Class 12 History - Chapter 6 Notes
Chapter Notes: Bhakti-Sufi Traditions – Changes in Religious
Beliefs and Devotional Texts
- Bhakti Movement: * Emphasised personal devotion to God. * Criticised caste distinctions and
ritualism. * Promoted equality and devotion (bhakti) as the path to salvation. - Early Bhakti: Alvars
and Nayanars (Tamil Nadu, 6th–9th century). - Two Streams: * Nirguna (formless devotion – Kabir,
Nanak). * Saguna (devotion to deities with form – Mirabai, Tulsidas). - Sufi Traditions: * Islamic
mysticism stressing love for God, renunciation of wealth, service to humanity. * Famous Sufis:
Khwaja Muinuddin Chishti (Ajmer), Nizamuddin Auliya (Delhi). * Khanqahs: Centres for teaching,
prayers, and service. - Importance: Promoted harmony, tolerance, and composite culture in India.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
Q: Who was the founder of the Chishti Sufi order in India?
A: Khwaja Muinuddin Chishti
Q: Which Bhakti saint was associated with Rajasthan?
A: Mirabai
Q: Who propagated Nirguna Bhakti?
A: Kabir and Guru Nanak
Q: Where was Nizamuddin Auliya’s khanqah located?
A: Delhi
Q: Who were Alvars and Nayanars?
A: Tamil poet-saints of Bhakti movement
Source-Based Questions
Source Excerpt: "Kabir declared that God is one and is beyond Hindu and Muslim divisions. He
criticised rituals and idol worship." Q1. Which tradition did Kabir belong to?
A1: Nirguna Bhakti tradition.
Q2. What was Kabir’s main teaching?
A2: God is one, devotion is more important than rituals, rejected caste distinctions.
Q3. Why is Kabir significant in Indian cultural history?
A3: He promoted harmony between Hindus and Muslims through his dohas (poetic verses).
Short Answer Questions
Q: Who were Alvars and Nayanars?
A: Tamil Bhakti saints devoted to Vishnu (Alvars) and Shiva (Nayanars).
Q: What is Sufism?
A: Islamic mysticism emphasising love for God, simplicity, and service.
Q: Name two famous women Bhakti saints.
A: Mirabai and Andal.
Q: What were Khanqahs?
A: Hospices of Sufi saints, centres of spiritual learning and service.
Long Answer Questions
1. Discuss the main features of Bhakti movement.
Answer: Stressed devotion to God, equality of all castes, criticised rituals and priestly dominance.
Two streams: Nirguna (Kabir, Nanak) and Saguna (Tulsidas, Mirabai). Promoted emotional bond
with God. 2. Explain the role of Sufi saints in spreading Islam in India.
Answer: Sufi saints lived simple lives, preached love, humanity, and equality. Established
khanqahs. Their teachings attracted many followers, spread tolerance and harmony. 3. How did
Bhakti and Sufi traditions promote communal harmony?
Answer: Both emphasised love, devotion, service to humanity, equality, and rejected rigid religious
boundaries. They provided common cultural ground for Hindus and Muslims.
