Oxford Solutions for ICSE Class 7 History Civics Chapter 11 Bhakti And Sufi Movements

EXERCISE

A. Fill in the blanks :

Question 1: As the spirit of tolerance and understanding developed between the Hindus and the Muslims, two liberal religious , reform movements took shape in the Medieval Period. They were the sufi and Bhakti movements.

Answer: tolerance, understanding, reform, sufi, Bhakti.
These movements focused on a personal bond with God rather than strict religious rules or rituals. They encouraged people of different backgrounds to live together in peace and mutual respect during the medieval era.
Teacher's Tip: Remember "B" for Bhakti and "S" for Sufi as the two pillars of medieval religious harmony.
Exam Tip: Mentioning that these were "reform" movements is key to scoring full marks as it describes their main purpose.

Question 2: The Sufis came to India with the Turks in the 12th century CE. Over the years, they absorbed Buddhist and Hindu influences and were greatly respected by the Muslims as well as the Hindu.

Answer: Turks, 12th, Buddhist, Hindu, Muslims, Hindu.
The Sufis were Muslim mystics who believed in simple living and deep love for God. By absorbing local traditions, they made their message of love and equality very popular among all Indians.
Teacher's Tip: Think of the 12th century as the "Turning Point" when Sufi culture arrived in India.
Exam Tip: Always list both "Muslims" and "Hindus" to show the wide appeal of the Sufis.

Question 3: The Bhakti Movement began in South India in the 7th century CE and became a popular movement before the arrival of the Turks.

Answer: South, 7th, Turks.
Bhakti originally started with the Alvars and Nayanars who composed beautiful hymns in regional languages. It spread across the country long before the Delhi Sultanate was established.
Teacher's Tip: South is where the "Seeds" of Bhakti were first sown in the 7th century.
Exam Tip: Be careful with the century; Bhakti is much older (7th) than the arrival of the Turks (12th).

Question 4: There were 10 Sikh gurus.

Answer: 10.
The lineage of human gurus started with Guru Nanak Dev ji and ended with Guru Gobind Singh ji. After the tenth guru, the holy scripture became the eternal guide for all Sikhs.
Teacher's Tip: Think of "Ten fingers" to remember the number of Sikh gurus.
Exam Tip: If asked to name the first and last, remember Guru Nanak (1st) and Guru Gobind Singh (10th).

Question 5: The holy book of the Sikhs is known as the Shri Guru Granth Sahib ji.

Answer: Shri Guru Granth Sahib ji.
This sacred book contains the teachings of the Sikh gurus as well as many Hindu and Muslim saints. It is treated with the highest respect as the living Guru of the Sikh community.
Teacher's Tip: Use "ji" at the end of the book's name to show proper respect.
Exam Tip: Spell the name correctly and include "Sahib" to ensure your answer is complete.

Question 6: The Sikhs worship in a Gurdwara which means door of the Guru.

Answer: Gurdwara, door of the Guru.
A Gurdwara is a place of peace where anyone, regardless of their religion, can go to pray and eat. The literal meaning highlights that it is the entrance to spiritual knowledge through the Guru.
Teacher's Tip: Break the word: "Guru" + "Dwara" (Door).
Exam Tip: Always provide the literal meaning "door of the Guru" if asked about the word's origin.

B. Match the following :

A
1. Bhakti
2. Pir
3. Kabir
4. Meera Bai
5. Guru Nanak

B
(a) Ishwar and Allah, Ram and Rahim were different names of the one true God
(b) means devotion of God
(c) a guru who will guide a person along the right spiritual path
(d) inspired by the philosophies of both Hinduism and Islam, he established an independent sect
(e) a great devotee or Lord Krishna
Answer:
1. Bhakti - (b) means devotion of God
2. Pir - (c) a guru who will guide a person along the right spiritual path
3. Kabir - (a) Ishwar and Allah, Ram and Rahim were different names of the one true God
4. Meera Bai - (e) a great devotee or Lord Krishna
5. Guru Nanak - (d) inspired by the philosophies of both Hinduism and Islam, he established an independent sect.
These matching pairs connect the key saints and terms to their core beliefs and identities. Each person represents a different way of reaching the same goal of divine love.
Teacher's Tip: Associate Meera Bai with "Krishna" and Kabir with "Unity of God" to match correctly.
Exam Tip: In matching questions, write the correct pair side-by-side to avoid any confusion for the examiner.

C. Choose the correct answer :

Question 1: The Sufis were a group of Hindu/Buddhist/Muslim mystics.
Answer: The Sufis were a group of Muslim mystics.
The Sufis emphasized the inner spiritual dimension of Islam rather than just external laws. They lived very simple lives and used music and poetry to express their devotion to God.
Teacher's Tip: Sufis start with "S" like "Saints" from the Muslim tradition.
Exam Tip: Use the word "mystic" when defining Sufis in descriptive questions.

Question 2: The word -bhakti- means fear of God/following rituals/ devotion to God.
Answer: The word -bhakti- means devotion to God.
Bhakti is about a deep, loving, and personal connection between the devotee and the divine. It teaches that God can be reached through love rather than through fear or expensive ceremonies.
Teacher's Tip: Bhakti rhymes with "Shakti" (power), which comes from deep devotion.
Exam Tip: Make sure to contrast "devotion" with "rituals" to explain the movement's essence.

