Short & Long Questions: Popular Beliefs and Religious Debates | Window on the Word Class 7: Solutions, Notes & Worksheets PDF Download

Short Answer Questions

Q1: When and where did the Bhakti movement originate?
Ans: The Bhakti movement originated in South India around the 7th century CE.

Q2:  Who were the Nayanars and Alvars, and what role did they play in spreading the Bhakti movement?
Ans: The Nayanars were worshippers of Shiva, and the Alvars were worshippers of Vishnu. They played important roles in spreading the Bhakti movement by rejecting the caste system and traveling to spread their messages through poems and songs.

Q3: Who was Adi Shankaracharya, and what were his key teachings?
Ans: Adi Shankaracharya was a philosopher born in Kerala in the 8th century CE. He emphasized the importance of knowledge and renunciation and did not believe in rituals. He established mathas to spread his teachings.

Q4: What form of devotional music did the Sufi pirs develop, and what were the singers called?
Ans: The Sufi pirs developed a form of devotional music called qawwali, and the singers were called qawwals.

Q5: What were some common teachings shared by Bhakti and Sufi saints?
Ans: They believed in the oneness of God, equality of human beings, realization of God through simple living, praying in simple language, and denunciation of rituals.

Q6: Who were some prominent Bhakti saints from Maharashtra, and what were their main beliefs?
Ans: Prominent saints like Tukaram, Jnaneshwar, Namadeva, Eknath, Chokhamela, and Sakhubai were Lord Vitthala devotees. They promoted equality, opposed rituals, and advocated living within family setups.

Q7: What key principles were emphasized in Guru Nanak's teachings?
Ans: Guru Nanak's key principles were Naam Japo (meditating on God's name), Kirat karo (working hard and earning an honest livelihood), and Vand chakko (practicing sharing and helping those in need).

Q8: What did Kabir preach about the oneness of God?
Ans: Kabir believed that there was only one God and referred to God by various names like Rama, Hari, Allah, and others.

Q9: What were some of the teachings of Guru Nanak to promote universal brotherhood?
Ans: Guru Nanak encouraged his followers to eat together at langars or community kitchens to promote universal brotherhood.

Q10:  Where is the holy book of the Sikhs, Guru Granth Sahib, installed?
Ans: The Guru Granth Sahib is installed in the Harmandir Sahib, also known as the Golden Temple, in Amritsar.

Long Answer Questions

Q1: Explain the main beliefs and practices of Adi Shankaracharya in detail.
Ans: Adi Shankaracharya believed in renunciation, knowledge, and rejected rituals. He established four mathas to spread his teachings across India. He emphasized the importance of giving up material comforts to attain God and salvation. His re-examination of Vedic philosophy paved the way for the Bhakti movement.

Q2: Describe the syncretic teachings of the Bhakti and Sufi saints in detail.
Ans: Both Bhakti and Sufi saints believed in the oneness of God, equality of human beings, realization of God through simple living, praying in simple language, and denunciation of rituals. They reached out to people of all religions and castes, composing and teaching in local languages. Their teachings promoted a more democratic and joyful form of worship, free from orthodoxy.

Q3: Provide an in-depth explanation of Kabir's beliefs and practices, including his views on God, caste system, and rituals.
Ans: Kabir believed in the oneness of God and referred to God by various names. He rejected the caste system and all forms of formal worship. Kabir preached unity, tolerance, and discouraged all kinds of discrimination. He emphasized that it was not necessary to renounce the world to reach God. His verses emphasized love and devotion to God.

Q4: Discuss the key teachings and principles of Guru Nanak, highlighting his beliefs about God, universal brotherhood, and ways to lead a successful life.
Ans: Guru Nanak believed in one eternal, formless God (Ik Onkar) and advised reciting the 'true name'. He spoke out against discrimination based on caste and religion. To promote universal brotherhood, he encouraged communal meals in langars. Guru Nanak emphasized the importance of purity of character, honest livelihood, and combining spiritual life with duties as a householder.