Bhakti and Sufi Movement
THE SUFI MOVEMENT
Origin and Core Concepts
- Sufism = mystical arm of Islam; inner side of Islamic creed (tasawwuf)
- Word origin: Arabic word for wool (suf) → garments worn by ascetics; also traced to safā (Arabic for purity)
- Began in 12th century AD when religious people in Persia turned to asceticism due to materialism of the Caliphate
- Ultimate goal: Union with God
- Sufi saints called Fakirs (poor man) or Dervishes (standing by the door for alms)
Key Characteristics
- Fana: Spiritual merger of devotee with Allah
- Insan-e-kamil: Perfect human with all good virtues
- Zikr-tauba: Remembrance of God all the time
- Wahadatul-wazudi: One God for entire universe (unity of God and being)
- Sama: Spiritual dance and music (though music is un-Islamic)
- Dhawq: Direct 'tasting' of experience — essential for Sufis
- Ikhlās: Absolute purity of intention and act
- Pir-murshid (teacher) and murid (student) — strict tradition; knowledge from teachers not books alone
- Chief disciple = khalifa (successor) or muqqaddam (representative)
- They rejected elaborate rituals but did NOT promote strict asceticism (unlike Bhakti saints)
- Believed in essential unity of all religions; borrowed from Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism
- Called 'ahl-I dil' = master of the heart
Three Stages of Sufism
| Stage | Period | Nature |
|---|---|---|
| 1st — Khanqah | 10th century | Age of Golden Mysticism |
| 2nd — Tariqa | 11th–14th century | Institutionalisation; traditions and symbols attached |
| 3rd — Tarifa | 15th century onwards | Sufism became a popular movement |
Two Sufi Philosophies
- Wahadat al-Wujud ('Oneness of Existence'): coined by Ibn Arabi; only truth is God, all things exist within God
- Wahadat ul-shujud ('Unity of Appearance'): formulated by Ala al-Dawlah Simnani; popularised by Ahmed Sirhindi in India — God and creation are NOT identical; creation is a shadow/reflection of the Divine
Sufi Orders (Silsilahs) in India
Classification: Sufis divided into Bashara (follow Sharia) and Be-shara (do not follow Sharia; called Mast Kalandars/Malangs/Haidaris/Babas)
Ain-i-Akbari mentions a dozen silsilahs.
Chishti Silsilah
- Founded in India by Khwaja Muinuddin Chishti (1143–1223 AD)
- Origin: Chist, near Herat, Afghanistan in 930 AD
- Established khanqah in Ajmer; annual congregation (Urs) held at Ajmer after his death
- Most widespread among Sufi orders
- Philosophy: Wahadat-ul-wajud (Panthetic monoism) — similar to Vedantic philosophy
- Stayed away from State powers; established khanqahs in far-flung areas (Bengal, Multan)
Key Chishti saints:
- Qutubuddin Bakhtiyar Kaki: Direct disciple of Moinuddin Chishti; Qutub Minar started by Qutub-ud-din Aibak in his memory; dedicated by Iltutmish
- Fariduddin Ganjshakar (Baba Farid): Propagated Sufism in Punjab; said 'hunger is root cause of trouble'; developed Punjabi for literary purposes; poetry included in Guru Granth Sahib
- Sheikh Nizamuddin Auliya: Known as Mahboob-e-ilahi; believed in drawing close to God through renunciation and service; Amir Khusrau was his most famous disciple
- Sheikh Nasiruddin Mahmud: Title = 'Chiraag-e-Dilli' (Lamp of Delhi)
- Sheikh Hamiduddin of Nagaur: Title = 'Sultan-e-Tarkeen'; translated Persian books into Hindi
- Sheikh Burhanuddin Garib: Laid foundation of Chishti community in South India (Bijapur); Saiyid Muhammad Husaini Gisu Daraz (1321–1422) — next important figure in Deccan
Suhrawardi Silsilah
