All questions of Theme 6 - Bhakti-Sufi traditions for Humanities/Arts Exam

Language adopted by Arab Muslim traders

Introduction: Arab Muslim traders were the first to trade with India and they had a significant impact on India's culture and economy. They brought with them their language, religion, and customs. However, they also adopted the local languages for communication purposes.

Language adopted: Arab Muslim traders adopted the Malayalam language for communication purposes. Malayalam is a language spoken in the South Indian state of Kerala. It is one of the 22 official languages of India and is spoken by around 38 million people worldwide.

Reasons for adopting Malayalam: Arab Muslim traders adopted Malayalam because of the following reasons:

1. Easy communication: Malayalam was the language spoken by the locals in Kerala. The Arab traders found it easier to communicate with the locals in their own language rather than using Arabic.

2. Trade: The Arab traders were primarily involved in the spice trade with Kerala. They needed to communicate with the locals for the trade to flourish.

3. Integration: The Arab traders wanted to integrate with the local community. They adopted the local language to show their respect towards the locals.

4. Spread of Islam: The Arab traders also spread Islam in Kerala. They used Malayalam to communicate the teachings of Islam to the locals.

Impact of Arab traders: The Arab traders had a significant impact on Kerala's culture and economy. They introduced the Islamic religion, Arabic language, and customs to the state. They also brought with them new spices and other products that were not available in Kerala. The spice trade with the Arabs helped Kerala become a major trading center in South India.

Conclusion: In conclusion, Arab Muslim traders adopted the Malayalam language for communication purposes in Kerala. Their adoption of the local language helped in the integration of Arab traders with the local community. It also had a significant impact on Kerala's culture and economy.

Conclusion:
Temples have played a crucial role in the worship of Vishnu and Shiva, serving as centers of devotion, culture, and community for followers of these deities. The elaborate architecture, rituals, and significance of these temples have contributed to the rich tapestry of Hindu religious practices and beliefs.

Recognition of Local Deity in Puri, Orissa as a Form of Vishnu

Background: Puri is a city located in the eastern state of Orissa in India. It is known for its famous Jagannath Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Jagannath, a form of the Hindu God Vishnu. However, in addition to Lord Jagannath, there are also other deities that are worshipped in Puri.

Local Deity Recognized: One such deity is called Alarnath, who is worshipped as a form of Vishnu. According to legend, Alarnath was a hunter who had a vision of Vishnu while he was hunting. Vishnu appeared to him in the form of a deity and asked him to stop hunting. From that day on, Alarnath became a devotee of Vishnu and built a temple in his honor.

Significance: The Alarnath Temple is located in the Brahmagiri area of Puri and is considered to be a very sacred site for Vishnu devotees. It is believed that worshipping Alarnath can bring blessings and fulfillment of wishes. The temple is especially busy during the month of Ashadha (June-July) when devotees come to offer prayers and seek blessings. The festival of Alarnath Yatra is also celebrated during this time, which attracts thousands of pilgrims.

Conclusion: The recognition of Alarnath as a form of Vishnu is significant because it shows the diversity of Hinduism and the different forms in which deities are worshipped. It also highlights the importance of local traditions and beliefs in shaping religious practices.

Andal, also known as Kodhai or Goda, was a 9th-century Tamil poet and one of the twelve Alvars, a group of Vaishnava saints who were devoted to the worship of Lord Vishnu. Her compositions were widely sung and continue to be popular among devotees of Lord Vishnu.

Andal's Compositions

Andal composed two works, Tiruppavai and Nachiyar Tirumozhi, which are considered to be among the finest works of Tamil literature.

Tiruppavai is a collection of thirty hymns that were composed by Andal in the month of Margazhi (December-January), which is considered to be a sacred month for Vaishnavas. The hymns are addressed to Lord Vishnu and describe the various rituals and practices that are performed by the Gopis (cowherd girls) of Vrindavan to attain the love and grace of Lord Krishna. Tiruppavai is sung during the month of Margazhi as a part of the daily worship of Lord Vishnu.

