Surdas - Prominent Bhakti Saints - Art and Culture Notes
Surdas was a blind Hindu devotional poet and singer who wrote compositions in favor of Krishna, the greatest deity, in the 16th century. He was a famous Vaishnava (Lord Krishna's follower) who is regarded and appreciated by all Vaishnava traditions. This article will explain about Surdas which will be helpful in Indian Art and Culture preparation for the UPSC Civil service exam.
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Surdas (1478-1580)
- Surdas' exact birth date is disputed, but experts generally believe that it occurred in the year 1478.
- The year of his death is also uncertain; it is assumed to have occurred in 1579 (Age 101 years).
- Some academics believe Surdas was born in the village of Ranukta or Renuka, which is located on the road connecting Agra and Mathura, while others believe he was born in the village of Sihi, which is located near Delhi.
- He was a well-known poet and a devotee of Lord Krishna. Krishna's childhood is depicted in his works "Sursagar" and "Sur Saravali."
- He was a Vallabhacharya devotee who practiced the Pushti Marg cult. He used to adore Lord Krishna in his childhood form.
- Surdas was born blind and was mistreated by his family, prompting him to flee his house at the age of six to live on the Yamuna River's banks. He met and became a disciple of Vallabha Acharya.
- Surdas was a follower of the Bhakti movement, which swept across India. The spiritual empowerment of the masses was symbolized by this movement.
- The people's corresponding spiritual movement began in South India in the seventh century and extended to North India in the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries.
- The Ashtachap are Vallabha Acharya's eight pupils, named after the oral signature chap placed at the end of literary works. Surdas is regarded as the most important of them all.
Surdas
Poetic works
- Surdas is best known for his Sur Sagar composition. Despite being attributed to him, the majority of the poetry in the collection appears to have been written by later poets in his name.
- Surdas's personal devotional poems, as well as stories from the Ramayana and Mahabharata, are featured prominently.
- The Sursagar's current frame is built on depictions of Krishna as a charming youngster, usually from the point of view of one of Braj's cow herding gopis.
- Surdas wrote the Sur Saravali and the Sahitya Lahari as well.
- Sur's works are also included in the Guru Granth Sahib, the Sikhs' holy book.
Braj Bhasha
- Surdas' poetry was written in a dialect of Hindi known as Braj Bhasha, which was previously thought to be a rather plebeian language because the dominant literary languages were Persian or Sanskrit.
- His work elevated the stature of Braj Bhasha from a crude to a literary language.
Conclusion
Historians disagree on the date of Surdas Ji's death, just as they disagree on the date of his birth. However, his death is thought to have occurred between 1561 and 1584. As a result, it is possible to conclude that Saint Surdas was a brilliant poet of his day. He was a famous Vaishnava (Lord Krishna's follower) who is regarded and appreciated by all Vaishnava traditions.
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FAQs
Question: Who was Surdas?
Answer: Surdas (1478-1580) was a blind Hindu devotional poet and singer, known for his deep devotion to Lord Krishna. He is famous for his compositions that depict Krishna's childhood, especially in works like "Sursagar" and "Sur Saravali." Surdas was a key figure in the Bhakti movement and was a follower of the Pushti Marg, founded by Vallabhacharya.
Question: What is Pushti Marg?
Answer: Pushti Marg, or the "Path of Grace," is a devotional tradition founded by Vallabhacharya in the 16th century. It focuses on devotion to Lord Krishna, especially in his child form (Bal Krishna). Surdas was a prominent follower of this tradition, and his works reflect the core principles of Pushti Marg.
Question: What is "Sursagar"?
Answer: "Sursagar" is one of Surdas's most famous works, a collection of devotional hymns and poems focused on the childhood of Lord Krishna. It describes Krishna’s divine play (leela) and his interactions with the gopis (cowherd girls). Although attributed to Surdas, much of the content was later compiled by other poets.
Question: What is the significance of Surdas’s poetry?
Answer: Surdas’s poetry is significant for its emotional depth and devotion to Lord Krishna. His songs, written in Braj Bhasha, not only popularized the Pushti Marg tradition but also helped elevate Braj Bhasha as a literary language. His works are also included in the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy scripture of Sikhs.
