2025 | SS | Unit 2 | Eng Medium

Introduction

  • In medieval India, people faced many social problems like caste discrimination, superstitions, and unfair customs.
  • This unit explores towords The Bhakti and Sufi movements started during this time to bring peace, unity, and love among people.
  • The Bhakti movement began in South India with saints like Alvars and Nayanars, who sang songs in local languages showing deep love for God.They taught that God is for everyone, whether rich or poor, man or woman, and of any caste.
  • At the same time, the Sufi movement spread from Islam.Sufi saints like Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti and Nizamuddin Auliya believed in loving God through music, prayer, and service to people.
  • Both movements helped to reduce caste and religious differences and brought Hindus and Muslims closer together. They used simple local languages to spread their ideas, which helped in the growth of regional literature and culture.
  • These movements made a big change in Indian society by teaching equality, brotherhood, and peace.

Let us Begin...

  • The above verse is from 'Perumal Tirumozhi', written by Kulasekhara Alvar, a Bhakta poet who lived in Kerala in the 9th century. What is the theme behind these lines?
  • Bhakti is the total submission of one's life to God. The ideas and activities that arise out of Bhakti are known as Bhakti movement.
  • The conservative outlook and the caste system that prevailed in medieval India perpetuated discrimination among the people.
  • The social groups subjected to caste discrimination were attracted to the Bhakti movement.
  • Gradually, at different times there occured synthesis of various visions and practices in India.
  • In this chapter, we shall discuss the two important cultural movements that spread across India during the medieval period, that is Bhakti-Sufi movements.

Characteristics of Bhakti Movement

  • Bhakta poets who lived in South India composed hymns and devotional songs that express unwavering devotion to their favourite deity.
  • These Bhakta poets were devotees of Vishnu known as Alvars and devotees of Shiva known as Nayanars.
  • This movement existed between the 7th and 12th centuries CE.

The Begining of Bhakti Movement

  • The Bhakti movement emerged as a popular movement in Tamil Nadu.
  • Alvars and Nayanars travelled from place to place singing devotional songs in vernacular languages which helped in spreading devotion among people.
  • The compositions of Bhakta poets had a great impact on the common people when evil practices and inequality were dominant.
  • The meaningless customary practices that prevailed in the society were questioned.
  • Irrespective of caste, all sections of the society were attracted to the Bhakti movement.
  • The writings of Alvars and Nayanars popularised Hinduism.
  • The writings of the Alvars came to be known as 'Nalayira Divyaprabandham',while the writings of the Nayanars were titled as 'Thirumuraikal'.
  • Many temples were also built during this period.

Prominent poets of the Bhakti movement

Devotees of Vishnu - Alvar Devotees of Shiva - Nayanar
  • Kulasekhara Alwar
    		•
  • Karaikal Ammayar
  • Periyalvar
    		•
  • Appar
  • Nammalvar
    		•
  • Sambandar
  • Andal
    		•
  • Sundarar
  • Manikavasagar

    • Basavanna: Philanthropist of Kannada Desa

    • Basavanna was a philosopher,social reformer and poet lived in Kannada Desa in the 12th century.
    • He fought against the religious discrimination that existed in the society and endeavoured to wipe them out.
    • He put forward a vision based on freedom, equality and social justice.
    • He founded Vira Shaiva movement and co-ordinated his ideas.

    The major activities of the Vira Shaiva movement

    • Brahminical supremacy and the authenticity of the Vedas were questioned.
    • People were educated against caste discrimination and discrimination against women.
    • Monotheism was encouraged.
    • Convinced the people about the greatness of work and labour.
    • He opposed child marriage and encouraged marriage after puberty and widow remarriage.

    Basavanna's messages

    • If thought and action are good, the nation will prosper.
    • All human beings have equal rights irrespective of caste.
    • Intermediaries are not required to worship God.
    • There is no rebirth, live this life blissfully.

    Kabir Das: Propagator of Human Harmony

    • He lived in Northern India (present-day Uttar Pradesh) in the 15th century.
    • Kabir's thoughts and activities were immensely influenced by Bhakti-Sufi ideas.
    • Kabir travelled from place to place with his disciples to spread his ideas.
    • Kabir stood for Hindu-Muslim unity and brotherhood.