Nachiyar Tirumozhi is a collection of 143 verses that were composed by Andal in the style of a love poem. The verses describe Andal's longing and devotion for Lord Vishnu and her desire to be united with him. Nachiyar Tirumozhi is considered to be a masterpiece of Tamil literature and is sung by devotees of Lord Vishnu as a part of their daily worship.

Legacy

Andal's compositions have had a significant impact on Tamil literature and culture. Her works are widely sung and continue to inspire devotees of Lord Vishnu. Andal's devotion and love for Lord Vishnu have also made her an important figure in the Bhakti movement of South India.

In conclusion, Andal's compositions were widely sung and continue to be popular among devotees of Lord Vishnu. Her works have had a significant impact on Tamil literature and culture and have made her an important figure in the Bhakti movement of South India.

Answer

The Pilgrims were a group of English Separatists who fled England in the early 17th century to escape religious persecution. They sailed on the Mayflower to the New World, landing in what is now Massachusetts in 1620. The Pilgrims established the Plymouth Colony, which became one of the first successful English colonies in North America. They are celebrated in the United States on Thanksgiving Day for their role in the founding of the country and for their perseverance in the face of adversity.

Lingayats and the Questioning of Rebirth Theory

The Lingayat community is a religious group that primarily resides in the state of Karnataka in India. The Lingayats follow the teachings of the 12th-century philosopher and social reformer, Basavanna. Basavanna rejected the caste system and advocated for social equality and the liberation of women.

One of the fundamental differences between Lingayats and Hinduism is their belief in the concept of rebirth. While Hinduism proposes that a person's soul is reborn after death, Lingayats reject this belief and instead believe in the concept of enlightenment or salvation.

Questioning Rebirth Theory

The Lingayats' rejection of rebirth theory is based on the following reasons:

1. Equality: Lingayats believe in the equality of all human beings. The concept of rebirth, according to them, creates a hierarchy in society, where some people are believed to be of higher birth or status due to their past life's karma.

2. Liberation: For Lingayats, the ultimate goal of life is to attain liberation or enlightenment. The belief in rebirth distracts people from this goal and focuses on the accumulation of good karma for a better rebirth.

3. Logical Inconsistencies: Lingayats believe that the concept of rebirth is logically inconsistent. They argue that it is impossible for a person's soul to transmigrate from one body to another after death.

4. Basavanna's Teachings: Basavanna rejected the caste system, and the belief in rebirth is closely tied to the caste hierarchy. According to Basavanna's teachings, all human beings are equal and should be treated as such.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Lingayats' rejection of rebirth theory is based on their belief in equality, liberation, logical inconsistencies, and the teachings of Basavanna. This rejection has led to a significant difference between Lingayats and Hinduism, which has a strong belief in the concept of rebirth.

Devotee of Shiva - Karaikkal Ammaiyar

Karaikkal Ammaiyar, also known as Karaikkal Amma or Punithavati, was a great devotee of Lord Shiva. She was a prominent female saint and poetess who lived during the 6th century CE in the region of present-day Tamil Nadu, India. Her devotion and intense love for Lord Shiva are well-known and revered in Tamil literature and religious traditions.

Life and Devotion
Karaikkal Ammaiyar was born into a wealthy merchant family and was married at a young age. However, she had an intense desire to renounce worldly life and dedicate herself completely to the worship of Lord Shiva. Despite societal norms and expectations, she left her family and embarked on a spiritual journey.

She wandered as a mendicant, living a life of renunciation and austerity. Karaikkal Ammaiyar devoted herself entirely to the worship of Lord Shiva, often engaging in extreme practices to demonstrate her unwavering devotion. She would wear a garland made of her own hair, smear ash on her body, and engage in vigorous penance.

Works and Contributions
Karaikkal Ammaiyar composed several devotional hymns, known as "Tevaram," in praise of Lord Shiva. Her poems expressed her deep love, devotion, and longing for union with the divine. These hymns were written in Tamil, the vernacular language of the region, making them accessible to the common people.

Her poetry is characterized by its emotional intensity, vivid imagery, and powerful expression of spiritual experiences. Karaikkal Ammaiyar's verses beautifully depict her longing to merge with Lord Shiva and her profound experiences of his divine presence.