Question: Who were the Ashtachap?
Answer: The Ashtachap were eight primary disciples of Vallabhacharya, and Surdas is considered the most prominent among them. They were instrumental in promoting the Pushti Marg tradition and are known for their devotional compositions dedicated to Krishna.
MCQs
- Sur Sagar was written by
A) Tulsidas
B) Surdas
C) Kabir
D) Meerabai
Answer: (B) See the Explanation
"Sur Sagar" is a collection of devotional hymns attributed to Surdas, depicting the life of Lord Krishna and his childhood.
1. Adi Granth was expanded in 1678 under Guru Gobind Singh.
2. It includes the teachings of thirteen Bhakti saints, including Surdas.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
- Consider the following statements:
A) 1 only
B) 2 only
C) Both 1 and 2
D) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (C) See the Explanation
The Adi Granth was expanded by Guru Gobind Singh in 1678, and it includes the teachings of Bhakti saints like Surdas, Kabir, Namdev, and others.
GS Mains Questions and Model Answers
Q1: Discuss the role of Surdas in the Bhakti movement.
Answer: Surdas played a pivotal role in the Bhakti movement by spreading devotion to Lord Krishna through his poetry and hymns. His emphasis on love and devotion (bhakti) as the path to salvation resonated deeply with the masses, especially in the Braj region. Surdas's poetic compositions, particularly in Braj Bhasha, transformed the worship of Krishna into an accessible and emotional experience. His work contributed to the growth of the Pushti Marg tradition, promoting the idea that devotion could lead one to the divine, irrespective of social status or caste.
Q2: Evaluate the impact of Surdas's works on the development of the Braj Bhasha language.
Answer: Surdas had a profound impact on the development of Braj Bhasha as a literary language. Before Surdas, Braj Bhasha was considered a dialect used mainly for local communication. However, Surdas's devotional hymns elevated the language, imbuing it with a sense of spiritual depth and literary value. His use of Braj Bhasha in his devotional compositions helped it gain widespread recognition as a literary language, furthering its use in both poetry and religious discourse. His influence extended to later poets and saints, and his works continue to be celebrated in the Vaishnavite tradition.
Q3: How did Surdas contribute to the spread of the Bhakti movement?
Answer: Surdas significantly contributed to the spread of the Bhakti movement by making devotional worship of Krishna accessible to a broad audience through his poetry. His hymns and songs emphasized love, devotion, and the simplicity of worship, which resonated with the common people. By composing in Braj Bhasha, Surdas made Krishna’s stories and teachings understandable to the masses, breaking the barrier of Sanskrit. His devotional literature played a central role in spreading the ideals of Bhakti to regions far beyond Braj, thus broadening the scope of the movement and contributing to its widespread acceptance.
Previous Year Questions on Surdas and Bhakti Saints
1. UPSC CSE 2023
Question: Discuss the contribution of Surdas to the Bhakti movement and the Vaishnavite tradition.
Answer: Surdas’s contribution to the Bhakti movement lies in his emphasis on devotion to Lord Krishna, specifically in his child form. His poems and hymns, which form part of his famous work "Sursagar," were instrumental in popularizing the Bhakti ideals of simplicity, love, and personal connection with the divine. His works became a significant part of the Vaishnavite tradition, especially within the Pushti Marg school founded by Vallabhacharya. Through his devotional lyrics, Surdas made the worship of Krishna more accessible to the masses and spread the teachings of Bhakti to all layers of society, transcending caste and creed.
2. UPSC CSE 2022
Question: Evaluate the importance of Surdas's role in the development of Braj Bhasha and its literary significance.
Answer: Surdas played a key role in the development of Braj Bhasha as a literary language. His devotional hymns, composed in this dialect, brought Braj Bhasha into the realm of classical literature. By using the language to express deep devotional sentiments, Surdas gave it a new cultural and religious significance. His works helped elevate Braj Bhasha from a regional dialect to a recognized literary language, contributing to the rich tradition of Hindi literature. Surdas’s influence not only inspired future poets and scholars in Braj Bhasha but also helped shape the linguistic landscape of North India.
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