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Class 12 History Chapter 6 Bhakti-Sufi Traditions Changes in Religious Beliefs and Devotional Text
Class 12 History Chapter 6 Bhakti-Sufi Traditions Important Question and Answers
The Name “Bhakti-Sufi Traditions Changes in Religious Beliefs and Devotional Text ” of class 12 History chapter 6 gives students comprehensive knowledge about the architecture of mosques in the subcontinent and reflects a combination of universal ideals and local traditions.
This chapter was the first choice of examiner for your class’s 12th board exam in the past year exam questions where many questions came from this chapter. Memorysclub history team of teachers provides the most suitable exam-oriented solutions for class 12 history Bhakti Sufi Traditions.
1. Explain with examples what historians mean by the integration of cults.
From the 10th to the 17th Century in India, a significant religious trend emerged, where God was worshipped in various forms. Though there were many deities, they were all derived from the original gods: Vishnu, Shiva, and Goddesses Durga, Lakshmi, and Parvati.
During this period, two important socio-religious trends were observed. Firstly, there was an increasing dissemination of Brahminical ideas through the reproduction of Brahminical texts in simpler Sanskrit. This made these texts accessible to women and Shudras who previously did not have access to them. Secondly, the Brahmins were constantly evolving their beliefs and practices, resulting in the traditional classical traditions taking on new shapes as they were influenced by the traditions of common people throughout the land.
- The temple of Jagannatha at Puri in Orissa is a prime example of the aforementioned religious trends. Dedicated to Lord Jagannatha, who is regarded as another form of Vishnu, the temple symbolizes the diverse representations of deities in India. The term ‘Jagannatha’ denotes the one who is the lord of the universe.
2. To what extent do you think the architecture of mosques in the subcontinent reflects a combination of universal ideals and local traditions?
The architecture of mosques in the subcontinent is a blend of both universal principles and local traditions. While some features of mosques are universal, such as the orientation towards Mecca, others are unique to the local region. For instance, a mosque in Kerala features a shikhara-like roof, while the Atiya mosque in Bangladesh was constructed entirely out of bricks. The Shah Hamadan mosque in Srinagar, considered one of the most beautiful mosques in Kashmir, boasts exquisite wooden architecture with intricate carvings, a spire, and ornate eaves adorned with papier mache. These examples demonstrate how the design of mosques in the subcontinent draws upon both universal principles and local traditions to create unique structures that reflect the cultural diversity of the region.
3. What were the similarities and differences between the be-shari‘a and ba-shari‘a sufi traditions?
Shari’a, the Islamic law based on the Quran, Hadis, and teachings of Prophet Muhammad, is applicable in a truly Islamic country. In medieval times, the Sufi movement emerged as a significant social and religious movement in the Islamic world. The Sufi movement emphasized serving people as the true form of worship and had various branches. However, a group of Sufi preachers adopted a radical approach, renouncing the material world and embracing a life of asceticism. They also rejected the authority of the Shari’a laws. These Sufis were known as be-shari‘a.
Conversely, there were Sufi saints who criticized the lavish and opulent lifestyles of rulers and caliphs but did not dismiss the importance of Shari’a laws. To them, the Shari’a laws were regarded as holy and fundamental. These particular Sufi saints were referred to as ba-shari’a.
4. Discuss the ways in which the Alvars, Nayanars and Virashaivas expressed critiques of the caste system.
The early Bhakti Movement, which began in the 6th century, was led by two groups: Alvars and Nayanars. Alvars were followers of Vishnu, while Nayanars claimed to be followers of Lord Shiva. These groups travelled from place to place and sang devotional songs in Tamil to honour their respective deities. The Bhakti Movement was not only a religious movement, but also a social one. It is believed that the movement played a significant role in challenging the caste system and Brahminism. The movement was inclusive and welcomed people from diverse backgrounds, including Brahmins, artisans, and even those considered untouchables.