Legacy and Significance
Karaikkal Ammaiyar's devotion to Lord Shiva and her poetic contributions have had a lasting impact on Tamil literature and religious traditions. Her hymns are still sung and revered in Shiva temples, particularly in the Tamil-speaking regions of South India.

She is considered a role model for women and a symbol of unwavering devotion. Karaikkal Ammaiyar's life and poetry continue to inspire devotees to this day, reminding them of the power of love and surrender in the path of spirituality.

In conclusion, Karaikkal Ammaiyar was a devoted and influential female saint who dedicated her life to the worship of Lord Shiva. Her profound love for the divine and her poetic contributions have left an indelible mark on Tamil literature and religious traditions.

Year of Conquest of Sind by Muhammad Qasim

The correct answer is option B, which is 711.

Explanation

Muhammad bin Qasim was a young Arab general who was sent by the Umayyad caliphate to conquer the Sindh region in present-day Pakistan. He was the first Muslim conqueror of the Indian subcontinent. He began his campaign in 711 CE and conquered the region within two years.

Significance of the Conquest

The conquest of Sindh was significant for several reasons:

- It established a Muslim presence in the Indian subcontinent, which would have a lasting impact on the region's history and culture.
- It expanded the Umayyad caliphate's territory and influence, giving them access to the resources and trade routes of the Indian Ocean.
- It paved the way for future Muslim conquests and migrations into the subcontinent, which would shape its political and social landscape for centuries to come.

In conclusion, the year of Muhammad Qasim's conquest of Sind was 711 CE. This event had significant historical and cultural implications for the Indian subcontinent and the wider Islamic world.

Guidance of Muslim Rulers

The Muslim rulers were guided by the Ulama, who were considered to be the religious scholars and leaders of the Muslim community. They played a significant role in shaping the political, social, and religious aspects of Muslim society.

Role of Ulama

The Ulama were responsible for providing guidance to the Muslim rulers in various areas, including:

1. Sharia Law: The Ulama were the experts in Sharia law and provided guidance to Muslim rulers on how to govern according to Islamic principles.

2. Interpretation of Quran: They were responsible for interpreting the Quran and providing guidance on various aspects of Islamic life.

3. Issuing Fatwas: The Ulama were responsible for issuing Fatwas, which were legal opinions on various matters related to Islamic law.

4. Education: They were responsible for educating the Muslim community and training new Ulama to continue the tradition.

5. Moral Guidance: The Ulama provided moral guidance to the Muslim rulers, reminding them of their obligations to God and their subjects.

6. Political Advice: They advised the Muslim rulers on political matters, including diplomacy, military strategy, and governance.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Ulama played a significant role in guiding Muslim rulers. They provided guidance in various areas, including Sharia law, interpretation of the Quran, issuing Fatwas, education, moral guidance, and political advice. Their influence helped shape Muslim society and contributed to the development of Islamic civilization.

The correct answer is option 'B' - Compositions.

The Nayanars were a group of poet-saints from South India who lived between the 5th and 10th centuries CE. They were devotees of Lord Shiva and composed devotional hymns known as Tevaram in Tamil. These hymns express their deep love and devotion for Lord Shiva and also reflect their strong opposition to Buddhism and Jainism.

The Nayanars' opposition to Buddhism and Jainism is particularly evident in their compositions, which serve as a means of expressing their thoughts and beliefs. Here's an explanation of why the correct answer is 'B' - Compositions:

1. Context of the Nayanars:
The Nayanars lived during a time when Buddhism and Jainism were prominent religions in South India. These religions had gained significant influence and were seen as a challenge to the existing Vedic and Brahmanical traditions.

2. Poetic Expression:
The Nayanars used their compositions as a medium to express their thoughts, emotions, and beliefs. Their hymns were not only a form of artistic expression but also a way to propagate their religious ideology.

3. Opposition to Buddhism and Jainism:
In their compositions, the Nayanars expressed their strong opposition to Buddhism and Jainism. They criticized the beliefs and practices of these religions, often contrasting them with the glory and supremacy of Lord Shiva.

