Bhakti movement (1200–1500) empowered those on the lowest rungs of Indian society and provided impetus for the growth of vernacular literature.

The Bhakti movement regionally developed around different gods and goddesses, and some sub-sects were Vaishnavism (Vishnu), Shaivism (Shiva), Shaktism (Shakti goddesses), and Smartism. during Bhakti movement the messages were preached using the local languages so that the message reached the masses. The movement was inspired by many poet-saints such as Sant Kabir, who championed a wide range of philosophical positions ranging from theistic dualism of Dvaita to absolute monism of Advaita Vedanta.

It was founded on the belief that the best way to connect with God is through love and worship, rather than through rituals or religious ceremonies. It emphasised the mutual intense emotional attachment and love of a devotee toward a personal god and of the god for the devotee. In this article, we will discuss The Bhakti Movement (1200–1500) in India which will be helpful for UPSC exam preparation.

Bhakti Movement - Background

• The term 'Bhakti' means 'devotion.'
• The bhakti movement was led by a group of well-known saints known as the Nayanmars and Alvars. These saints were opposed to austerity.
• They saw religion as a living bond based on love between the god and the worshipper, rather than as cold, formal worship. Siva and Vishnu were the primary deities they worshipped.
• The development of the Bhakti movement took place in south India between the 7th and 12th centuries CE.
• After the 12th century CE, the Bhakti movement gained popularity in the northern portions of the country and peaked between the 15th and 17th centuries CE.
• The Bhakti movement evolved regionally around various gods and goddesses, with some sub-sects including Vaishnavism (Vishnu), Shaivism (Shiva), Shaktism (Shakti goddesses), and Smartism.
• The expansion of Islam in India affected the northern medieval Bhakti movement.
• Many poet-saints inspired the movement, championing philosophical positions ranging from Dvaita's theistic dualism to Advaita Vedanta's absolute monism.
• The Bhakti Saints opposed the Buddhist and Jain schools' austerities, claiming that ultimate devotion to God was the only way to salvation.
• The saints of the Bhakti movement advocated for a pure and simple way of life.
• The saints emphasised that pilgrimages to holy places are not required for salvation.
• The movement brought about social reforms in the country.
• Some of the important Bhakti saints were Ramanuja, Nimbarka, Madhva, Vallabhacharya, Ramananda, Chaitanya, Kabir, Guru Nanak, Dadu Dayal, Mira Bai, Tulsidas, Sur Das.
• Ramanuja, who was born in Sri Perumbudur, Southern India, in 1017 AD, was the first exponent of the Bhakti movement.
• There were two schools of thought popular during the Bhakti movement: Nirgunabhakthi and Sagunabhakthi.
• Nirgunabhakthi saints were those who practised formless worship. Adi Shankara popularised it and other saints who preached this school of thought include Kabir, Guru Nanak, Dadu Dayal, and others.
• Sagunabhakthi saints were devoted to the worship of form. It was believed that God is the most perfect manifestation of everything.
  • Philosophers such as Ramanuja, Nimbaraka, Madhva, Vallabha, Meera Bhai, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, Tulsidas and Surdas belonged to this school of thought.

Causes for Rise of Bhakti Movement

• People were tired of Shankracharya's highly philosophical exposition of Hinduism and desired a system that could be easily understood by all.
• The society of Medieval India was highly caste-ridden, with members of the higher castes committing all manner of atrocities against members of the lower castes.
• The Bhakti movement, which rejected caste and other distinctions, was a natural progression.
• To avoid the wrath of the rigid caste system, a large number of low-caste Hindus converted to Islam.
• Through the Bhakti movement, saints and reformers reduced the rigours of the caste system, paving the way for their retention in the fold of Hinduism.
• The Muslims destroyed a large number of Hindu temples and idols, forcing the people to resort to the Bhakti movement.
• Another factor that contributed to the rise of the Bhakti movement was the impact of Muslim rule and Islam instilled fear in the hearts of the Hindu masses. The Hindus had suffered greatly under some fanatical rulers.
• They desired solace in order to heal their broken hearts. The Bhakti movement gave them hope, encouragement, and inner strength to save Hinduism.
• Hindu saints and philosophers took on the task of reforming Hinduism in order to save it and modify it in response to changing circumstances.
• These saints and reformers attempted to cleanse Hinduism of all evil practises, particularly those related to caste and image worship, and thus launched the Bhakti Movement.

