Class 7 History Notes - Religious Beliefs and Popular Movements

Introduction

• The medieval period of Indian history was a time of change and fusion of cultures, religions, and new ideas.
• This chapter explores the impact of the Sufi and Bhakti movements on religious beliefs and practices in India.

Bhakti and Sufi Movements: A Common Ground

Both Bhakti and Sufi movements emphasized devotion to God and shared some similarities.

Bhakti Movement

• Bhakti movement was about personal devotion to a Supreme God.
• Rejected the caste system, focusing on equality.
• Aimed to break the cycle of birth and rebirth.
• Emphasized love, devotion, and surrender to God.
• Rejected elaborate rituals.
• Used poetry, hymns, music, and dance to connect with the divine.
• Spoke in local languages to spread their ideas.
• Worshiped God, with or without a form.
• Questioned authority, even kings and rulers.
• Rejected the need for priests as intermediaries between humans and God.

Sufi Movement

• Sufism was a mystical aspect of Islam emphasizing unity with God.
• Stressed compassion for all.
• Rejected outward religiosity and codes set by scholars.
• Emphasized love, devotion, and surrender to God.
• Rejected rituals and idol worship.
• Used poetry, music, and dance as spiritual tools.
• Promoted equality and brotherhood.

Saints of the Bhakti Movement

• Alvars and Nayanars spread Bhakti in South India.
• Alvars were Vaishnavites (devotees of Vishnu).
• Nayanars were Shaivites (devotees of Shiva).
• Bhakti saints belonged to any caste, and people of any caste could join.

Adi Shankaracharya

• A Hindu thinker who reformed Vedic philosophy.
• Taught Advaita, uniting individual soul with the Supreme God.
• Considered the world an illusion.
• Advocated renunciation for salvation.
• Founded four monastic centers to spread his philosophy.

Ramanuja

• A Vaishnava saint from Tamil Nadu.
• Believed in the equality of all humans.
• Preached Vishishtadvaita, where the soul remains distinct even when united with the Supreme God.

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The Virashaivas

• Shaivite saints advocating monotheism and rejecting the caste system.
• Founded by Basavanna, a social reformer.
• Included people from various backgrounds, even women.

Saints of Maharashtra

• Prominent Bhakti saints: Jnaneshwar, Namadeva, Eknath, Sakku Bai, and Tukaram.
• Devotees of Lord Vitthala (Vishnu).
• Focused on a personal God in the hearts of all people.
• Rejected rituals, social differences, and renunciation.
• Emphasized humanism and shared pain.

Nathpanthis, Siddhas, and Yogis

• Rejected rituals and conventional religion.
• Advocated renunciation of the world.
• Taught yoga, breathing exercises, and meditation.
• Attracted followers from lower castes.

Ravidas

• A socio-religious reformer from the 15th century.
• Believed actions, not birth, distinguished individuals.
• Opposed untouchability and made God accessible to all.

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Srimanta Sankardeva

• A Bhakti saint from Assam, 16th century.
• Founded Mahapuruxiya Dharma.
• Opposed the caste system, stressed social synthesis.
• Wrote verses about Lord Krishna.

Kabir

• An influential Bhakti saint from North India.
• Believed in one God, against rituals and idol worship.
• Advocated equality and opposed discrimination.
• Emphasized guidance from a guru.
• Preached humanity, reverence, peace, and love.

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Guru Nanak and Sikhism

• Guru Nanak's teachings formed the basis of Sikhism.
• Emphasized one God, pious character, and social commitment.
• Denounced superstitions and idol worship.
• Promoted an active life and equality.
• Established the concept of langar and gurudwara.

Conclusion

• Bhakti and Sufi movements in India brought significant changes to religious beliefs, emphasizing devotion, unity with God, and social equality.
• The teachings of these saints continue to influence religious practices and thinking in India.