In the 12th century, a similar movement emerged in Karnataka called Virashaivas, led by Basavanna, a Brahmin who served as a minister in the court of the Chalukya king. The followers of Basavanna were called Virashaivas or Lingayats, and they worshipped Lord Shiva. They too challenged the caste system and rejected the notion of any caste being a pollutant, which helped them gain support among marginalized sections of society. The Virashaivas also questioned some traditional practices that were not approved by Shastras, such as post-puberty marriage and remarriage of widows. Moreover, they also challenged the theory of rebirth.
5. Describe the major teachings of either Kabir or Guru Nanak and the way they have been transmitted. (or)
Explain the teachings of Guru Nanak. Did he want to establish a new religion?
Kabir is an esteemed figure in Indian culture, known for his poetry and spiritual teachings that have resonated with people of various faiths. Although he was born into a Hindu family, he was raised by a Muslim couple, and his message of social reform beats religious boundaries.
The major teachings of Kabir were as follows:
- Kabir’s spiritual vision was inclusive and drew inspiration from both Islamic and Vedantic traditions. He used language from both traditions to describe his understanding of God, referring to the divine as Nirankar, meaning formless, and using terms such as Allah, Khuda, Hajrat, and Peer from the Islamic tradition.
- He repudiated idol worship and polytheism.
- He emphasised on the oneness of God though there can be many names of His.
- He criticised religious rituals of hindus and muslims alike.
- He also preached against caste discrimination.
- He combined the Sufi traditions of love of God with the Hindi tradition of remembrance of God.
- He also emphasised the dignity of labour.
- He rejected the religious texts of both Hindus and Muslims.
- He preached God is Nirakar viz. without any shape.
- He criticised the religious practices like ceremonial bath, sacrifices , idol worship, and emphasised simple
- He called upon his followers to connect to divine by remembering and repeating the divine name.
Guru Nanak expressed himself in Punjabi, the language of the local people in a lyrical form called Shabad. Shabad can be recited in various ragas.
6. Discuss the major beliefs and practices that characterized Sufism.
Sufism is a mystical and spiritual dimension of Islam that emerged in the 8th century. It Emphasises the inner, experiential aspect of the Islamic faith, focusing on the pursuit of spiritual knowledge and the direct experience of God. Sufism has a rich history of beliefs and practices that are designed to help individuals attain spiritual enlightenment and deepen their connection to the divine. Here are some of the major beliefs and practices that Characterise Sufism:
- Tawhid: Sufism Emphasises the oneness of God and the unity of all creation. This belief is expressed through the concept of tawhid, which means the affirmation of divine unity.
- Zikr: Zikr is the remembrance of God through prayer, meditation, and chanting. Sufis believe that through the repetition of the names of God and other prayers, they can attain a state of spiritual awareness and connect with the divine.
- Dhikr: Dhikr is the practice of invoking the name of God with each breath. It is a way of maintaining a constant connection to the divine and is believed to be a powerful way of attaining spiritual enlightenment.
- Tariqa: Tariqa refers to the spiritual path or way of Sufism. It involves following the guidance of a Sufi master or teacher, who helps the disciple navigate the path towards spiritual enlightenment.
- Fana and Baqa: Fana means annihilation of the self, while Baqa means subsistence in God. Sufis believe that by letting go of the ego and surrendering to the divine will, they can attain a state of spiritual enlightenment where they become one with God.
- Sama: Sama refers to the spiritual music and dance that are central to many Sufi practices. It is a way of expressing devotion to God and achieving a state of spiritual ecstasy.
These are just a few of the many beliefs and practices that characterise Sufism. Sufis emphasise the importance of inner spiritual work, seeking to cultivate a deep and direct connection with the divine. They believe that the ultimate goal of human existence is to attain spiritual enlightenment and draw closer to God.
