GS1 PYQ (Mains Answer Writing): Sufi Movement | History for UPSC CSE PDF Download

Question 1: 

Sufis and medieval mystic saints failed to modify either the religious ideas and practices or the outward structure of Hindu/Muslim societies to any appreciable extent. Comment. (UPSC GS 1 Mains) 

Answer: 

Introduction

The Sufi and Medieval saints represent an important aspect of the medieval times in India. This generation of saints emerged as a reaction to the growing orthodoxy and superstition in the Hindu religion, and decried the degrading situation of the social order. However, an analysis of the impact of these saints reveals that they failed to mark a significant change in the social order.

Key Points

1. Discriminatory Practices Continued

• Hindu and Muslim societies continued their discriminatory practices like caste system and class system.
• Higher class people still enjoyed several privileges.

2. Lack of Integration Among Religious Leaders

• These movements were functioned locally and there was little or no interaction among these religious leaders.
• Lack of integration was the major region that it failed to leave a large impact.

3. Absence of Royal Patronage

• There was no royal patronage for these movements which could have assist it in propagation.
• The upper class of the society was still orthodox and opposed the changes in the outer structure of the religion.

4. No Institutional Structure

• The Sufi saints and Bhakti saints did not form institutional structures.
• In the absence of organization, the lineage of saints could not continue for a long.

5. Failure to Offer Alternatives

• The Sufi and Bhakti saints failed to offer a proper alternative to the social customs that they attacked.
• Thus, the absence of an alternative to the social customs left the status of the traditions unaffected.

6. Limited Impact

• The Sufi and Bhakti movement bring a respite for the people suffering from the intense form of religion.
• It harmonized the society and brought the Hindu and Muslims nearer but failed to leave a long-lasting impact due to inherent weaknesses of the movement.

Conclusion:

While Sufis and medieval mystic saints played an important role in shaping religious thought and fostering interfaith harmony in India, their overall impact on the broader religious practices and social structures of Hindu and Muslim societies remained limited. Their teachings often emphasized personal spirituality, faced opposition from orthodox sections, and struggled to reach wider sections of society, making it difficult to effect significant changes at the societal level.

Question 2: 

What do you understand by Sufism. Explain how Sufism is relevant in the present times?  (UPSC GS 1 Mains) 

Answer: 

Introduction to Sufism
Sufism refers to the mystical dimension of Islam, emphasizing the spiritual journey toward God while rejecting materialism. Practitioners of this path are known as Sufis.

Origin and Spread in India
Sufism arrived in India during the 10th–11th centuries and gained popularity by the 12th century. By then, it was organized into 12 spiritual lineages known as Silsilas. Each Silsila was headed by a respected mystic and operated from a Khanqah (hospice), where the master lived with his disciples.

The four most prominent Sufi orders in India were:

• Chishtis
• Suhrawardis
• Qadiriyyas
• Naqshbandis

Key Features of Sufism

• Core Principle: The relationship of love between God and human beings forms the foundation of Sufi belief.
• Spiritual Focus: Concepts like the soul, divine closeness, love for God, and self-annihilation are central to Sufi thought.
• Love for Humanity: Sufis believe that loving God means serving and loving humanity.
• Equality: Sufism rejects all forms of religious, caste, class, and gender discrimination, promoting universal equality.
• Self-Discipline: Inner discipline is essential for spiritual growth and attaining closeness to God.
• Inner Purity: Unlike orthodox interpretations of Islam, which emphasize outward practices, Sufism prioritizes purity of the heart and soul.

Relevance of Sufism in Today’s World

In a time marked by increasing intolerance and violence, the values of Sufism are deeply relevant:

1. Present Relevance of Sufism:

   • Spiritual Fulfillment: In today's busy world, many seek deeper meaning and peace. Sufism offers a path for inner peace and connection with the divine.
   • Universal Values: Sufism teaches love, compassion, and tolerance, which are crucial for harmony among diverse communities in our globalized world.
   • Countering Extremism: Sufism promotes a moderate approach to Islam, countering extremist ideologies with its message of peace and empathy.
   • Social Justice: Sufism emphasizes ethical behavior and social responsibility, advocating for justice and equality in society.

2. Modern Expressions of Sufism:

   • Sufi Music and Poetry: Sufi music and poetry continue to inspire people worldwide, expressing spirituality and emotions across cultures.
   • Sufi Communities: Sufi orders provide spaces for spiritual practice and support, allowing individuals to engage in communal worship and learning.
   • Contemporary Sufi Scholars: Present-day scholars and teachers share Sufi teachings through lectures, books, and online platforms, adapting traditional concepts to modern challenges.

Conclusion
Sufism has had a lasting influence on the spiritual, social, and cultural fabric of societies. Its messages of divine love, inner purity, peace, and service to humanity continue to inspire people today. At a time when the world is facing moral and social challenges, the path of Sufism can offer much-needed guidance and hope.

Question 3: 

Persian literary sources of medieval India reflect the spirit of the age. Comment. (UPSC GS 1 Mains) 

Answer:

Interaction of Islamic and Indian Cultures during Mughal Rule:

With the arrival of Mughals, Turks, and Afghans, the Islamic and Indian cultures engaged in mutual influence during the medieval period. Persian became the dominant language, replacing Sanskrit in regions under Muslim rule.

Persian Littérateurs and Literary Contributions:

• Amir Khusrau: Notable works include Panch Ganj, Matla-ul-Anwar, Shirin wa Khuarav, Laila wa Majnun, Aina-i-Sikandari, and Hasht Bihisht. He introduced Hindi words and idioms, incorporating Indian themes into his works.
• Shams Siraj Afif: Wrote Takih-Firoz Shahi, providing valuable insights into Firoz Shah Tughlaq's reign, detailing policies and the irrigation tax system.
• Khawaja Najm-ud-Din Hasan: Authored Fawaid-ul-Faud, recording conversations with the saint Nizamud-Din Aulia, offering a valuable document on Sufi philosophy.
• Abu’l Fazl: Credited with Akbarnama and Ain-i-Akbari, depicting the Mughal era, its administrative system, and the famous "Account of the Hindu Sciences."
• Dara Shikoh: Translated Hindu scriptures into Persian, including the Persian translation of Upanishads called Sirr-i-Akbar and the translation of Bhagavad Gita. He sought commonalities between Hindu and Islamic traditions.

With the arrival of Muslims, Persian, an Aryan tongue and sister language of Sanskrit, became prominent in India. This cultural confluence in a diverse land like India, known for adopting, blending, and producing composite cultural unity in diversity, continued.