- Founded by Sheikh Shihabuddin Suhrawardi in Baghdad
- Established in India by Sheikh Bahauddin Zakariya (1182–1262); given title 'Sheikh-ul-Islam' by Iltutmish
- First khanqah in Multan
- Accepted royal patronage; amassed property (unlike Chishtis)
- Believed Sufi should own: property, knowledge and hal (mystical enlightenment)
- Popular in: Punjab, Sindh, Kashmir, parts of Bengal
- Reached zenith under Sheikh Ruknuddin (1335 AD)
Qadariya Silsilah
- Founder: Abdul Qadir Gilani (Pir Dastagir); introduced in India by Shah Namatullah
- Popular in Punjab (esp. Sindh)
- Supported Wahadat al-wajud concept
- Famous pir: Miyan Mir — enrolled prince Dara Shikoh
- Urdu poets Hasrat Mohani and Muhammad Iqbal belonged to this order
Naqshbandi Silsilah
- Established by Khwaja Bahauddin Naqshbandi in India
- Most popular saint: Sheikh Ahmed Sarhindi — called himself 'Mujeddid Ali Saffani' (reformer of the new millennium)
- Popular during Akbar's reign; radical; Aurangzeb was a follower
Shattari Silsilah
- Established by Sheikh Sirajuddin Abdullah Shattar (d. 1406 AD)
- Popular in Malwa, Jaunpur, Bengal
- Tansen (Akbar's court musician) was a follower
Kubrawiya / Firdausia Silsilah
- Founded by Sheikh Nadjm ed-Din Kubra in modern Uzbekistan
- Also known as Firdausia Silsila; popular in Eastern India, Bangladesh, Mauritius
THE BHAKTI MOVEMENT
Origin
- Originated in Southern India (especially Tamil Nadu) between 7th and 12th century
- Slowly percolated to Northern India by end of 15th century
- Word 'Bhakti' from Sanskrit word 'bhaj' = to share, participate and belong to
- Ancient texts referencing Bhakti: Shvetashvatara Upanishad, Katha Upanishad, Bhagavad Gita
- Also mentioned in Narada Sutra and Sandilya Sutra
Key Features
- Intense love and devotion as means of salvation
- Unity of God; repeating God's true name
- Rejection of rituals and ceremonies
- No caste discrimination; open to all genders
- Use of local/regional languages
- Need of a true Guru
- Personal God; common kitchen (sangat/langar)
Two Schools of Bhakti
| School | Description | Key Figures |
|---|---|---|
| Nirguna | God is formless, without attributes; reject idols/scriptures; focused on knowledge | Kabir, Guru Nanak, Dadu Dayal |
| Saguna | God has form, positive attributes; manifests as Rama/Krishna; accept Vedas and human Guru as mediator | Ramanuja, Ramananda, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu |
South Indian Bhakti
Alvars (Vaishnavite saints):
- Literally: 'those immersed in God'
- 12 Alvars — composed hymns compiled in 'Divya Prabandha'
- Praised 'Divya Deshams' = 108 abodes of Vaishnavite deities
- Only female Alwar = Andal ('Meera of the South')
Nayannars (Shaivite saints):
- Group of 63 Tamil saints devoted to Lord Shiva
- Lives described in 'Tevaram' (also called Dravida Veda)
- On request of Chola king Raja Raja I, hymns compiled into 'Tirumurai'
Virshaiva/Lingayat Movement:
- Emerged 12th century AD in Karnataka during Kalachuri dynasty
- Opposed elaborate rituals and caste system
- Initiated by Basavanna; assisted by Allamaprabhu and Akkamaha Devi
- Followers = Virshaiva (heroes of Shiva) or Lingayats (wearers of Shivalinga)
Bhakti Saints: Key Philosophers
| Saint | Period | Philosophy | Key Work |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ramanuja | 1060–1118 AD | Vishist Advaita (qualified monism); salvation via Karma/Gyan/Bhakti | Sri Bhasya, Gita Bhasya; settled in Srirangam; disciple Ramananda spread his message in North |
