History

Bhakti-Sufi Tradition

Question:

Discuss the major beliefs and practices that characterised Sufism.

Answer:

After the advent of Islam in the early, middle ages , it saw a new movement in later part. The movement has had great impact and reach in the Indian subcontinent. It is called Sufi movement. The Sufi saints were mystics. Their preachings included:
1. Sufi saints did not subscribe to the theological and rigid interpretations of religious scriptures of Islam. They believed that the interpretation have to be based on individual experiences. This way the theological interpretations became flexible. Further the control of the orthodox religious leaders got weakened. This was a people centric move.
2. They rejected the high sounding rituals. They also emphasised on simplicity in religious traditions and rites.
3. Sufi saints prescribed devotion to Almighty as path to salvation. They even approved of singing and dancing as part of devotion. It is notable that classical Islam has forbidden singing, dancing and any music.
4. The most important theme of Sufi philosophy was that serving people is the true religion. With the objective of serving the poor people they also held Langar. Today also one can go to Ajmer and can partake in the Langar organised on the tomb of Nijammudin Auliya, the great Sufi saint.
5. Sufi saints also emphasised on the equality among people and oneness among all.

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Bhakti-Sufi Tradition

Q 1.

Choose any two of the religious teachers/thinkers/saints mentioned in this chapter, and find out more about their lives and teachings. Prepare a report about the area and the times in which they lived, their major ideas, how do we know about them, and why you think they are important?

Q 2.

Read any five of the sources included in this chapter and discuss the social and religious ideas that are expressed in them.

Q 3.

What were the similarities and differences between the be-shari‘a and ba-shari‘a sufi traditions?

Q 4.

Describe the major teachings of either Kabir or Guru Nanak and the way they have been transmitted. (or)
Explain the teachings of Guru Nanak. Did he want to establish a new religion?

Q 5.

Analyses, illustrations, why bhakti and sufi thinkers adopted a variety of languages in which to express their opinions.

Q 6.

Discuss the ways in which the Alvars, Nayanars and Virashaivas expressed critiques of the caste system.

Q 7.

Examine how and why rulers tried to establish connections with the traditions of the Nayanars and the sufis.

Q 8.

Explain with examples what historians mean by the integration of cults.

Q 9.

To what extent do you think the architecture of mosques in the subcontinent reflects a combination of universal ideals and local traditions?

Q 10.

Discuss the major beliefs and practices that characterised Sufism.

Q 11.

On an outline map of India, plot three major sufi shrines and three places associated with temples (one each of a form of Vishnu, Shiva and the goddess.)