    The major activities of Kabir Das

    • He propagated his ideas through such hymns known as 'Dohas'.
    • Kabir's dohas were very popular with the masses as he composed his hymns in a language that common people could understand.
    • Kabir criticized all kinds of discrimination based on caste, religion, race, legacy, wealth etc.
    • He argued that caste system,untouchability,religious rituals,post-death rites,idol worship etc. were meaningless.
    • He believed in formless God, propagated Bhakti as a means of salvation.

    Findings about Kabir's Doha and stories.

    • People call God by different names.
    • Kabir made people think against superstitions.
    • He believed that all human beings are equal.
    • Kabir taught that love and kindness are more important than rituals.
    • He did not support caste differences or idol worship.
    • Kabir used simple language so that everyone could understand his teachings.
    • He worked to bring Hindus and Muslims together in peace.

    Guru Nanak: Love and brotherhood

    • Guru Nanak was born in 15th century in the village of Talwandi (now in Pakistan) in Sheikhpura, Punjab.
    • Guru Nanak attempted to harmonize the ideas of different religions.
    • He travelled within and outside India to propagate his thoughts.

    The major activities of Guru Nanak

    • Guru Nanak was against the meaningless religious rituals.
    • He attempted to propagate the message of One God.
    • He promoted the ideals of equality, brotherhood, love, goodness, and religious tolerance. Caste discrimination,
    • idolatry, pilgrimage etc. were rejected by him.
    • Economic inequality was questioned and people were encouraged to abstain from using intoxicants.
    • He emphasized the importance of the 'Langar' or community kitchen where all classes of people could eat together. His ideas later paved the way for the formation of Sikhism.

    Thoughts of Guru Nanak

    • There is only one God for all people.
    • We should love and help each other.
    • All humans are equal, no matter their caste or religion.
    • Rituals are not important; good actions are.
    • Sharing and honesty are the best ways to live.
    • Simple living and high thinking.
    • Everyone should be allowed to eat and live together.
    • A society wants peace, unity, and brotherhood.

    Women and the Bhakti Movement

    • With the advent of the bhakti movement, many women composed and sang hymns and songs to worship their favorite deity.
    • Krishna Bhajans composed by Meerabai are very famous.
    • Karaikal Ammayar and Andal were famous poets in Tamil Nadu.
    • Akka Mahadevi was prominent in the Veerasaiva movement.
    • Bahinabai and Soyarabai of Maharashtra and Lal Ded of Kashmir contributed to the growth of the Bhakti movement.

    Impacts of the Bhakti Movement

    • The aim of the bhakti movement was to dedicate oneself to one's favorite deity through music and devotion.
    • This movement was able to bring about progressive changes in the social and religious spheres of India.
    • Most of the Bhakti poets of the Bhakti movement belonged to marginalized caste groups.
    • They questioned the caste system and the privileges enjoyed by Brahmins.
    • Bhakti movement also managed to sensitize people about the glory of occupation.

    The Sufis

    • Sufis were those who accepted Bhakti as a means to approach God.
    • They travelled among the common people and propagated Sufi principles.
    • Emphasis was given to the concepts of monotheism, fraternity,humanity, and devotion to God.

    Sufism

    • Scholars suggest that the word Sufism is derived from the word 'suf', meaning wool, or from the word 'Safi', meaning purity.
    • Sufism is an Islamic devotional movement which originated in Central Asia.

    The Sufi movements in India

    • The Sufi movement reached India by the 12th century CE.
    • The twelve Sufi sects were known as Silsilahs.
    • The Chishti and Suhrawardi silsilahs reached India.
    • The Sufi masters were the ones who gave importance to spiritual life abstaining from luxurious life.
    • The Sufi master was called Pir (Sheikh) and his followers were called Murid.
    • Qawwalis are devotional songs rendered in a special chanting style called Sama in the Sufi centres.