| Nimbarka | ~13th century | Dvaitadvaita (dualistic monism); Radha-Krishna devotee; settled in Mathura | Vedanta-Parijata-Saurabha (commentary on Brahmasutras); 5 methods of salvation |
| Madhvacharya | 1238–1317 AD | Dvaitavada (dualism); Atman and Brahman fundamentally different | Critic of Adi Shankaracharya's Advaitavada; salvation only through God's grace |
| Ramananda | 1300–1380 AD | Pioneer of Bhakti in North India; opened Bhaktism to ALL castes; first to use Hindi | Bridge between South and North Bhakti; Guru of Kabir, Ravidas, Sena, Dhanna, Sadhana, Narahari, Pipa |
Bhakti Saints: Key Reformers
| Saint | Period | Region | Key Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kabir Das | 1398/1440–1518 | North India | Born Hindu; raised Muslim; disciple of Ramananda; Nirguna saint; poems = Banis; compiled in Bijak; also in Guru Granth Sahib; followers = Kabir Panth |
| Guru Nanak | 1469–1539 | Punjab (born Talwandi, Pakistan) | Nirguna; inspired by Kabir; 'Nam Japna'; community kitchens (langars); Sikhism is NOT extension of Bhakti |
| Chaitanya Mahaprabhu | 1486–1534 | Bengal/Puri, Odisha | Saguna; Krishna devotee; 'Hare Rama, Hare Krishna'; Achintaya Bheda-Abheda philosophy; popularised Kirtans; inspiration for ISKCON; wrote Siksastakam |
| Shankardev | 1449–1568 | Assam | Famous playwright/poet/scholar; introduced Ankia Nat, Bhaona, Borgeet, Sattriya dance; Ekasarana movement (Neo-Vaishnavite); wrote in Assamese and Brajavali |
Maharashtra Bhakti Saints (Varkaris)
Varkaris = worshippers of Lord Vitthala of Pandharpur (Maharashtra); composed Abhangas
| Saint | Period | Key Works / Details |
|---|---|---|
| Dnyaneshwar (Jnanadev) | 1275–1296 | First Bhakti saint in Maharashtra; Dnyaneshwari (commentary on Bhagavad Gita); Amrutanubhav (on Yoga/philosophy); follower of Nath Yogi tradition |
| Namdev | 1270–1350 | Vaishnavite Varkari; 15 Bhagats whose verses included by Guru Nanak in Adi Granth |
| Eknath | 1533–1599 | Influenced by Sufi mysticism and Vedanta; Eknathi Bhagavata (commentary on Bhagavata Purana); Saguna worship |
| Tukaram | 1608–1650 | Worshipper of Vitthala; inspired by Namdev, Jnanadev, Kabir, Eknath; composed Abhanga poetry |
| Ramdas | 1608–1681 | Worshipper of Hanuman and Rama; wrote Dasbodh (Advaita Vedanta); founded Samarth sect; Chhatrapati Shivaji had great respect for him; inspired Bal Gangadhar Tilak |
Vernacular Literature by Region
| Language | Key Saints |
|---|---|
| Hindi | Kabir, Surdas, Tulsidas |
| Marathi | Jnandeva, Namdev |
| Bengali | Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, Chandidas |
| Rajasthani (Braj) | Meerabai, Bihari |
| Punjabi | Guru Nanak |
| Kashmiri | Lalla |
| Assamese | Shankaradeva |
Bhakti vs. Sufi: Comparison
| Feature | Bhakti | Sufi |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | South India (7th–12th c.) | Persia (12th c. AD) |
| Relation to parent religion | Reform within Hinduism | Mystical arm of Islam |
| Stance on rituals | Rejected | Rejected elaborate rituals; did not promote strict asceticism |
| Music | Kirtans, bhajans | Sama (spiritual music/dance) |
| Language | Vernacular (Hindi, Tamil, Bengali etc.) | Also vernacular for masses |
| Guru tradition | Need of true Guru | Pir-Murshid tradition |
| On caste | Strongly opposed | Not applicable; emphasized equality |
Applied Anchors
- National Integration: Both movements promoted unity beyond caste, religion and gender — making them foundational pillars of composite Indian culture.