Impact of Bhakti Movement

• The most significant social impact of the Bhakti movement was that its followers rejected the caste distinction. They started mixing on the basis of equality. They shared their meals from the common kitchen.
• The spirit of harmony among various segments of society and religion gained momentum. Sati's evil practice suffered a setback and women's rights were prioritised.
• Promotion of regional language took place as the Bhakti saints preached in the local language instead of Sanskrit, Arabic, and Persian.
• For example, Kabir's language was a mash-up of several everyday languages. Surdas spoke in the 'Brij' dialect. Goswami Tulsi Das wrote his music in Awadhi.
• Under the influence of the Bhakti movement, many rulers adopted liberal religious policies.
• The movement attempted to instil a religious spirit in people's daily lives.
• It emphasised the importance of acquiring wealth through hard work and honest means.
• It promoted the importance of providing social services to the poor and needy.
• It emphasised the virtues of contentment and self-control.
• The movement sparked a realisation among Hindus and Muslims about the futility of rituals and superstitions and promoted religious tolerance.
• Guru Granth Saheb, the holiest book of the Sikhs, was later compiled and included messages from saints of various sects. This was due to the spirit of tolerance preached by Bhakti saints.

Conclusion

The Bhakti movement began in South India between the seventh and tenth centuries CE, primarily in the poems of Alvars and Nayanars. It was preached in local languages in order for the message to reach the masses. It has long been regarded as an influential social reformation movement, providing individuals an alternative path to spirituality regardless of birth or gender. Though the Bhakti movement provided a much-needed emphasis on changing the regressive form of religion in society, it was unable to achieve its true goal. This can be attributed to a variety of factors, including a lack of organisation on a larger scale, stern opposition from orthodox classes in society, persecution by royal classes, and so on.

FAQs

Question: What was the primary teaching of the Bhakti Movement?

Question: How did the Bhakti Movement challenge the caste system?

Question: Who were some prominent saints of the Bhakti Movement?

Question: How did the Bhakti Movement promote religious tolerance?

Question: What role did regional languages play in the Bhakti Movement?

MCQs

1. What was the main emphasis of the Bhakti Movement?

A. Ritualistic worship

B. Devotion to a personal god

C. Worship of nature

D. Political unity

2. Which of the following Bhakti saints is known for rejecting both Hindu and Muslim orthodoxy?

A. Ramananda

B. Kabir

C. Chaitanya Mahaprabhu

D. Mirabai

3. Which of the following regions is associated with the origin of the Bhakti Movement?

A. North India

B. South India

C. Western India

D. Eastern India

4. Which Bhakti saint is associated with the idea of "God is one, but known by many names"?

A. Guru Nanak

B. Mirabai

C. Ramananda

D. Kabir

5. Which language did Bhakti saints primarily use to spread their message?

A. Sanskrit

B. Persian

C. Regional languages

D. Greek

GS Mains Questions and Model Answers

Q1: Analyze the social and religious significance of the Bhakti Movement in medieval India.

Answer: The Bhakti Movement played a significant role in addressing both social and religious issues in medieval India. Socially, it challenged the caste system and emphasized the equality of all people, regardless of caste or gender. It promoted social justice, denouncing social discrimination and the oppression of women. Religiously, the movement promoted devotion (Bhakti) to a personal god, moving away from ritualistic practices and priestly dominance. The Bhakti saints preached religious tolerance and sought to bridge the gap between Hinduism and Islam, fostering unity and harmony in a time of religious strife. The movement's use of regional languages helped democratize religion, making its teachings accessible to a wider audience.

Q2: Discuss the contribution of Bhakti saints in promoting religious tolerance and social reform.

Answer: The Bhakti saints played a crucial role in promoting religious tolerance and social reform. Saints like Kabir and Guru Nanak rejected religious orthodoxy and emphasized the idea of a formless God, transcending the boundaries of Hinduism and Islam. They advocated a message of religious unity and peaceful coexistence. On the social front, the Bhakti saints denounced the caste system and emphasized the equality of all human beings. They preached that devotion to God was accessible to everyone, regardless of caste, class, or gender. Their teachings inspired a sense of social reform, encouraging people to rise above societal divisions and embrace equality.

Q3: Examine the impact of the Bhakti Movement on the cultural and literary traditions of India.

Answer: The Bhakti Movement had a profound impact on the cultural and literary traditions of India. The movement led to the creation of a rich body of devotional literature in various regional languages, such as Hindi, Tamil, Marathi, and Bengali. This literature, composed by Bhakti saints like Kabir, Mirabai, Tulsidas, and Surdas, expressed profound spiritual ideas in simple, accessible language, reaching a broad audience. The use of regional languages also helped in the development and standardization of these languages, giving them a new literary status. Culturally, the Bhakti Movement promoted art, music, and dance as forms of devotion, inspiring bhajans (devotional songs) and performances that are still integral to Indian cultural practices today.

Previous Year Questions on Bhakti Movement

1. UPSC CSE Prelims 2020

Question: Which Bhakti saint is known for rejecting both Hindu and Muslim orthodoxy?

A. Kabir

B. Ramananda

C. Chaitanya Mahaprabhu

D. Mirabai

Answer: A

Explanation: Kabir is known for rejecting both Hindu and Muslim orthodoxy, emphasizing the unity of God and the irrelevance of religious rituals in attaining salvation.