6: Bhakti–Sufi Traditions
Changes in Religious Beliefs and Devotional Texts
Introduction
From the 8th century to the 18th century, India witnessed a great transformation in its religious and social life. During this period, people began questioning old customs, rituals, and inequalities.
Two powerful spiritual movements emerged to reform society and religion:
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The Bhakti Movement in Hinduism
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The Sufi Movement in Islam
Both emphasized devotion, love, humanity, equality, and spiritual unity rather than ritualism or rigid social order.
They shaped Indian culture, literature, and social harmony for centuries.
Part 1: The Bhakti Movement
✳️ Meaning of Bhakti
The word ‘Bhakti’ comes from the Sanskrit root bhaj, which means to love or to be devoted.
Bhakti is a path of love and devotion to God.
It teaches that God can be reached through sincere devotion, not through sacrifices, wealth, or birth-based superiority.
Background / Causes of the Bhakti Movement
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Decline of Vedic religion: People were tired of rituals, sacrifices, and the domination of priests (Brahmins).
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Influence of Buddhism and Jainism: Their ideas of equality and non-violence influenced Indian thought.
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Rise of Islam: Islamic ideas of unity of God (Tawheed) and equality inspired reform in Hindu society.
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Corruption in religion: Religious leaders were becoming materialistic.
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Need for social reform: Caste inequality and untouchability had made society rigid and divided.
Thus, saints arose to reform society and make religion accessible to everyone.
Main Features of the Bhakti Movement
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Devotion over Rituals: True devotion (bhakti) is more important than temple rituals or sacrifices.
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One God: Belief in one supreme power (monotheism).
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Equality of All: No discrimination based on caste, creed, or gender.
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Use of Vernacular Languages: Saints used local languages (Hindi, Marathi, Tamil, Telugu, Bengali, etc.) to reach common people.
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Importance of Guru: The Guru or spiritual teacher was seen as the guide between devotee and God.
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Emphasis on Love, Tolerance, and Humanity: Promoted harmony between Hindus and Muslims.
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Opposition to Idol Worship and Caste System: Many saints rejected external rituals and caste barriers.
Two Paths of Bhakti
The Bhakti movement developed in two broad traditions:
1. Saguna Bhakti (With Form)
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Belief in God with attributes and form (Murti or image).
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Worship of deities like Vishnu, Shiva, Rama, Krishna, Devi.
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Emphasized idol worship, rituals, and temples.
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Example: Tulsidas, Mirabai, Surdas, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.
2. Nirguna Bhakti (Without Form)
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Belief in formless God, beyond all images.
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Emphasized meditation, simplicity, and internal devotion.
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Opposed caste and idol worship.
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Example: Kabir, Guru Nanak, Dadu Dayal, Ravidas.
Major Saints of the Bhakti Movement
🔹 South Indian Bhakti Saints
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Alvars and Nayanars (6th–9th centuries):
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Alvars were devotees of Vishnu, and Nayanars were devotees of Shiva.
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Composed devotional hymns in Tamil.
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Opposed Brahmin domination and caste inequality.
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Their songs are preserved in the Divya Prabandham and Tevaram.
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Shankaracharya (8th century):
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Ramanujacharya (11th century):
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Basavanna (12th century):
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From Karnataka, founder of Lingayat or Virashaiva movement.
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Opposed caste system and Brahmanical dominance.
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Taught equality and worship of one God, Shiva.
North Indian Bhakti Saints
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Ramananda (14th century):
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Preached in Hindi; worshipped Lord Rama.
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Opposed caste and accepted disciples from all castes, including women and Muslims.
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His disciples included Kabir and Ravidas.
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Kabir (15th century):
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Born near Varanasi; a disciple of Ramananda.
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Denounced idol worship, caste system, and religious hypocrisy.
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Believed in one God (Ram-Rahim are one).
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His Dohas (couplets) in simple Hindi conveyed deep spiritual truths.
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Promoted unity of Hindus and Muslims.
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Guru Nanak Dev (1469–1539):
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Born in Punjab; founder of Sikhism.
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Taught belief in one God, equality, honesty, and service (seva).