    Prominent Sufi Masters & Regions

    • Sheikh Shihabuddin Suhrawardi ( Sylhet )
    • Sheikh Nizamuddin Auliya ( Delhi )
    • Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti ( Ajmer )

    Major literary works and authors in vernacular languages

    • Bhakti-Sufi propagators used vernacular languages to spread their ideas among common people.
    • Many devotional poems were composed in languages like Tamil, Punjabi, Bengali, Marathi, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam etc.
    • Many other literary works in vernacular languages were also composed. Urdu, a combination of Persian and Hindi, is an example of India's cultural integration.
    • Amir Khusru was one of the the most prominent writers of the Urdu language during this period. Kabir's dohas enriched the Hindi language.
    • 'Mahabharata', 'Ramayana' and other works have been translated into various regional languages.

    Influence of Bhakti-Sufi ideas

    • Religious tolerance
    • Attitude against caste discrimination
    • Attitude to question imposed customs
    • Bhakti-Sufi movements have played a critical role
    • Reduced conflicts
    • Brought people together
    • Created an atmosphere of peace and harmony.
    • Helped people belonging to different castes and religions to co-exist.
    • Communal harmony
    • Unity in diversity
    • Fraternity
    • Equality
    • Pluralism

    2025 | SOCIAL SCIENCE | VII | UNIT:2 | MALAYALAM MEDIUM | DIGITAL ALBUM


    TO KNOW MORE..

    Kulasekhara Alvar

    • Kulasekhara Alvar was a great devotee of Lord Vishnu and expressed his deep love through devotional songs.
    • He was a king who later gave up his kingdom to live a spiritual life and write beautiful hymns.
    • He wrote a famous collection of devotional poems called Perumal Tirumozhi in Tamil.


    Allama Prabhu

    • Allama Prabhu was a famous saint and poet of the Bhakti movement in Karnataka.
    • He wrote Vachanas, which are short, powerful spiritual poems in Kannada.
    • He taught about equality and believed God is the same for all people, beyond caste or religion.


    Akka Mahadevi

    • Akka Mahadevi was a famous poet and saint of the Bhakti movement in Karnataka.
    • She wrote Vachanas (poems) expressing deep devotion to Lord Shiva, whom she called Chenna Mallikarjuna.
    • She left her home and lived a simple life, focusing only on spiritual practice and devotion.


    Amir Khusru

    • He was a great poet and musician in medieval India, known as the "Parrot of India".
    • He wrote in Persian and Hindavi, and helped develop the early form of Hindi and Urdu.
    • He invented musical instruments like the sitar and introduced new styles like qawwali.


    Sheikh Nizamuddin Auliya

    • He was a famous Sufi saint of the Chishti order in Delhi during the 13th–14th century.
    • He taught love, peace, and kindness to people of all religions.
    • People visited him for blessings, and he never turned anyone away, rich or poor


    Adi Granth

    • Adi Granth is the holy book of the Sikhs.
    • It contains the teachings and hymns of Guru Nanak and other Sikh Gurus.
    • It teaches love, truth, and equality for all people.


    Khanqahs

    • Khanqahs were spiritual centers where Sufi saints lived and taught their followers.
    • People came to Khanqahs to pray, learn, and listen to the teachings of Sufis.
    • They promoted peace and equality, welcoming people of all religions and castes.


    MODEL QUESTIONS


    Activity 1

    The Bhakti Movement



    "The Bhakti Movement was a devotional movement that began in South India and spread across India during medieval times. It promoted love for one God, rejected caste and rituals, and encouraged equality. Poets like Kabir, Meera Bai, Tulsidas, and the Alvars and Nayanars used local languages to spread its message through songs and poems."

    1) Who was the famous Bhakti poet who wished to be born as a dove on the Venkata hill? ( Score : 1 )

    a) Basavanna

    b) Kulasekhara Alvar

    c) Kabir

    d) Guru Nanak

    Answer: b) Kulasekhara Alvar

    2) Which language was prominently used by Bhakti poets in South India to compose hymns? ( Score: 1)

    Answer: Tamil

    3) The writings of Alvars are known as: ( Score: 1)

    Answer: Nalaiyira Divyaprabandham

    4) What was the Anubhava Mandapam, and who established it ?( Score: 2)

    Answer:
    • Anubhava Mandapam was a spiritual discussion hall where saints, philosophers, and people from all castes gathered to discuss spiritual and social ideas.
    • It was established by Basavanna, a famous Bhakti saint and social reformer from Karnataka.

