Bhakti & Sufi — Set 3
Indian History · भक्ति और सूफी · Questions 21–30 of 50
Srimanta Shankaradeva was a Neo-Vaishnavite saint from which state?
Correct Answer: B. Assam
Srimanta Shankaradeva was a saint and social reformer from Assam. He introduced the 'Ekasarana Dharma' (Shelter-in-One-Religion). He also developed the Sattriya dance form and established monasteries known as Sattras.
What does the Sufi term 'Silsila' mean?
Correct Answer: A. Chain or Lineage
Silsila means a 'chain' or 'lineage' in the Sufi context. It signifies the continuous link between a master (Pir) and his disciples (Murids), tracing back to the Prophet. Examples include the Chishti and Suhrawardi Silsilas.
Which Sufi saint was affectionately known as 'Mehboob-e-Ilahi'?
Correct Answer: C. Nizamuddin Auliya
Sheikh Nizamuddin Auliya was known as 'Mehboob-e-Ilahi', meaning 'Beloved of God'. He lived in Delhi and his Khanqah was famous for feeding the poor. He stressed the importance of love for humanity as a means to love God.
Vallabhacharya propounded the philosophy of:
Correct Answer: D. Shuddhadvaita
Vallabhacharya propounded the philosophy of Shuddhadvaita (Pure Non-dualism). He founded the Pushtimarg (Path of Grace) sect of Vaishnavism. He emphasized the worship of Krishna in the form of Srinathji.
Saint Namdev, a major figure in the Bhakti movement, belonged to which profession?
Correct Answer: A. Tailor
Saint Namdev was a tailor by profession. He wrote Marathi Abhangs and is revered in both the Varkari tradition and Sikhism. Some of his verses are included in the Guru Granth Sahib.
Which Sufi order did Miyan Mir, who laid the foundation of the Golden Temple, belong to?
Correct Answer: A. Qadiri
Miyan Mir belonged to the Qadiri order of Sufism. He was highly respected by the Sikh Gurus and was invited by Guru Arjan Dev to lay the foundation stone of the Golden Temple (Harmandir Sahib). This highlights the syncretic culture of the time.
In which region did the Bhakti movement first originate?
Correct Answer: B. South India
The Bhakti movement first originated in South India around the 7th century. It was led by the Alvars (devotees of Vishnu) and Nayanars (devotees of Shiva). From there, it gradually spread to North India in the medieval period.
Who compiled the 'Adi Granth', the holy scripture of Sikhs?
Correct Answer: C. Guru Arjan Dev
Guru Arjan Dev, the fifth Sikh Guru, compiled the Adi Granth in 1604. It contains the hymns of the Sikh Gurus as well as Hindu and Muslim saints like Kabir, Farid, and Namdev. It was later expanded to become the Guru Granth Sahib.
Karaikal Ammaiyar is associated with which Bhakti tradition?
Correct Answer: C. Nayanar
Karaikal Ammaiyar was a female Nayanar saint devoted to Lord Shiva. She is one of the three women among the 63 Nayanars. She is often depicted as a skeletal figure, having renounced her beauty for devotion.
Saint Dadu Dayal was a preacher of the Nirguna school from which region?
Correct Answer: D. Rajasthan
Dadu Dayal was a poet-saint from Rajasthan who preached Nirguna Bhakti (formless God). He founded the Dadu Panth sect. His teachings were compiled by his disciples in a book called 'Dadu Vani'.