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Condemned caste and ritualism.
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His teachings are compiled in the Guru Granth Sahib.
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Mirabai (16th century):
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Princess of Mewar (Rajasthan), devotee of Lord Krishna.
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Left royal life and devoted herself to singing bhajans.
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Her poems express love and surrender to Krishna.
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Surdas (16th century):
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Tulsidas (16th century):
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Chaitanya Mahaprabhu (15th–16th century):
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Dadu Dayal and Ravidas:
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Stressed equality and rejected religious divisions.
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Dadu Dayal said, “Neither Hindu nor Muslim, all are children of God.”
Social and Cultural Impact of Bhakti Movement
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Ended Caste and Religious Barriers: Bhakti saints preached equality and brotherhood.
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Promoted Vernacular Languages: Encouraged Hindi, Marathi, Tamil, Telugu, Bengali, etc.
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Spread of Literature and Art: Their devotional songs enriched Indian poetry, music, and art.
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Improved Status of Women: Accepted women as equal devotees; many women saints like Mirabai emerged.
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Unity of Hindus and Muslims: Promoted communal harmony and tolerance.
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Challenge to Orthodoxy: Reduced priestly dominance and blind faith.
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Foundation for Modern Indian Culture: Their teachings of love, unity, and humanity influenced India’s composite culture.
Part 2: The Sufi Movement
✳️ Meaning of Sufism
Sufism is the mystical branch of Islam, based on love, devotion, and direct experience of God (Allah).
Sufis sought inner purity and closeness to God through prayer, meditation, and service to humanity.
Origin of Sufism
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Developed in Arabia and Persia around the 8th century CE.
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The word ‘Sufi’ comes from suf meaning “wool,” as early Sufis wore simple woolen clothes as a sign of simplicity.
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Came to India with Muslim saints and mystics during the Delhi Sultanate period (12th century onward).
Main Teachings of Sufism
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Love and Devotion: True love for God and for all His creation.
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Unity of God (Tawheed): God is one; all humans are His children.
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Inner Purity: God can be realized through self-purification and meditation.
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Service to Humanity: Helping the poor and needy is the path to divine love.
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Tolerance and Brotherhood: No distinction between Hindus and Muslims.
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Opposition to Materialism: Condemned greed and worldly desires.
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Reverence for Saints: Sufis respected Pirs (saints) and Murshids (spiritual guides).
Sufi Orders (Silsilas) in India
There were several Silsilas (spiritual lineages) of Sufis in India. The main ones were:
| Silsila |
Founder |
Features |
| Chishti |
Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti (Ajmer) |
Stressed love, tolerance, and service to the poor. Most popular in India. |
| Suhrawardi |
Sheikh Bahauddin Zakariya |
More connected to political authority. |
| Naqshbandi |
Khwaja Bahauddin Naqshband |
Emphasized strict observance of Islamic law (Sharia). |
| Qadiri |
Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jilani |
Focused on meditation and charity. |
Famous Sufi Saints in India
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Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti (Ajmer):
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Known as Gharib Nawaz (Protector of the Poor).
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Preached love, peace, and brotherhood.
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His shrine (Dargah) at Ajmer Sharif attracts people of all faiths.
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Nizamuddin Auliya (Delhi):
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Taught “Love all, hate none”.
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Stressed service to mankind and simplicity.
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His disciple Amir Khusrau, a great poet and musician, introduced new forms of music (Qawwali).
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Baba Farid (Punjab):
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Sheikh Salim Chishti (Fatehpur Sikri):
Impact of Sufism on Indian Society
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Promoted Hindu–Muslim unity and communal harmony.
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Inspired spiritual tolerance and humanism.
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Strengthened vernacular literature and music, especially Qawwali.
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Encouraged charity and service among rulers and commoners.
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Sufi shrines became centres of social welfare and devotion.
🌸 Bhakti and Sufi Movements – Common Features
| Bhakti |
Sufi |
| Belief in love and devotion to one God |
Belief in love and devotion to Allah |
| Rejected caste, rituals, and idol worship |
Rejected pride, wealth, and ritualism |
| Promoted equality and social harmony |
Promoted brotherhood and equality |
| Used local languages and songs |
Used poetry, music (Qawwali) to express devotion |
| Focused on Guru–disciple relationship |
Focused on Pir–Murshid relationship |
Both movements brought spiritual unity, social reform, and emotional expression of faith.
