UPSC Exam  >  UPSC Notes  >  Indian Society for UPSC CSE  >  Women in Bhakti Movement

Women in Bhakti Movement | Indian Society for UPSC CSE PDF Download

Overview

The liberal current, which to some extent widened the horizon of women, was the Bhakti movements, the medieval saints’ movements. Female poet­saints also played a significant role in the bhakti movement at large. Bhakti movements which flourished during the medieval age gave rise to a new class of man and women who cared little for gender bias.
  • In many cases, they rejected traditional women’s roles and societal norms by leaving husbands and homes altogether, choosing to become wandering bhaktas.
  • In some instances they formed communities with other poet saints.
  • Their new focus was utter devotion and worship of their Divine Husbands.

Famous Women during this Period

  • Janabai: Janabai was born around the 13th century in Maharashtra in a low caste sudra family. She was sent to work in the upper caste family of Namdev, one of the most revered of the bhakti poet saints
  • Akkamahadevi: Akkamahadevi, also known as Akka or Mahadevi was a bhakta from the southern region of Karnataka and a devotee of Shiva in the 12th century CE
  • Mirabhay: Mirabai, or Mira is said to have been born into a ruling Rajput Mirabai’s poetry tells about her vision of Lord Krishna when she was a child; from that point on Mira vowed that she would forever be his bride.
  • Bahinabhai: Bahinabai was a poet saint from 17th century Maharashtra. written in the form of abangas, women’s songs that accompanied their labors, especially in the fields. Her writings are particularly autobiographical, recounting her childhood, puberty and married life.
The document Women in Bhakti Movement | Indian Society for UPSC CSE is a part of the UPSC Course Indian Society for UPSC CSE.
All you need of UPSC at this link: UPSC
21 videos|72 docs

Up next

FAQs on Women in Bhakti Movement - Indian Society for UPSC CSE

1. How did the Bhakti Movement in India empower women?
The Bhakti Movement in India played a significant role in empowering women. It provided an avenue for women to express their spirituality and devotion, breaking the traditional barriers that confined them to domestic roles. Women became actively involved in religious gatherings, singing devotional songs, and participating in spiritual discussions. This movement allowed them to challenge the societal norms and restrictions imposed on them, giving them a sense of independence and agency.
2. Who were some prominent women leaders in the Bhakti Movement?
Several prominent women leaders emerged during the Bhakti Movement in India. Some of them include Mirabai, Andal, Akka Mahadevi, Lal Ded, and Karaikkal Ammaiyar. These women defied societal conventions and became renowned for their devotion and spiritual teachings. Their poetry and compositions continue to inspire and resonate with people even today.
3. Did the Bhakti Movement lead to any changes in the status of women in society?
Yes, the Bhakti Movement had a transformative impact on the status of women in society. It challenged the prevailing social norms and gave women a platform to assert themselves. The movement emphasized the equality of all individuals in the eyes of God, irrespective of their gender. This ideology gradually influenced society, leading to a shift in attitudes towards women and encouraging their active participation in various spheres of life.
4. How did the Bhakti Movement contribute to the spread of literacy among women?
The Bhakti Movement played a crucial role in promoting literacy among women. Many women who actively participated in this movement composed and recited devotional poetry in regional languages. This not only contributed to the development of regional literature but also encouraged women to learn and express themselves through writing. The movement created an intellectual environment that supported women's education and literacy.
5. What were the key teachings and principles of the Bhakti Movement that benefited women?
The Bhakti Movement emphasized the importance of personal devotion and a direct relationship with God, bypassing the need for intermediaries such as priests or rituals. This allowed women to experience spirituality on their terms, without being dependent on societal structures. The movement also emphasized the equality of all individuals, regardless of their social status or gender, promoting a more inclusive and egalitarian society. These teachings provided women with a sense of liberation, empowerment, and the freedom to express their spiritual beliefs.
21 videos|72 docs
Download as PDF

Up next

Explore Courses for UPSC exam
Signup for Free!
Signup to see your scores go up within 7 days! Learn & Practice with 1000+ FREE Notes, Videos & Tests.
10M+ students study on EduRev
Related Searches

Semester Notes

,

ppt

,

past year papers

,

study material

,

Objective type Questions

,

Women in Bhakti Movement | Indian Society for UPSC CSE

,

Free

,

Exam

,

Summary

,

Important questions

,

Women in Bhakti Movement | Indian Society for UPSC CSE

,

Viva Questions

,

Women in Bhakti Movement | Indian Society for UPSC CSE

,

Previous Year Questions with Solutions

,

practice quizzes

,

shortcuts and tricks

,

pdf

,

MCQs

,

Extra Questions

,

mock tests for examination

,

Sample Paper

,

video lectures

;