Devotional Paths to the Divine | History VII | Questions and Answers

 

Our Past II | JANDKNCERT

Devotional Paths to the Divine | History VII | Questions and Answers

 

Chapter 6: Devotional Paths to the Divine

Let’s Recall

Q1. Match the following:

Answer:

Column A	Column B
The Buddha	questioned social differences
Shankaradeva	namghar
Nizamuddin Auliya	Sufi saint
Nayanars	worship of Shiva
Alvars	worship of Vishnu

 

Question 2. Fill in the blanks:

Answer:

(a) Shankara was an advocate of Advaita (oneness of the individual soul and Supreme God).
(b) Ramanuja was influenced by the Alvars.
(c) Basavanna, Allama Prabhu, and Akkamahadevi were advocates of Virashaivism.
(d) Pune was an important centre of the Bhakti tradition in Maharashtra.
(e) Sheikh Nur ud din is known as Nund Rishi.
(f) Inayatullah Khan was the last Mughal governor of Kashmir.

Question 3. Describe the beliefs and practices of the Nathpanthis, Siddhas and Yogis.
Answer: These groups stressed the importance of meditation, the renunciation of the world, and intense training of the mind and body through yogasanas, breathing exercises and meditation. They believed in achieving salvation through spiritual discipline and not through ritual practices.

Question 4. What were the major ideas expressed by Kabir? How did he express these?
Answer: Kabir strongly criticized ritual practices, idol worship, and caste distinctions. He believed in a formless God and unity of all religions. He spread his ideas through dohas (couplets) written in a simple language that resonated with the common people.

Question 5. Sum up the role of Sufis and Rishis in promoting social harmony in Kashmir.
Answer: Sufis and Rishis emphasized love, tolerance, and compassion. They rejected caste discrimination and ritualism, and promoted unity and brotherhood among people of different faiths. Their teachings helped create a shared spiritual culture and peaceful coexistence in Kashmir.

Let’s Understand

Question 6. What were the major beliefs and practices of the Sufis?
Answer: The Sufis believed in the oneness of God, love and devotion towards Him, and serving humanity. They rejected outward displays of religion and emphasized inner purity and closeness to God. They lived in khanqahs (hospices) and attracted followers through their teachings and personal example.

Question 7. Why do you think many teachers rejected prevalent religious beliefs and practices?
Answer: Many teachers rejected prevalent religious beliefs because they were overly ritualistic and promoted social divisions like caste. These teachers wanted a more personal and equal approach to spirituality that emphasized devotion, love, and inner purity over rituals and hierarchy.

Question 8. What were the major teachings of Baba Guru Nanak?
Answer: Guru Nanak emphasized one God, equality of all human beings, and rejected caste, idol worship, and empty rituals. He taught that the path to God was through honest living, hard work, and helping others. He encouraged meditation on God’s name (Naam Simran).

Question 9. What are the important works of Suhrawardi saints?
Answer: Suhrawardi saints were part of the Sufi tradition and known for their emphasis on religious learning, spiritual discipline, and social service. They established khanqahs and played an important role in spreading Sufi teachings and maintaining harmony in society.

Question 10. For either the Virashaivas or the sants of Maharashtra, discuss their attitude towards caste.
Answer: The Virashaivas opposed the caste system and Brahmanical dominance. They believed in equality, rejected idol worship and rituals, and promoted personal devotion to Shiva as the path to salvation.

Question 11. Why do you think ordinary people preserved the memory of Mirabai?
Answer: Mirabai’s deep devotion to Lord Krishna, her defiance of social norms, and her emotional, devotional songs touched the hearts of ordinary people. Her life inspired them, and they preserved her memory through oral traditions, bhajans, and stories of her devotion.