Conclusion
The Bhakti and Sufi movements played a transformative role in Indian society.
They united people of different religions, broke barriers of caste and gender, and created a culture of love, peace, and tolerance.
Their poetry, music, and philosophy still influence India’s cultural and moral fabric.
Question Answers
Q1. What does the word ‘Bhakti’ mean?
Ans: The word Bhakti comes from Sanskrit bhaj, meaning devotion or love toward God. It is the spiritual path of loving devotion to attain union with God.
Q2. Who is considered the founder of the Bhakti Movement in South India?
Ans: The Alvars (devotees of Vishnu) and Nayanars (devotees of Shiva) are considered the pioneers of the Bhakti Movement in South India.
Q3. Who is known as the Father of the Bhakti Movement in North India?
Ans: Ramananda is considered the Father of the Bhakti Movement in North India.
Q4. Who was the founder of the Lingayat or Virashaiva movement?
Ans: Basavanna founded the Lingayat or Virashaiva movement in Karnataka.
Q5. What does the word ‘Sufi’ mean?
Ans: The word Sufi is derived from the Arabic word Suf, meaning “wool.” Early Sufis wore simple woolen garments as a symbol of renunciation.
Q6. Who was the founder of the Chishti order in India?
Ans: Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti founded the Chishti Sufi order in India.
Q7. What is the famous book written by Tulsidas?
Ans: Ramcharitmanas — written by Tulsidas in Awadhi.
Q8. Who is called “Gharib Nawaz”?
Ans: Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti of Ajmer is known as “Gharib Nawaz” (Protector of the Poor).
Q9. Who compiled the teachings of Guru Nanak?
Ans: The teachings of Guru Nanak were compiled in the Guru Granth Sahib by Guru Arjan Dev.
Q10. What is the main teaching of Kabir?
Ans: Kabir taught that God is one, and can be worshipped through love and devotion, not rituals. He said, “Koi bole Ram Ram, koi Khudai.
Q11. Write any three main teachings of the Bhakti movement.
Ans:
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God is one and can be reached through love and devotion, not rituals.
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All people are equal, regardless of caste, religion, or gender.
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True religion lies in good deeds, purity of heart, and selfless service.
Q12. What were the main teachings of Kabir?
Ans:
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Kabir emphasized unity of all religions and believed in one God.
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He opposed idol worship, caste system, and ritualism.
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He used simple Hindi couplets (Dohas) to spread his message of love, harmony, and equality.
Q13. Mention two main features of the Sufi movement.
Ans:
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Sufis believed in love, devotion, and service to humanity as the path to God.
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They emphasized tolerance, brotherhood, and inner purity over external rituals.
Q14. What is the main difference between Bhakti and Sufi movements?
Ans:
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The Bhakti movement arose within Hinduism, emphasizing devotion to a personal God.
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The Sufi movement arose within Islam, focusing on mystical love for Allah and service to mankind.
Both promoted harmony and rejected caste and ritualism.
Q15. Who were the Alvars and Nayanars?
Ans:
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Alvars were Tamil devotees of Lord Vishnu, and Nayanars were devotees of Lord Shiva.
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They composed devotional hymns in Tamil and spread the message of love, equality, and devotion.
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They opposed the rigid caste system and Brahmanical domination.
Q16. What is meant by Nirguna and Saguna Bhakti?
Ans:
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Nirguna Bhakti: Belief in formless God (no idol worship), as preached by Kabir and Guru Nanak.
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Saguna Bhakti: Belief in God with form (idols of Rama, Krishna, etc.), as preached by Tulsidas, Surdas, and Mirabai.
Q17. Mention any three main teachings of Guru Nanak.
Ans:
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There is only one God, who is formless and eternal.
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All people are equal; there should be no caste or gender discrimination.
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Emphasis on honesty, hard work, and service to humanity (Kirat Karo, Naam Japo, Vand Chhako).