    Activity 2

    The Sufi Movement



    "The Sufism movement in India spread messages of love, peace, and devotion to God. Sufi saints like Amir Khusrau, Bulleh Shah, and Nizamuddin Auliya used poetry to teach unity and kindness. Their simple, heartfelt verses brought people of different religions together and inspired harmony in society."

    1) Sufi Guru was known by the name? ( Score : 1 )

    Answer: Pir

    2) What was the residence of the Sufis? ( Score: 1)

    Answer: Khanqahs

    3) Which are the Sufi sects came to India? ( Score: 1)

    Answer: Chishti & Suhrawardi

    4) What was the Anubhava Mandapam, and who established it ?( Score: 2)

    Answer:
    • Sufism is the mystical form of Islam that teaches love, devotion, and closeness to God through prayers and simple living.
    • It reached India through Sufi saints and traders from Arab, Persia, and Central Asia during medieval times.

    Activity 3

    Bhakti movement on social equality



    "The Bhakti movement promoted social equality by rejecting the caste system and encouraging devotion to one God for all people. Saints like Kabir, Ravidas, and Basavanna taught that everyone is equal in the eyes of God, regardless of caste or gender. This helped reduce discrimination and unite people across social divisions."

    1) Who led discussions at Anubhava Mandapam along with Basavanna? ( Score : 1 )

    a) Kabir

    b) Andal

    c) Akka Mahadevi

    d) Nammalvar

    Answer: c) Akka Mahadevi

    2) Descrbe the impact of the Bhakti movement on social equality in medieval India. ( Score: 4)

    Answer:
    • The Bhakti movement opposed the caste system and taught that all people are equal in the eyes of God.
    • It allowed people from all castes, including women and the poor, to participate in religious practices.
    • Saints like Kabir, Ravidas, and Basavanna spread messages of equality and brotherhood.
    • It helped create a more tolerant and united society by reducing discrimination based on caste and religion.

    Activity 4

    Bhakti movement Teachings



    "The rich will make temples for Shiva.

    What shall I, a poor man, do ?

    My legs are pillars, the body the shrine,

    the head a cupola of gold.

    Listen, O Lord of the meeting rivers,

    things standing shall fall,

    but the moving ever shall stay."

    1) Who was Guru Nanak, and what was his core teaching? ( Score : 2 )

    Answer:
    • Guru Nanak was the founder of Sikhism and the first Sikh Guru.
    • His core teaching was: "There is only one God, and all human beings are equal."

    2) Explain the term "Vachanas" in the context of the Bhakti movement.? ( Score: 2)

    Answer:
    • Vachanas are short, powerful poems or sayings written in Kannada during the Bhakti movement.
    • They were used by Basavanna and other saints to spread messages of devotion, equality, and social reform.

    3) What is 'Langar' as emphasized by Guru Nanak? ( Score: 1 )

    Answer:
    • a Community kitchen

    Activity 5

    influence of Sufism on religious tolerance



    "Sufism promoted religious tolerance by teaching love, peace, and unity beyond religious boundaries. Sufi saints welcomed people of all faiths and believed that all paths lead to the same God. They rejected rigid rituals and encouraged harmony among Hindus and Muslims, helping to build a more inclusive and tolerant society in medieval India."

    1) Discuss the influence of Sufism on religious tolerance in medieval India ?( Score : 4 )

    Answer:
    • Sufism promoted love, peace, and harmony among people of different religions.
    • Sufi saints respected all faiths and welcomed both Hindus and Muslims to their gatherings.
    • They believed that God is one and can be reached through devotion and good deeds, not just rituals.
    • This helped in reducing religious conflicts and spreading the idea of tolerance and unity in medieval Indian society.

