, with a belief that all human beings are God's children. It stressed the importance of good deeds over external rituals, and that inner purity and self-discipline are key to connecting with the divine.
2. Sufism rejected caste distinctions, colour, and creed, promoting the equality of all human beings. It also emphasized free thinking as essential for spiritual growth and believed that all religions were good, as they aim at attaining God's love.
3. The spiritual journey was a key theme in Sufism, with the soul striving for union with the divine.

Bhakti Movement —

1. The Bhakti movement, like Sufism, emphasized devotion to one God, primarily focusing on personal love and devotion. Devotees believed that through true devotion, salvation could be attained.
2. The movement denounced caste distinctions and promoted equality and the brotherhood of mankind. Bhakti also stressed the need for a true Guru for spiritual guidance and emphasized the worship of deities like Rama and Krishna.
3. The Bhakti saints, similar to Sufis, advocated for a direct relationship with the divine, emphasizing personal experience over rituals.

Read the following excerpt and answer the questions that follow:

"Jnaneswar (1275-1296) was the pioneer bhakti saint of Maharashtra. He wrote an extensive commentary on the Bhagavad Gita popularly called Jnanesvari. This was one of the earliest works of Marathi literature and served as the foundation of bhakti, ideology in Maharashtra. He was the author of many hymns called abhangs."

(Source: https://egyankosh.ac.in/bitstream/123456789/20200/1/Unit-29.pdf)

(a) Which social issues did Jnaneswar address in his teachings?

(b) What themes are commonly found in Jnaneswar's Abhangas, and how did they resonate with the masses?

(c) In what ways did Jnaneswar's emphasis on purity of heart align with the principles of the Bhakti Movement?

Answer

(a) The social issues that Jnaneswar addressed in his teachings are — the caste system, idol worship, and religious rituals. He emphasised true love and devotion to God through purity of heart and righteous conduct in his teachings.

(b) In his Abhangas, Jnaneswar focused on devotion to God and spiritual insights. His hymns emphasized virtuous living, helping others, and constant remembrance of God. His focus on pure devotion and righteous conduct connected well with the everyday lives of his followers.

(c) Jnaneswar's focus on purity of heart fits perfectly with the Bhakti Movement, which emphasized sincere devotion to God over rituals or ceremonies. Like other Bhakti saints, Jnaneswar taught that true devotion comes from having a pure heart and living righteously. This focus on inner purity, rather than outward religious practices, aligns with the Bhakti belief of personal love and connection with God.