Q18. What was the importance of the Bhakti movement?
Ans:
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It promoted unity among Hindus and Muslims.
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It opposed social evils like untouchability and caste discrimination.
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It enriched vernacular literature and Indian culture through poetry and devotional songs.
Q19. What were the main teachings of Sufi saints?
Ans:
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Love and devotion to Allah.
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Purity of heart and self-control.
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Equality of all humans.
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Tolerance towards all religions.
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Service to the poor and needy.
Q20. What are Silsilas in Sufism?
Ans:
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Silsilas are orders or spiritual lineages of Sufi saints.
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Each Silsila followed specific spiritual practices and teachings passed from Pir (teacher) to Murid (disciple).
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Example: Chishti, Suhrawardi, Naqshbandi, and Qadiri.
Q21. Describe the main features of the Bhakti movement in India.
Ans:
The Bhakti movement was a powerful socio-religious reform movement. Its main features were:
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Devotion to one God: It taught that salvation can be achieved through love and devotion, not rituals.
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Equality of all: Opposed caste system and untouchability.
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Use of local languages: Saints composed hymns in regional languages for common people.
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Importance of Guru: The spiritual teacher was the guide between man and God.
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Reform of religion: Stressed purity, simplicity, and moral living.
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Social harmony: United people of different religions through love and tolerance.
Thus, it transformed Indian society spiritually and socially.
Q22. Explain the role of the Bhakti movement in promoting social unity in India.
Ans:
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The Bhakti movement broke the barriers of caste, creed, and religion.
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Saints like Kabir, Ravidas, and Guru Nanak preached equality and brotherhood.
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Women saints like Mirabai and Andal participated freely in religious life.
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Use of vernacular languages brought people together.
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It promoted Hindu–Muslim harmony by teaching love and devotion instead of rituals.
Hence, the Bhakti movement laid the foundation of unity, equality, and social reform in India.
Q23. Explain the contribution of Sufi saints to Indian society.
Ans:
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Spiritual Message: Sufis preached love, faith, and devotion to Allah.
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Service to Humanity: Helped poor and needy; set up khanqahs and dargahs.
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Religious Tolerance: Spread the idea of universal brotherhood.
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Cultural Development: Encouraged Qawwali, poetry, and music.
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Social Harmony: Brought Hindus and Muslims closer.
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Moral Simplicity: Condemned luxury and materialism.
Their teachings influenced rulers like Akbar, who adopted the policy of Sulh-i-Kul (Universal Peace).
Q24. Compare the Bhakti and Sufi movements.
| Aspect |
Bhakti Movement |
Sufi Movement |
| Origin |
Within Hinduism |
Within Islam |
| Aim |
Attain God through devotion |
Attain God through love and surrender |
| Belief |
One supreme God (Saguna/Nirguna) |
One Allah (Tawheed) |
| Method |
Bhajans, Kirtans, and meditation |
Zikr, Qawwali, and meditation |
| Language |
Local Indian languages |
Persian, Urdu, and local dialects |
| Social Message |
End caste system, equality |
Brotherhood, service to humanity |
Conclusion: Both movements worked to purify religion and unite people through love, devotion, and tolerance.
Q25. Write a short note on any two Bhakti saints.
Ans:
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Mirabai:
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Princess of Mewar; devoted to Lord Krishna.
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Composed devotional songs (bhajans) expressing love and surrender.
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Rejected social customs and lived a saintly life of devotion.
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Tulsidas:
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Great devotee of Lord Rama.
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Wrote Ramcharitmanas in Awadhi, making Ramayana accessible to all.
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His work spread the message of dharma, devotion, and righteousness.
Q26. Describe the teachings of Guru Nanak and his contribution.
Ans:
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Belief in one formless God (Waheguru).
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Condemned caste system and idol worship.
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Advocated honesty, equality, and service.
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Stressed three principles — Naam Japo (Remember God), Kirat Karo (Work hard), Vand Chhako (Share with others).
Contribution:
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United Hindus and Muslims through his message of love.
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Laid foundation of Sikhism, later organized by Guru Gobind Singh.
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His sayings are recorded in Guru Granth Sahib.