Q. Which of the following factors contributed to the spread and influence of the Bhakti Movement in medieval India?
1.The philosophical influence of Sufism, particularly its emphasis on monotheism and the egalitarian nature of worship.
2.The rise of Nathpanthis, Siddhas, and Yogis, whose earlier criticism of rituals and caste had made the ground fertile for non-conformist movements.
3.The emergence of vernacular languages (like Tamil, Marathi, and Hindi) as the medium for devotional literature, making spiritual knowledge accessible to the masses.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Answer: D
Notes:
Explanation:
- Statement 1: Correct. There was significant interaction and syncretism between Bhakti and Sufi movements, with Sufism’s emphasis on ishq (divine love), monotheism, and equality influencing later Bhakti saints in North India.
- Statement 2: Correct. Movements like the Nathpanthis and Yogis, which originated around the 9th-12th centuries, criticized Brahmanical orthodoxy and rituals, challenging the existing social order and creating a popular base for the later, more widespread Bhakti movement.
- Statement 3: Correct. A defining feature of the Bhakti movement was the use of local, vernacular languages (e.g., Tamil, Marathi, Bengali) instead of Sanskrit, which democratized religious knowledge and ensured the movement’s widespread appeal among the common people.
