'Religion during the medieval period of Indian history was characterised by a combination of supreme devotion to God and a liberal approach.' Analyse this statement in the light of your understanding of the chapter.

The statement is justified, as the Bhakti and Sufi movements of the medieval period combined intense personal devotion to God with a liberal and reformist outlook.

On the one hand, supreme devotion to God was central. The term 'bhakti' itself denoted passionate love or devotion to God, and the Sufis laid emphasis on love and devotion to God as the Supreme Reality. Saints expressed this devotion through devotional music, dohas, kirtans and qawwalis.

On the other hand, the period reflected a liberal approach. The saints opposed the caste system, untouchability and idol worship, condemned complex and expensive rituals, and respected all religions. They used vernacular languages so that common people could understand their message, raised the position of women, and emphasised the equality and brotherhood of all human beings. For example, Kabir worshipped one formless God and rejected caste and ritualism, Guru Nanak promoted equality through the guru ka langar, and the Sufis showed respect for all faiths and kindness towards all.

Thus, religion during the medieval period indeed combined supreme devotion to God with a liberal, inclusive and reformist approach.