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?

(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.