06. Devotional Paths To The Divine Class 7 History NCERT Notes for Chapter 6 CBSE

Welcome to Devotional Paths To The Divine Class 7 History NCERT Notes for Chapter 6 CBSE.

Bhakti and Sufi Movements: 7th Class Exam Notes

Introduction

• Bhakti and Sufi movements are profound expressions of intense devotion to God, fostering a spiritual journey accessible to people of all backgrounds.
• These transformative movements emerged in India, with their roots tracing back to the eighth century and continuing to influence the nation’s spiritual landscape.

The Idea of a Supreme God

Concept of a Supreme God

• In the era before the ascendance of large kingdoms, diverse deities were worshipped, while the belief in karma and the connection between social privilege and birth gained prominence.
• Some individuals sought personal salvation in the folds of Buddhism or Jainism, while others turned to the Bhagavadgita‘s teachings on the concept of a Supreme God.

Devotional Paths to the Divine

Bhakti Movement

• Bhakti (devotion) to chosen deities such as Shiva, Vishnu, and various goddesses took center stage in spiritual practices.
• This path of devotion transcended caste and gender boundaries, serving as an inclusive avenue for all.
• Influenced by saints like Nayanars (devotees of Shiva) and Alvars (devotees of Vishnu), it advocated a deep connection with the divine.

Bhakti in South India – Nayanars and Alvars

• The seventh to ninth centuries witnessed the emergence of the Nayanars and Alvars, saints hailing from diverse castes.
• They fervently propagated love and devotion to Shiva or Vishnu, beautifully blending the ideals of love and heroism found in Sangam literature.

Bhakti in North India

• In Northern India, the bhakti movement experienced a resurgence from the thirteenth century onward.
• Saints like Kabir and Guru Nanak courageously challenged established religious norms, focusing on devotion to a formless Supreme God and disavowing caste distinctions.

Sufism in Islam

• Sufism, the mystical facet of Islam, centered on the profound love and devotion to God, emphasizing a personal, experiential connection.
• Rejecting elaborate rituals and stringent codes of conduct, Sufis embarked on a journey to unite with the Divine through practices like chanting and meditation.

Impact and Legacy

Enduring Impact

• Bhakti and Sufi movements left an indelible mark on Indian society and culture, promoting ideals of equality, social harmony, and a deeply personal connection with the divine.
• These movements continue to inspire individuals and represent a cherished part of India’s living cultural heritage.

Keywords and Definitions

Important Keywords and Definitions for Devotional Paths To The Divine Class 7 History NCERT Notes for Chapter 6 CBSE.

Key Terms

• Bhakti: Devotion to a chosen deity as a means of achieving spiritual salvation.
• Sufism: The mystical dimension of Islam that emphasizes love, devotion, and a personal connection with God.
• Sangam literature: Early Tamil literature that inspired the ideals of love and heroism in South India.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Important Questions for Devotional Paths To The Divine Class 7 History NCERT Notes for Chapter 6 CBSE.

Common Queries

1. What is the core concept behind the Bhakti and Sufi movements?

• The core concept revolves around intense devotion to God as a path to spiritual salvation, open to individuals of all backgrounds.

2. Who were the Nayanars and Alvars, and what was their contribution?

• The Nayanars and Alvars were saints in South India who passionately advocated love and devotion to Shiva and Vishnu, beautifully blending the ideals of love and heroism found in Sangam literature.

3. How did Kabir and Guru Nanak contribute to the Bhakti movement?

• Kabir and Guru Nanak challenged orthodox religious traditions, emphasizing devotion to a formless Supreme God and the rejection of caste distinctions.

4. What is the essence of Sufism, and how did it influence Islamic practices?

• Sufism emphasizes love and devotion to God, often through spiritual practices like chanting and meditation. It influenced Islamic practice by emphasizing personal connection over ritualistic formality.

5. What is the enduring legacy of the Bhakti and Sufi movements in India?

• These movements continue to inspire individuals and promote ideals of equality, social harmony, and a personal connection with the divine.

6. How did the Bhakti and Sufi movements impact Indian culture?

• They enriched Indian culture with their emphasis on love, devotion, and inclusivity, leaving a lasting influence on art, music, and literature.

7. Can you explain the concept of karma and its relation to the Bhakti movement?

• Karma is the belief that one’s actions have consequences in this life and the next. The Bhakti movement offered an alternative path to salvation, focusing on devotion to God rather than strict adherence to karma.

8. What were the central teachings of Kabir?

• Kabir emphasized devotion to a formless Supreme God and the rejection of caste and creed as barriers to spiritual growth.

9. How did Sufism contribute to the spiritual diversity of India?

• Sufism added a dimension of personal devotion and mysticism to Islam in India, influencing religious practices and thought.

10. Can you explain the significance of the Guru Granth Sahib in Sikhism?

• The Guru Granth Sahib is the holy scripture of the Sikhs, containing the teachings of Sikh Gurus and other spiritual leaders. It serves as a guiding light for Sikh beliefs and practices.

Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs) with Answers
Test Your Knowledge

What is the central emphasis of the Bhakti and Sufi movements?
a) Elaborate rituals
b) Meditation and yoga
c) Devotion to God
d) Caste-based hierarchy
Answer: c) Devotion to God

Which saints are associated with the Nayanars and Alvars in South India?
a) Kabir and Guru Nanak
b) Tulsidas and Surdas
c) Mirabai and Meera
d) Devotees of Shiva and Vishnu
Answer: d) Devotees of Shiva and Vishnu

What did Kabir and Guru Nanak reject in their teachings?
a) Devotion to a formless Supreme God
b) Caste distinctions and orthodox traditions
c) Elaborate rituals and codes of behavior
d) The idea of karma
Answer: b) Caste distinctions and orthodox traditions

Which of the following is a key practice in Sufism?
a) Elaborate rituals
b) Strict adherence to religious texts
c) Love and devotion to God
d) Meditation on sacred symbols
Answer: c) Love and devotion to God

What is the enduring legacy of the Bhakti and Sufi movements in India?
a) Promotion of social hierarchy
b) Emphasis on strict rituals
c) Inspiration for art and literature
d) Rejection of personal devotion
Answer: c) Inspiration for art and literature

---

This was the end of Devotional Paths To The Divine Class 7 History NCERT Notes for Chapter 6 CBSE

For more information, refer to NCERT SOLUTIONS, NCERT NOTES, and NCERT BOOKS .