Medieval India: Bhakti & Sufi Movements

The Medieval period witnessed a socio-religious revolution led by saints who emphasized personal devotion (Bhakti) and mystical union with God (Sufism), transcending caste and creed.

The Bhakti Saints

• Alvars & Nayanars: The movement started in South India; Alvars were devotees of Vishnu, while Nayanars were devotees of Shiva.
• Shankaracharya: Propounded the philosophy of Advaita (Non-dualism).
• Ramanujacharya: Propounded Vishishtadvaita (Qualified Monism).
• Kabir Das: Disciple of Ramananda; he criticized ritualism and preached human equality through his ‘Dohas’.
• Guru Nanak Dev: Founder of Sikhism; emphasized the worship of one God (Ek Onkar).

Sufism in India

• Silsilas: Sufis were organized into different orders or ‘Silsilas’.
• Chishti Order: Established in India by Moinuddin Chishti (Ajmer). Other famous saints include Nizamuddin Auliya and Baba Farid.
• Suhrwardi Order: Popular in Punjab and Multan; founded by Sheikh Shihabuddin Suhrawardi.
• Key Terms: Khanqah (hospice), Sama (musical recital), and Pir-Murid (teacher-disciple) relationship.

Question for you: Which Bhakti saint is famously associated with the philosophy of ‘Shuddhadvaita’ and the Pushti Marg?

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