4. Exposing the "False Paths":
The Nayanars saw Buddhism and Jainism as "false paths" that deviated from the true path of devotion to Lord Shiva. Through their compositions, they aimed to expose what they perceived as the shortcomings and limitations of these religions.

5. Promoting Shaivism:
The Nayanars used their compositions to promote Shaivism, a sect of Hinduism that worships Lord Shiva as the supreme deity. They praised the greatness and power of Lord Shiva, emphasizing his role as the ultimate source of salvation and liberation.

In conclusion, the Nayanars' opposition to Buddhism and Jainism is particularly evident in their compositions. Through their hymns, they expressed their strong criticism of these religions and promoted the worship of Lord Shiva.

Lingayats, also known as Veerashaivas, are a religious community in India who follow the teachings of the 12th-century philosopher and social reformer, Basavanna. They consider themselves as a separate religious group within Hinduism, with their own distinct beliefs and practices. Lingayats worship Lord Shiva as their primary deity.

Shiva Worship:
Lingayats believe in monotheism, with Lord Shiva as the supreme deity. They emphasize the worship of Shiva in his formless, all-pervasive aspect called "Linga." The Linga is a symbolic representation of the divine energy and is often represented as a cylindrical stone or a lingam. Lingayats believe that the Linga represents the formless and eternal nature of God.

Importance of Guru:
Lingayats place great importance on the role of a spiritual leader or guru in their religious practice. They believe that the guru is a direct link to God and helps them in their spiritual journey. The guru is considered as a guide, mentor, and a source of divine knowledge.

Basava's Teachings:
Lingayats follow the teachings of Basavanna, who emphasized the principles of social equality, rejection of caste system, and the importance of individual spiritual experience over external rituals. Basava's teachings are compiled in the Vachana Sahitya, a collection of poetic works.

Key Beliefs:
Lingayats believe in the equality of all individuals, irrespective of their caste or social status. They reject the traditional Hindu caste system and promote social justice and equality. They also believe in the concept of "Kayaka" which emphasizes the importance of honest labor and service to society.

Rituals and Practices:
Lingayats have distinct rituals and practices that revolve around the worship of Shiva. They wear a small pendant called "Ishtalinga" that contains a small Linga, which they consider as a symbol of their devotion to Shiva. They also perform daily prayers, meditation, and recite sacred texts.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, Lingayats worship Lord Shiva as their primary deity. They consider Shiva as the ultimate reality and focus on the formless aspect of God represented by the Linga. Lingayats also emphasize the importance of a spiritual guru, follow the teachings of Basavanna, and promote social equality and honest labor.

Jizya was a tax that non-Muslims, known as zimmis, had to pay to Muslim rulers in order to be protected by them. It was a sign of their submission and loyalty to the Islamic state. Here is an explanation of jizya in detail:

What is Jizya?
Jizya is a tax that non-Muslims had to pay to Muslim rulers in exchange for protection. It was one of the ways that Muslim rulers raised revenue and maintained their power. The word jizya comes from the Arabic word jaza, which means "to compensate" or "to reward."

Who Paid Jizya?
Jizya was paid by non-Muslims, known as zimmis, who lived under Muslim rule. This included Christians, Jews, and other religious minorities. Muslims, on the other hand, were exempt from paying jizya because they were considered part of the Islamic community.

Why was Jizya Paid?
Jizya was paid as a sign of the zimmis' submission and loyalty to the Islamic state. It was also a way for them to receive protection from the Muslim rulers. In exchange for paying jizya, the zimmis were guaranteed safety and security in their homes and businesses.

How Much was Jizya?
The amount of jizya varied depending on the zimmi's financial status and the discretion of the Muslim rulers. In some cases, it was a fixed amount per person, while in others it was a percentage of their income or property. The jizya was usually collected annually.

Conclusion:
In summary, jizya was a tax that non-Muslims had to pay to Muslim rulers in order to be protected by them. It was a sign of their submission and loyalty to the Islamic state. Although it was seen as discriminatory by some, it was an important source of revenue for Muslim rulers and helped to maintain the stability of their empires.

