Unit Test (Solutions): Devotional Paths to the Divine | Social Studies (SST) Class 7 (Old NCERT) PDF Download

Time Limit: 1 Hour
Total Marks: 30

Attempt all questions.

• Question numbers 1 to 5 carry 1 mark each.
• Question numbers 6 to 8 carry 2 marks each.
• Question numbers 9 to 11 carry 3 marks each.
• Question number 12 & 13 carry 5 marks each.

Q1: Which religious text is considered a key source of Bhakti ideology?  (1 Mark)
(a) Ramayana
(b) Bhagavad Gita
(c) Panchatantra
(d) Arthashastra
Ans: (b) Bhagavad Gita

Q2: Fill in the blank: The poems of the Alvars were compiled into a sacred text called ________.  (1 Mark)
Ans: Divya Prabandham

Q3: Which Sufi saint was associated with the Chishti order in India?  (1 Mark)
(a) Baba Farid
(b) Shankaracharya
(c) Ramanuja
(d) Kabir
Ans: (a) Baba Farid

Q4: What was the main idea of Shankara’s Advaita philosophy?  (1 Mark)
(a) Rituals are the only path to salvation.
(b) The material world is real and eternal.
(c) The individual soul and Brahman are one.
(d) Devotion to a personal god is necessary for liberation.
Ans: (c) The individual soul and Brahman are one.

Q5: Name the religious sect in Maharashtra that promoted devotion to Vitthala.  (1 Mark)
Ans: Varkari Sect

Q6: How did the Bhakti movement challenge social inequalities?  (2 Marks)
Ans:

• It rejected caste-based discrimination and emphasized devotion as the path to God.
• Bhakti saints like Kabir and Ravidas encouraged equality, allowing people from all castes to participate in spiritual practices.

Q7: What were the main teachings of Guru Nanak?  (2 Marks)
Ans:

• Belief in one formless God and rejection of caste distinctions.
• Emphasis on nam (right worship), dan (charity), and isnan (purity of conduct).

Q8: How did the Sufi movement contribute to communal harmony?  (2 Marks)
Ans:

• Sufis emphasized love and devotion to God, transcending religious divisions.
• They encouraged Hindu-Muslim interactions through poetry, music (qawwali), and teachings.

Q9: Discuss the role of Nayanars and Alvars in promoting Bhakti traditions in South India.  (3 Marks)
Ans:

• Nayanars (devotees of Shiva) and Alvars (devotees of Vishnu) wrote devotional hymns in Tamil.
• They opposed caste hierarchy and emphasized love for God over rituals.
• Their poems were later compiled into Tevaram and Divya Prabandham, influencing temple worship.

Q10: Explain how the Virashaiva movement of Karnataka opposed traditional Brahmanical practices.  (3 Marks)
Ans:

• Led by Basavanna, it rejected caste distinctions and upheld gender equality.
• Opposed idol worship and ritualistic practices, focusing on direct devotion to Shiva.
• Encouraged simple, ethical living and social service.

Q11: Describe the impact of Sufi Khanqahs on Indian society.  (3 Marks)
Ans:

• Khanqahs served as centers for spiritual learning, charity, and communal gatherings.
• People from different backgrounds sought blessings and guidance from Sufi saints.
• They played a role in spreading Persian, Arabic, and local cultural traditions.

Q12: Analyze the significance of the Bhakti movement in shaping Indian society and culture.  (5 Marks)
Ans:

• Religious Influence: Promoted devotion over rituals, making spirituality accessible to all.
• Social Impact: Opposed caste-based discrimination, giving lower castes an equal platform in spiritual practices.
• Literary Contributions: Led to the rise of devotional poetry in regional languages, such as Surdas in Hindi and Tulsidas in Awadhi.
• Temple and Pilgrimage Growth: Many Bhakti saints became associated with temples, leading to new pilgrimage centers.
• Women’s Participation: Saints like Mirabai challenged societal norms, inspiring other women to seek spiritual freedom.

Q13: Examine the role of Guru Nanak and his successors in shaping Sikhism.  (5 Marks)
Ans:

• Guru Nanak’s Teachings: Rejected caste hierarchy, promoted honest living, and emphasized community service (langar).
• Formation of Gurmukhi: Guru Angad developed the script to preserve Sikh teachings.
• Guru Arjan’s Contribution: Compiled Guru Granth Sahib and built Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple).
• Transformation into a Political Community: Guru Gobind Singh established the Khalsa in 1699, giving Sikhs a distinct identity.
• Impact on Society: Sikhism grew as a powerful spiritual and political force in medieval India.