Class 7 History Question Answers - Religious Beliefs and Popular Movements

Short Answer Questions

Q1: What are the key shared characteristics of the Bhakti and Sufi movements?
Ans: Both emphasize devotion to God, equality, and rejection of elaborate rituals.

Q2: Who were the Alvars and Nayanars, and what were their main beliefs?
Ans: They were Bhakti saints from South India. Alvars were Vaishnavites, and Nayanars were Shaivites. They believed in personal devotion to their respective gods.

Q3: What was Adi Shankaracharya's major contribution to the Bhakti movement?
Ans: Adi Shankaracharya reformed Vedic philosophy and taught the doctrine of Advaita, emphasizing unity with the Supreme God.

Q4: Who founded the Virashaiva movement, and what were its core principles?
Ans: Basavanna founded the Virashaiva movement. It advocated monotheism, rejected the caste system, and included people from various backgrounds, including women.

Q5: Name some famous Bhakti saints from Maharashtra and their key beliefs.
Ans: Prominent saints include Jnaneshwar, Namadeva, Eknath, Sakku Bai, and Tukaram. They emphasized a personal God, rejected rituals, and promoted humanism.

Q6: What were some major teachings of Kabir?
Ans: Kabir believed in one God, rejected rituals and discrimination, and preached humanity, reverence, peace, and love.

Q7: Who was Guru Nanak, and what were the core teachings of Sikhism based on his teachings?
Ans: Guru Nanak founded Sikhism. Sikhism emphasizes one God, equality, social commitment, and rejects superstitions and idol worship.

Q8: What is Sufism, and what methods did Sufis use to attain unity with God?
Ans: Sufism is the mystical aspect of Islam. Sufis used chanting, contemplation, singing, dancing, and breath control.

Q9: What are silsilahs in Sufism, and why were they important?
Ans: Silsilahs are religious orders in Sufism, each following different methods of instruction and practice. They played a crucial role in the transmission of Sufi teachings.

Q10: Name some important Sufi saints from India.
Ans: Prominent Sufi saints include Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, Qutbuddin Bakhtiar Kaki, Baba Farid, Khwaja Nizamuddin Auliya, and Bandanawaz Gesudaraz.

Long Answer Questions

Q11: Explain the main tenets of the Bhakti movement and how they influenced Indian society.
Ans: The Bhakti movement stressed devotion to a Supreme God, equality, and rejection of rituals and caste distinctions. These ideas promoted social harmony and spiritual growth, transcending societal boundaries.

Q12: Describe the features of the Bhakti movement in North India and its impact on religious practices.
Ans: In North India, the Bhakti movement emphasized monotheism, personal devotion, and social equality. It led to the rejection of elaborate rituals and a shift towards a simpler, more inclusive religious practice.

Q13: Discuss the major teachings of Kabir and their significance in promoting unity and social harmony.
Ans: Kabir's teachings emphasized the belief in one God, rejection of rituals and discrimination, and the promotion of humanity and love. These teachings aimed to unite people and eradicate social divisions.

Q14: Explain the significance of the teacher-disciple relationship in the spread of the Sufi movement in India.
Ans: The teacher-disciple relationship was crucial for the transmission of Sufi teachings and practices. It allowed for the guidance of disciples, ensuring the continuity and spread of Sufi traditions.

Q15: Define Sufism and its core tenets, highlighting the methods Sufis used to attain unity with God.
Ans: Sufism is the mystical aspect of Islam. Its core tenets include the belief in unity with God through prayers, meditation, and a disciplined life. Sufis used methods like chanting, contemplation, singing, and dancing to attain spiritual unity.

Q16: Explore the contributions of Adi Shankaracharya to the Bhakti movement and the key aspects of his teachings.
Ans: Adi Shankaracharya reformed Vedic philosophy and taught Advaita, emphasizing unity with the Supreme God. He considered the world an illusion and advocated renunciation for salvation.

Q17: Discuss the role of prominent Bhakti saints in Maharashtra in promoting religious and social change.
Ans: Bhakti saints in Maharashtra rejected rituals and social differences, emphasizing personal devotion to a loving God. They promoted humanism and unity, inspiring social and religious change.

Q18: Explain the principles and teachings of Guru Nanak and how they formed the basis of Sikhism.
Ans: Guru Nanak's teachings emphasized one God, social commitment, equality, and rejection of superstitions and idol worship. These principles laid the foundation for Sikhism.

Q19: Describe the various Sufi religious orders in India and their significance.
Ans: The main Sufi orders in India included Chishti, Suhrawardi, and Naqshbandi. These orders followed slightly different methods of instruction and ritual practice, contributing to the diversity of Sufism.

Q20: Discuss the impact of the Bhakti and Sufi movements on Indian society and religious practices, and how their teachings continue to influence people today.
Ans: The Bhakti and Sufi movements promoted unity, equality, and simplicity in religious practices. Their teachings continue to inspire individuals to this day, emphasizing love, devotion, and spiritual growth.