- Vernacular Literature: The Bhakti movement directly catalysed growth of Hindi, Marathi, Bengali, Punjabi, Assamese — languages that form India's cultural identity today.
- ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness): Founded in 20th century, directly inspired by Chaitanya Mahaprabhu — demonstrating the global reach of Bhakti philosophy.
- Living Traditions: Urs at Ajmer (Chishti), Guru Granth Sahib (includes Kabir, Baba Farid, Namdev), Varkari tradition (Pandharpur) — all are living continuations of these medieval movements.
- Sufi Shrines as Composite Culture Sites: Dargahs like Ajmer Sharif represent Hindu-Muslim syncretic heritage — a model for secular India.
Exam Traps
- Bijak: Composed by Kabir (NOT Dadu Dayal) — a very common PYQ trap (asked in UPSC 2014).
- Pushti Marg: Founded by Vallabhacharya (NOT Madhvacharya). Madhvacharya founded Dvaitavada.
- First Bhakti saint to use Hindi: Ramananda (NOT Kabir or Tulsidas) — asked in UPSC 2002.
- Origin of Bhakti: Southern India (7th–12th c.), NOT North India (percolated North only by 15th c.).
- Nirguna vs. Saguna: Saguna saints DO believe in oneness of God — they worship God with form. Nirguna saints = formless. Meerabai = Saguna (worshipped Krishna with form).
- Chishti Order: Founded in Chist, Afghanistan (930 AD); brought to India by Khwaja Muinuddin Chishti — NOT founded in India.
- Suhrawardi: Accepted royal patronage (UNLIKE Chishtis who stayed away from state power).
- Naqshbandi: Popular during Akbar's reign; Aurangzeb was a follower — NOT a liberal order.
- Dara Shikoh: Was a follower of Qadariya Silsilah (via Miyan Mir) — NOT Chishti.
- Tansen: Was a follower of Shattari Silsilah — NOT Chishti.
- Amir Khusrau: Disciple of Sheikh Nizamuddin Auliya (Chishti) — NOT of Khwaja Muinuddin Chishti.
- 'Chiraag-e-Dilli': Sheikh Nasiruddin Mahmud — NOT Nizamuddin Auliya.
Quick Revision Points
- Sufism: suf (wool) / safā (purity); mystical arm of Islam; origin Persia 12th c.
- Stages: Khanqah (10th c.) → Tariqa (11–14th c.) → Tarifa (15th c.+)
- Silsilahs: Chishti (Ajmer; Moinuddin; most widespread) → Suhrawardi (Multan; royal patronage) → Qadariya (Dara Shikoh) → Naqshbandi (Ahmed Sarhindi; Aurangzeb) → Shattari (Tansen) → Firdausia
- Bhakti: 7th–12th c. Tamil Nadu → 15th c. North
- Nirguna: Kabir, Guru Nanak, Dadu Dayal
- Saguna: Ramanuja, Ramananda, Chaitanya, Meerabai
- Alvars (12 saints; Divya Prabandha; Andal = female); Nayannars (63; Tevaram → Tirumurai)
- Ramananda = first Hindi; Ramananda's disciples = diverse castes
- Bijak = Kabir; Pushti Marg = Vallabhacharya; Kirtana Ghosha = Shankardev
- Varkaris (Maharashtra): Dnyaneshwar → Namdev → Eknath → Tukaram → Ramdas
- Ramdas: Dasbodh; Samarth sect; inspired Bal Gangadhar Tilak; Shivaji's guru
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