Textbook Solutions: Rise of Composite Cultures: Ramdevra and Pandharpur Wari | Footprints Class 7: Book Solutions, Notes & Worksheets PDF Download

I. Tick (✓) the correct option.

1.
Ans: (c)

2.
Ans: (b)

3.
Ans: (c)

4.
Ans: (c)

5.
Ans: (c)

II. Answer the following questions about Ramdevji.

1.
Ans: Ramdevji was a ruler from the Tanwar Rajput clan in the late 14th and early 15th centuries CE. He was known for his miraculous powers and was considered a savior, especially for the untouchables, women, and disadvantaged people in a caste-based society.

2.
Ans: The major event associated with Ramdevji is the Ramdevra Mela, a festival held in his honor in the village of Runicha, Rajasthan. It attracts devotees from various castes, creeds, and religions, highlighting social inclusion and unity.

3.
Ans: Ramdevji's social culture was unique in its emphasis on unity and equality. He worked to unite Hindus and Muslims, promoting peace, justice, and equality for all. His followers, known as Kamadia Panthis, included people from different castes, and his teachings challenged the rigid caste system and promoted social harmony.

III. There are two statements given as Assertion (A) and Reason (R). Read both the statements to choose the correct option.

Ans: (d)

IV. Answer the following questions in brief.

1.
Ans: A composite culture is a blend of elements from various existing traditions and cultures within a single region. It reflects tolerance and acceptance of diverse ways of life, resulting in a unified culture that incorporates aspects from different backgrounds.

2.
Ans: From the 12th century CE onwards, many saints, philosophers, and social reformers emerged in India who sought to resolve social differences and promote equality. They opposed the rigid social hierarchies enforced by both Hindu Brahmins and Muslim clerics. These reformers incorporated folk culture and simple rituals into their teachings, making them accessible to the common people and fostering a sense of unity across religious boundaries.

3.
Ans: The Ramdevra Mela, held in the village of Runicha, Rajasthan, is a significant festival that plays a crucial role in promoting social inclusion and unity among different castes, creeds, and religions. The festival honors Ramdevji, who is revered for his efforts to unite people and promote equality. The Mela serves as a symbol of cultural and social harmony in the region.

4.
Ans: The Pandharpur Wari is a significant festival that represents the intermixing of devotional traditions and folk culture in western India. It is a pilgrimage to the temple of Lord Vitthala in Pandharpur, Maharashtra. The festival has deep roots in the Bhakti Movement and symbolizes social equality, spiritual devotion, and the blending of different cultural elements.

5.
Ans: The Bhakti saints associated with Pandharpur include Sant Dnyaneshwar, Sant Namdev, and Sant Tukaram. These saints were central figures in the Bhakti Movement and contributed to Pandharpur's significance as a center of cultural and spiritual learning.

V. Answer the following questions in detail.

1.
Ans: The concept of 'unity in diversity' in India refers to the country's ability to maintain a sense of unity and harmony despite its vast cultural, linguistic, and religious diversity. This unity is reflected in India's festivals, fairs, and pilgrimages, which bring people from different backgrounds together. Saints and philosophers who emerged from the 12th century onwards played a crucial role in promoting this unity by challenging social hierarchies and incorporating elements of folk culture into religious practices. Traders and travelers also contributed by bringing new ideas and cultures from different regions, leading to the growth of composite cultures that blended diverse traditions.

2.
Ans: Ramdevji united people from different backgrounds by promoting the ideals of peace, justice, and equality. He is revered as both Ramdevji by Hindus and Ram Shah Pir by Muslims, reflecting his efforts to bridge religious divides. His followers, known as Kamadia Panthis, came from various castes and included people traditionally considered untouchables. Ramdevji's teachings challenged the rigid caste system, and his compassion for the poor and disadvantaged made him a beloved figure across different communities. The Ramdevra Mela, held in his honor, is a testament to the unity he fostered among people of diverse backgrounds.

3.
Ans: The Warkaris of Pandharpur are devotees who undertake a pilgrimage, known as Wari, to the temple of Lord Vitthala in Pandharpur, Maharashtra. This tradition, which has been practiced for over 800 years, is central to the Warkari Panth, a sect within the Bhakti tradition. Warkaris travel to Pandharpur on foot, carrying padukas (footprints) in palanquins, along with idols on bullock carts and horse chariots bearing images of saints. These saints, often from lower castes, played a significant role in the Bhakti Movement, challenging social norms and promoting spiritual devotion. The Warkari tradition embodies the spirit of social equality and devotion, making Pandharpur a unique cultural and spiritual center in India.