    2) Who composed Muhyuddin Mala ? ( Score: 1)

    Answer: Qasi Muhammad

    More Questions and Answers

    1) Who among the following was a propagator of the Bhakti movement in North India? (Score: 1)
    Ans: Kabir
    2) The Anubhava Mandapam, a spiritual forum, was set up by: (Score: 1)
    Ans: Basavanna
    3) Who was known for the propagation of Sufi principles in India? (Score: 1)
    Ans: Sheikh Nizamuddin Auliya
    4) What is the name of the holy book of Sikhism? (Score: 1)
    Ans: Adi Granth
    5) Which of the following concepts did Kabir oppose? (Score: 1)
    Ans: Both idol worship and pilgrimage
    6) Name any two Alvars and two Nayanars. (Score: 2)
    Ans:
    • Alvars: Periyalvar, Nammalvar
    • Nayanars: Appar, Sambandar
    7) Mention any two social evils that the Bhakti movement opposed. (Score: 2)
    Ans:
    • Bhakti saints opposed caste discrimination and preached equality.
    • They challenged superstitions and blind rituals.
    8) Who was Kabir, and what did he advocate? (Score: 2)
    Ans:
    • Kabir was a famous Bhakti poet and saint of medieval India.
    • He advocated devotion to one God and rejected caste and idol worship.
    9) How did the Bhakti-Sufi movements contribute to the development of vernacular languages? (Score: 2)
    Ans:
    • Saints used regional languages like Hindi, Kannada, Tamil, and Punjabi.
    • This helped popularize and enrich local literature and culture.
    10) What is the significance of the Adi Granth in Sikhism? (Score: 2)
    Ans:
    • The Adi Granth is the holy scripture of the Sikhs.
    • It includes teachings of Sikh Gurus and other saints from different religions.
    11) Explain how Basavanna's ideas influenced the social reforms in Kannada society. (Score: 4)
    Ans:
    • Basavanna opposed caste discrimination and supported social equality.
    • He started the Anubhava Mandapam for open spiritual discussions.
    • He spread reform messages through Kannada Vachanas (poems).
    • His teachings inspired justice and fairness in Kannada society.
    12) What was Guru Nanak’s view on economic inequality, and how did he address it? (Score: 4)
    Ans:
    • Guru Nanak believed all should live with dignity, opposing inequality.
    • He taught honest work (Kirat Karni) and sharing (Vand Chakna).
    • He started Langar (free kitchen) for all people to eat together.
    • His teachings promoted justice and social unity.
    13) How did Kabir contribute to social harmony between Hindus and Muslims? (Score: 4)
    Ans:
    • Kabir believed in one God and rejected both religious divisions.
    • He criticized meaningless rituals in both religions.
    • He wrote poems in simple Hindi to reach common people.
    • He preached love, truth, and unity among all people.
    14) Evaluate the role of the Bhakti and Sufi movements in promoting a syncretic culture in India. (Score: 4)
    Ans:
    • Both movements spread love, devotion, and equality.
    • They used local languages to reach all people.
    • They encouraged tolerance and shared values.
    • Their ideas created a mixed Hindu-Muslim cultural heritage.
    15) Compare the teachings of Kabir and Guru Nanak on the concept of God and social equality. (Score: 4)
    Ans:
    • Both believed in one formless God.
    • They rejected idol worship and caste system.
    • They promoted love, unity, and equality for all.
    • They taught that God is within all human beings.
    16) Analyze the impact of the Bhakti movement on vernacular literature in medieval India. (Score: 4)
    Ans:
    • Bhakti saints wrote in local languages like Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu.
    • Their writings included poems, songs, and stories.
    • This made religious ideas easier for people to understand.
    • It led to the growth of regional literature and culture.
    17) Discuss the contributions of Basavanna and his contemporaries towards women's rights and social justice. (Score: 4)
    Ans:
    • They supported equality for women and opposed caste discrimination.
    • Women saints like Akka Mahadevi expressed spiritual ideas freely.
    • Anubhava Mandapam gave a platform for all to discuss social issues.
    • They promoted dignity, justice, and fairness in society.
    18) Define the Bhakti movement and its significance in medieval India. (Score: 4)
    Ans:
    • It was a devotional movement focused on love for one God.
    • It spread among common people during medieval India.
    • Saints like Kabir and Meera preached equality and love.
    • It reduced caste differences and superstitions.