Question

Which of the following are principles of the Bhakti movement of the 16th century?
1.True devotion is a means for attaining God.
2.Man’s equality before God
3.Respect mankind
4. Meaningful rituals.

A.1 and 2
B.2 and 3
C.1,2 and 3
D.2,3 and 4.

Answer 1

Hint:Medieval India witnessed an important cultural revolution which was known as the Bhakti movement. The leader of the Bhakti movement was known as Ramananda. But very little is known about him.

Complete answer: The Bhakti movement resulted in many rituals associated with Hinduism, Buddhism and Sikhism. The Kirtans in Hindu temples, the Qawali in Dargah and the Gurbani in Gurudwara. These all have originated from the Bhakti movement. The main aim of the Bhakti movement was to abolish the idea of idol worship. The features of the 16th century Bhakti movement are a) True devotion is a means for attaining God, b) Man’s equality before God and C) Meaningful rituals. Saint Kabor Das, Bhagat Namdev belonged to the Bhakti movement in the 12th and 13th centuries. They composed their own devotional songs. Guru Nanak who was the founder of Sikhism was also a Nirguna Bhakti saint.He opposed all caste discrimination and rivalries among religions.
Option C is the right answer.

Note: The 16th and 17th centuries saw the rise of many social reformers. Among them Tusidas was a famous poet who belonged to the Rama cult. Tulsidas wrote the great poem known as the ‘Ramcharitamanas’. This poem is of great popularity among the Hindus. Chaitanya Mahaprabhu was an important Bhakti saint known for his devotion to Lord Krishna.