1. You can observe this process of local myths and legends receiving wider acceptance even today. Can you find some examples around you?
Answer: Yes, even today, local myths and stories become popular in wider areas. For example, the story of Lord Jagannath from Odisha is now celebrated all over India during the Rath Yatra festival. Similarly, regional festivals like Durga Puja from West Bengal are now celebrated in many parts of the country.
2. How does the poet describe his relationship with the deity? (Referring to the poem by Manikkavasagar)
Answer: In Manikkavasagar’s poem, the poet describes his relationship with God as very close and personal. He sees himself as completely devoted to God and feels that he can never be separated from Him. The poet expresses deep love and surrender to the deity.
3. Try and find out more about the ideas of Shankara or Ramanuja.
Answer:
- Shankara believed in Advaita, which means non-duality. He taught that the individual soul and the Supreme God are one. He said that the world is an illusion (maya) and that understanding this through knowledge leads to salvation.
- Ramanuja believed in Vishishtadvaita, which means qualified non-duality. He taught that the soul and God are connected but still separate. He emphasized intense devotion (bhakti) to Lord Vishnu as the way to reach God.
4. What is the temple that Basavanna is offering to God?
Answer: Basavanna is offering his own body as the temple to God. In his poem, he says that his legs are the pillars, his body is the shrine, and his head is the cupola (dome). He means that true worship is not about building temples but dedicating oneself to God.
5. Discuss the ideas about the social order expressed in these compositions. (Referring to the poems by Tukaram and Chokhamela’s son)
Answer: The poems criticize the unfair social system, especially the caste system. Tukaram says that God is with the humble and oppressed people. Chokhamela’s son questions why God made them low caste and points out the suffering they face. Both poems emphasize that everyone is equal in God’s eyes.
6. Why do you think Mirabai left the Rana’s palace?
Answer: Mirabai left the Rana’s palace because she was deeply devoted to Lord Krishna. She wanted to devote her life to singing and worshipping Krishna. The palace life and its rules might have prevented her from following her devotion freely, so she chose to leave.
7. In what ways are the ideas in this poem similar to or different from those of Basavanna and Jalaluddin Rumi? (Referring to the poem by Kabir)
Answer: Like Basavanna and Jalaluddin Rumi, Kabir emphasizes that God is found within us, not in temples or mosques. All three reject external rituals and focus on personal devotion to a formless God. They teach that true worship comes from sincere love and understanding, not from performing rituals.
Exercise Questions and Answers:
1. Match the following:
- The Buddha – Questioned social differences
- Shankaradeva – Worship of Vishnu
- Nizamuddin Auliya – Sufi saint
- Nayanars – Worship of Shiva
- Alvars – Worship of Vishnu
2. Fill in the blanks:
(a) Shankara was an advocate of Advaita.
(b) Ramanuja was influenced by the Alvars.
(c) Basavanna, Allama Prabhu, and Akkamahadevi were advocates of Virashaivism.
(d) Pandharpur was an important centre of the Bhakti tradition in Maharashtra.
3. Describe the beliefs and practices of the Nathpanthis, Siddhas and Yogis.
Answer: The Nathpanthis, Siddhas, and Yogis believed in meditating on a formless God to achieve salvation. They practiced intense training of the mind and body through yoga, breathing exercises, and meditation. They rejected rituals and the caste system, and their teachings were popular among people from lower castes.
4. What were the major ideas expressed by Kabir? How did he express these?
Answer: Kabir taught that there is only one God and that all religions lead to the same God. He rejected external rituals of both Hindus and Muslims. He believed in personal devotion and love for God. Kabir expressed his ideas through simple poems called sakhis and pads, which were easy for common people to understand and sing.
5. What were the major beliefs and practices of the Sufis?
Answer: The Sufis were Muslim mystics who emphasized love and devotion to God instead of strict religious rituals. They believed in being kind to all people and thought the heart could be trained to find God through practices like chanting (zikr), singing, dancing, and meditation, often guided by a teacher called a pir.
6. Why do you think many teachers rejected prevalent religious beliefs and practices?
Answer: Many teachers saw that rituals and caste divisions were causing harm and inequality in society. They wanted to focus on love, equality, and personal devotion to God. By rejecting the old practices, they tried to bring people together and promote harmony.
7. What were the major teachings of Baba Guru Nanak?
Answer: Baba Guru Nanak taught that there is only one God, and all people are equal before God. He rejected caste differences and rituals. He emphasized honest living, sharing with others, and remembering God’s name. He established communities where people of all backgrounds ate and prayed together.
8. For either the Virashaivas or the saints of Maharashtra, discuss their attitude towards caste.
Answer: The saints of Maharashtra rejected the caste system. They believed that everyone is equal in the eyes of God. They opposed discrimination based on birth and taught that true devotion is more important than caste. Their teachings promoted social equality and compassion.
9. Why do you think ordinary people preserved the memory of Mirabai?
Answer: Mirabai’s songs expressed deep love and devotion to God, which touched the hearts of many people. She challenged social norms by following her devotion despite opposition. Her simple and heartfelt songs were easy to remember and sing, so people passed them down through generations.
10. Find out whether in your neighbourhood there are any dargahs, gurudwaras or temples associated with saints of the bhakti tradition in your neighbourhood. Visit any one of these and describe what you see and hear.
Answer: This answer will vary depending on where you live.
Sample Answer: In my neighbourhood, there is a gurudwara dedicated to Guru Nanak. When I visited, I saw people listening to the reading of the Guru Granth Sahib. Everyone sat together regardless of their background. After the prayers, we all shared a meal in the langar (community kitchen). The atmosphere was peaceful and welcoming.
11. For any of the saint-poets whose compositions have been included in this chapter, find out more about their works, noting down other poems. Find out whether these are sung, how they are sung, and what the poets wrote about.
Answer:
I chose Kabir. Some of his famous poems are “Moko Kahan Dhunde Re Bande” and “Ud Jayega Hans Akela.” His poems are sung as bhajans in satsangs and spiritual gatherings. They are sung in simple tunes so that everyone can join in. Kabir wrote about the unity of God, the uselessness of rituals, and the importance of inner devotion.
12. There are several saint-poets whose names have been mentioned but their works have not been included in the chapter. Find out more about the language in which they composed, whether their compositions were sung, and what their compositions were about.
Answer:
I researched Mirabai. She composed her songs in Rajasthani and Braj Bhasha languages. Her compositions are sung as bhajans, especially in Rajasthan and Gujarat. Mirabai’s songs express her deep love and devotion to Lord Krishna. She wrote about her longing to be united with Krishna and the challenges she faced due to her devotion.