Intense devotional or love of God is the inheritance of different types of Bhakti and Sufi movements that have developed since the 8th Century. Before the emergence of large kingdoms, various groups of people worshipped their own gods and goddesses. However, with the development of towns, trade and empires, people were brought together, and new ideas began to develop.
1. Match the following:
| The Buddha | Namghar |
| Shankaradeva | Worship of Vishnu |
| Nizamuddin Auliya | Questioned social differences |
| Nayanars | Sufi saint |
| Alvars | Worship of Shiva |
Answer:
| The Buddha | Questioned social differences |
| Shankaradeva | Namghar |
| Nizamuddin Auliya | Sufi saint |
| Nayanars | Worship of Shiva |
| Alvars | Worship of Vishnu |
2. Fill in the blanks:
(a) Shankara was an advocate of ————-.
(b) Ramanuja was influenced by the —————.
(c) ————, ———— and ———— were advocates of Virashaivism.
(d) ———————— was an important centre of the Bhakti tradition in Maharashtra.
Answer: (a) Shankara was an advocate of Advaita.
(b) Ramanuja was influenced by the Alvars.
(c) Basavanna, Allama Prabhu and Akkamahadevi were advocates of Virashaivism.
(d) Vitthala temple was an important centre of the Bhakti tradition in Maharashtra.
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3. Describe the beliefs and practices of the Nathpanthis, Siddhas and Yogis.
Answer: Most of the religious groups that emerged during this period criticised the rituals, conventional religion and the social order, using simple, logical arguments. Among them were the Nathpanthis, Siddhacharas and Yogis, who advocated renunciation of the world. They believed that the path to salvation lies in meditation. Therefore, they advocated intense training of the mind and body through practices like Yogasanas, breathing exercises and meditation. The Nathpanthis, Siddhas and Yogis became popular among “low” castes and their criticism of conventional religion created the ground for devotional religion to become a popular force in Northern India.
4. What were the major ideas expressed by Kabir? How did he express these?
Answer:
Kabir’s teachings were founded on a total, if not outright rejection, of the main religious traditions. His lectures publicly mocked all kinds of outward worship in both Hinduism and Islam, as well as the priestly classes’ dominance and the caste system. Kabir preached that the only way to redemption was via bhakti, or devotion, to a formless Supreme God.
Kabir’s views were communicated through his poetry, which was a type of spoken Hindi that was widely understood by the general public. He also composed poems known as sakhis and dohas, which are still popular today.
5. What were the major beliefs and practices of the Sufis?
Answer:
Following were the major practices and beliefs of the Sufis:
- As a lover pursuing his beloved, the Sufis believed in oneness with God.
- They also believed that the heart might be taught to have a new perspective on the world.
- They refused to follow Muslim religious experts’ complex ceremonies and standards of conduct. They did not worship idols and believed in only one God.
- Sufi masters gathered in their khanqahs or hospices to debate spiritual concerns, seek the blessings of the saints in resolving worldly difficulties, or simply enjoy the music and dance performances.
6. Why do you think many teachers rejected prevalent religious beliefs and practices?
Answer: Many teachers rejected prevalent religious beliefs and practices because such beliefs advocated social differences, where the lower castes were oppressed by the upper castes. They believed in the power of personal devotion felt attracted by the idea of a Supreme God, and believed that the only path to salvation was through bhakti or devotion.
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7. What were the major teachings of Baba Guru Nanak?
Answer:
Following were the major teachings of Baba Guru Nanak:
- He emphasized the importance of worshipping just one God.
- He believed that gaining emancipation was independent of caste, creed, or gender. For him, the pursuit of an active life with social engagement was liberation.
- He offered the mantra nam, dan, and isnan, which signified correct worship, others’ benefit, and moral purity.
- Dharmsal was the name given to the hallowed area constructed by Guru Nanak. Gurdwara is the name given to it presently.
- Nam-japna, kirt-karna, and vand-chhakna are three of his teachings that emphasize the significance of correct belief and worship, honest life, and assisting others.
8. For either the Virashaivas or the saints of Maharashtra, discuss their attitude towards caste.
Answer: The Virashaivas argued strongly for the equality of all human beings and against Brahmanical ideas about caste and the treatment of women. They were also against all forms of ritual and idol worship. During the thirteenth to the seventeenth centuries, Maharashtra saw a great number of saint poets who rejected all forms of ritualism, outward displays of piety and social differences based on birth. They even rejected the idea of renunciation and preferred to live with their families, earning their livelihood like any other person while humbly serving fellow human beings in need and believed that bhakti lies in sharing others’ pain.