The answer to the given question is option (C) Vishnu or Shiva.

Explanation:

• In Hinduism, there are various deities worshipped by the devotees, and the concept of supreme deity varies according to the beliefs of the individual.

• However, two deities, Vishnu and Shiva, are often projected as supreme in Hinduism because of their significant roles in mythology and their popularity among devotees.

• Vishnu is known as the preserver of the universe and is believed to have ten incarnations or avatars, including Lord Rama and Lord Krishna.

• On the other hand, Shiva is considered the destroyer of the universe and is worshipped in several forms, such as Lord Nataraja, Lord Mahadeva, and Lord Pashupati.

• The devotees of Vishnu consider him as the ultimate deity, as he is believed to protect and maintain the universe, and his followers are known as Vaishnavas.

• Similarly, the devotees of Shiva consider him as the supreme deity, as he is believed to destroy the old and make way for the new, and his followers are known as Shaivas.

• However, both Vishnu and Shiva are often depicted as different forms of the same ultimate reality, Brahman, and their devotees often acknowledge the importance of each other's beliefs.

• Therefore, the answer to the given question is option (C) Vishnu or Shiva as they are often projected as supreme deities in Hinduism.

Understanding of Vira Shaiva Tradition from Vachanas:

Vira Shaivism is a Shaivite movement that originated in the Karnataka region of India in the 12th century. It is also known as the Lingayat religion. The Vira Shaiva tradition is derived from the Vachanas, a collection of devotional poems composed in the Kannada language by the saints and poets of the Lingayat community.

Vachanas as a Source of Knowledge:

The Vachanas are considered as a primary source of knowledge about the Vira Shaiva tradition. These poems were composed by the Vira Shaiva saints and poets such as Basavanna, Akka Mahadevi, Allama Prabhu, and others. These poems are written in simple Kannada language and are easily understood by the common people.

Teachings of Vachanas:

The Vachanas teach the concept of monotheism, where God is seen as one and is accessible to everyone. The Vira Shaiva tradition believes in the equality of all human beings, irrespective of their caste, gender, or social status. The Vachanas also emphasize the importance of self-realization and the need for individuals to seek God within themselves.

The Vachanas also criticize the prevailing social and religious practices of their time, such as the caste system, the worship of idols, and the ritualistic practices of Hinduism. They promote social equality, gender equality, and the abolition of untouchability.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the Vira Shaiva tradition is derived from the Vachanas, a collection of devotional poems composed by the saints and poets of the Lingayat community. The Vachanas teach the concept of monotheism, emphasize the importance of self-realization, and promote social and gender equality. Therefore, the Vachanas are an important source of knowledge for understanding the Vira Shaiva tradition.

The Importance of Vedas, Avars and Nayanars

The Vedas are considered the most sacred and foundational texts of Hinduism. They contain hymns, prayers, and rituals that are believed to have been revealed to ancient sages by the gods themselves. The Avars and Nayanars were two groups of devotees who lived during different periods in South India. While they had different beliefs and practices, they both claimed that their compositions were as crucial as the Vedas.

Composition of Avars and Nayanars

The Avars were a group of devotees who lived during the 6th and 7th centuries CE. They were known for their devotion to Lord Shiva and their compositions of devotional poetry in Tamil. Their works, collectively known as the Tevaram, are considered to be as important as the Vedas. The Avars believed that their poetry was inspired by the divine and that it had the power to bring devotees closer to God.

The Nayanars were a group of devotees who lived during the 7th to 10th centuries CE. They were also devotees of Lord Shiva and composed devotional poetry in Tamil. Their works, collectively known as the Tirumurai, are also considered to be as important as the Vedas. The Nayanars believed that their poetry was a form of worship and that it had the power to transform the devotee and bring them closer to God.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Avars and Nayanars claimed that their compositions were as crucial as the Vedas. They believed that their poetry was inspired by the divine and had the power to bring devotees closer to God. While their beliefs and practices differed from those of the Vedas, they were equally important to their followers.