7. Examine how and why rulers tried to establish connections with the traditions of the Nayanars and the sufis.
The Nayanars were a group of Tamil poet-saints who lived between the 6th and 10th centuries CE and composed devotional hymns in praise of the Hindu god Shiva. The Sufis, on the other hand, were a mystical and spiritual group within Islam that emphasised the pursuit of spiritual knowledge and the direct experience of God. Both these groups had a profound impact on the religious and cultural landscape of South Asia, and rulers often sought to establish connections with them for a variety of reasons.
One reason why rulers sought to establish connections with the Nayanars and the Sufis was to gain legitimacy and support for their rule. The patronage of religious leaders was seen as an important way of securing the loyalty of the population, as well as gaining access to their networks and resources. By associating themselves with the Nayanars and the Sufis, rulers could tap into the deep religious sentiments of the people and establish themselves as legitimate and just rulers.
Another reason why rulers sought to establish connections with these groups was to promote religious harmony and tolerance. Both the Nayanars and the Sufis emphasised the unity of all religions and sought to bridge the divide between different faiths. By associating themselves with these groups, rulers could promote a message of religious tolerance and inclusivity, which could help to reduce sectarian tensions and promote social stability.
Finally, rulers also sought to establish connections with the Nayanars and the Sufis to promote cultural and artistic development. The Nayanars and the Sufis were known for their rich literary and artistic traditions, and their works had a profound impact on the cultural landscape of South Asia. By patronising these groups, rulers could encourage the development of literature, music, and art, which could help to promote a sense of cultural identity and pride.
In conclusion, rulers sought to establish connections with the Nayanars and the Sufis for a variety of reasons, including gaining legitimacy and support for their rule, promoting religious harmony and tolerance, and encouraging cultural and artistic development. The patronage of these groups helped to shape the religious and cultural landscape of South Asia, and their legacy continues to influence the region to this day.
8. Analyses, illustrations, why bhakti and Sufi thinkers adopted a variety of languages in which to express their opinions.
Bhakti and Sufi thinkers were known for their use of a variety of languages to express their opinions, including vernacular languages, classical Sanskrit and Persian, and Arabic. There were several reasons why they adopted this approach:
Accessibility: One reason why bhakti and Sufi thinkers adopted vernacular languages was to make their ideas accessible to a wider audience. Vernacular languages were spoken by the common people, whereas Sanskrit and Persian were associated with the elite. By using the language of the people, these thinkers could reach a wider audience and make their ideas more accessible to everyone.
Cultural Identity: Bhakti and Sufi thinkers often used local languages to express their ideas because they wanted to promote a sense of cultural identity and pride. By using the language of the local people, they could tap into the cultural traditions and values of the community and promote a sense of belonging.
Syncretism: Bhakti and Sufi thinkers often adopted a syncretic approach to religion, incorporating elements of different faiths into their beliefs. Using multiple languages allowed them to draw on different religious and cultural traditions and create a more inclusive and diverse spiritual worldview.
Innovation: Bhakti and Sufi thinkers were known for their innovative ideas and approaches to spirituality. By using multiple languages, they could experiment with different linguistic styles and forms, which allowed them to express their ideas in new and creative ways.
To illustrate this point, we can look at the example of the Bhakti movement in India. Bhakti poets like Kabir, Surdas, and Tulsidas wrote in vernacular languages like Hindi, Braj Bhasha, and Awadhi, which were widely spoken in North India. By using these languages, they were able to connect with the common people and promote their ideas of devotion and love for God. Similarly, Sufi poets like Rumi, Hafiz, and Attar used Persian and Arabic to express their mystical and spiritual ideas, which had a profound impact on the cultural and literary traditions of the Islamic world.
In conclusion, bhakti and Sufi thinkers adopted a variety of languages to express their opinions because it allowed them to reach a wider audience, promote cultural identity and diversity, incorporate different religious and cultural traditions, and experiment with new forms and styles of expression. Their use of multiple languages contributed to the richness and diversity of the spiritual and cultural traditions of South Asia and the Islamic world.