Bhakti & Sufi — Set 2
Indian History · भक्ति और सूफी · Questions 11–20 of 50
Who was the only female saint among the 12 Alvars?
Correct Answer: B. Andal
Andal was the only female saint among the 12 Alvars of South India. She is famous for her devotional works, 'Thiruppavai' and 'Nachiyar Thirumozhi'. She is often regarded as the 'Meera of the South' due to her devotion to Vishnu.
Who is associated with the 'Virashaiva' or 'Lingayat' movement in Karnataka?
Correct Answer: D. Basavanna
Basavanna led the Virashaiva or Lingayat movement in 12th-century Karnataka. He challenged the caste system and emphasized the worship of Shiva in the form of Ishtalinga. His teachings are preserved in the form of 'Vachanas'.
Chaitanya Mahaprabhu was a famous Bhakti saint from which region?
Correct Answer: D. Bengal
Chaitanya Mahaprabhu was a prominent Vaishnava saint from Bengal. He popularized the 'Sankirtana' (congregational chanting) of Krishna's names. He is considered the founder of Gaudiya Vaishnavism.
Amir Khusrau was a devoted disciple of which Sufi saint?
Correct Answer: C. Nizamuddin Auliya
Amir Khusrau was the favorite disciple of Sheikh Nizamuddin Auliya. He is known as the 'Parrot of India' (Tuti-e-Hind) for his literary contributions. He asked to be buried near his master's grave in Delhi.
What is the name of the philosophy propounded by Ramanujacharya?
Correct Answer: B. Vishishtadvaita
Ramanujacharya propounded the philosophy of Vishishtadvaita (Qualified Non-dualism). He argued that the soul is distinct from Brahman but dependent on it. He emphasized devotion (Bhakti) to Vishnu as the path to salvation.
The collection of teachings known as 'Bijak' is associated with which saint?
Correct Answer: C. Kabir
Bijak is the compilation of the verses and teachings of Kabir. It contains his Dohas (couplets) and Shabdas (hymns) which criticize rituals and caste. The text is a primary scripture for the Kabir Panth sect.
Who wrote 'Sursagar', a poetic work dedicated to Lord Krishna?
Correct Answer: B. Surdas
Surdas, a blind poet and saint, wrote 'Sursagar'. He was a devotee of Lord Krishna and a disciple of Vallabhacharya. His poetry beautifully describes the childhood pastimes of Krishna.
The word 'Sufi' is derived from the Arabic word 'Suf', which means:
Correct Answer: C. Wool
The term 'Sufi' is derived from 'Suf', meaning wool. It refers to the coarse woolen garments worn by early Muslim ascetics as a mark of renunciation. Sufism emphasizes the inner, mystical dimension of Islam.
The Varkari sect in Maharashtra is devoted to which deity?
Correct Answer: D. Vithoba (Vitthal)
The Varkari sect is devoted to Lord Vithoba (Vitthal) of Pandharpur. Vithoba is considered a form of Lord Krishna (Vishnu). Prominent saints of this tradition include Dnyaneshwar, Namdev, Eknath, and Tukaram.
Who founded the 'Khalsa Panth' in 1699?
Correct Answer: C. Guru Gobind Singh
Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru, founded the Khalsa Panth in 1699. This event militarized the Sikh community to fight against tyranny. He also gave Sikhs the five distinctive symbols (5 Ks).