Question 3: The Bhakti saints drew their inspiration from the Bhagwad Gita and the Vedas/Puranas/Upanishads.
Answer: The Bhakti saints drew their inspiration from the Bhagwad Gita and the Upanishads.
These ancient texts emphasized that every soul is connected to the ultimate reality or God. The Bhakti saints took these high philosophical ideas and simplified them for common people to understand.
Teacher's Tip: Gita and Upanishads are the "Soul" of Bhakti philosophy.
Exam Tip: Mentioning "Upanishads" shows a deeper understanding of the movement's origins.

Question 4: Guru Nanak/Guru Tegh Bahadur/Guru Gobind Singh was the founder of the Sikh religion.
Answer: Guru Nanak was the founder of the Sikh religion.
Guru Nanak Dev ji taught the message of one God and the equality of all human beings. He traveled extensively to share his vision of a society where there was no division based on caste or creed.
Teacher's Tip: Guru Nanak is the "Root" of the Sikh tree.
Exam Tip: Always provide the full name "Guru Nanak Dev ji" in formal written answers.

Question 5: The word -Sikh- is derived from a word which means teacher/disciple/warrior.
Answer: The word - Sikh- is derived from a word which means disciple.
A Sikh is someone who is a constant learner or student of the Truth and the teachings of the Guru. This emphasizes that being religious means being a humble follower of divine wisdom.
Teacher's Tip: Disciple = student; a Sikh is always a student of the Guru.
Exam Tip: The Sanskrit word "Shishya" is the root word for "Sikh," meaning disciple.

D. State whether the following are true or false :

Question 1: The organization of the Sufis was known as the sangha.
Answer: False.
Correct : The organization of the Sufis was known as the silsilas.
Silsilas were chain-like orders of Sufi saints where knowledge was passed from a master to his students. Each silsila usually had its own unique way of praying and teaching.
Teacher's Tip: Silsila sounds like "Chain" (a chain of teachers).
Exam Tip: When an answer is False, you must provide the Correct statement to get full marks.

Question 2: Bhakti saints believed in monotheism.
Answer: True.
Monotheism means believing that there is only one supreme God, even if He is called by different names like Ram or Allah. This belief helped unite people of different faiths under a single spiritual idea.
Teacher's Tip: Monotheism = "Mono" (One) + "Theism" (God).
Exam Tip: Use this point to explain how Bhakti and Sufi movements were similar.

Question 3: Ramananda taught his message through dohas.
Answer: False.
Correct : Kabir taught his message through dohas.
Kabir used simple, two-line poems called dohas to criticize social evils and teach about the oneness of God. His poems are still memorized and sung by people in India today.
Teacher's Tip: Associate "Kabir Ke Dohe" as a famous phrase to remember this.
Exam Tip: Define a "doha" as a two-line couplet to show extra knowledge.

Question 4: Chaitanya Mahaprabhu was a believer in the importance of following rituals.
Answer: False.
Correct : Chaitanya Mahaprabhu was a believer in the existence of God.
Chaitanya Mahaprabhu emphasized chanting the name of God and dancing in devotion rather than performing complex rituals. He believed that pure love was the only way to realize God's presence.
Teacher's Tip: Chaitanya is famous for "Kirtan" (chanting), which is the opposite of cold rituals.
Exam Tip: Mention that he is most famous in the Bengal region for his Krishna Bhakti.

Question 5: Guru Tegh Bahadur was executed by Aurangzeb.
Answer: True.
The ninth Sikh guru, Guru Tegh Bahadur ji, sacrificed his life to protect the religious freedom of people. This event is a very significant and solemn moment in Sikh and Indian history.
Teacher's Tip: Remember "T" for Tegh Bahadur and "T" for Tenth-minus-one (9th guru).
Exam Tip: Mention that he was the "9th Guru" for a more detailed answer.

E. Answer the following questions in one or two words/ sentences :

Question 1: Who were the Sufis?
Answer: The Sufis were a group of Muslim mystics who started a religious reform movement in West Asia.
They were known for their simple lifestyle and their focus on loving God as a friend or a beloved. Their teachings helped bridge the gap between people of different religions in medieval India.
Teacher's Tip: Sufis = Muslim mystics from the West (Asia).
Exam Tip: Don't forget to mention "mystics" to describe their spiritual nature.

Question 2: What are silsilas?
Answer: Silsilas were the monsastic organizations of the Buddhist sangha and the Sufis.
In the Sufi context, a silsila represents a spiritual lineage or chain that connects a Sufi saint directly back to the Prophet. It ensures that the teachings remain pure and are passed down correctly through generations.
Teacher's Tip: Silsila is a "Spiritual Chain" of masters.
Exam Tip: Be careful with the spelling of "silsilas" and mention their role in organizing Sufi groups.

Question 3: Name the two popular Sufi orders in India.
Answer: Chishti and the Suhrawardi orders, became popular in India.
The Chishti order, led by saints like Moinuddin Chishti, was famous for its simplicity and use of music. The Suhrawardi order was another major group that had a strong influence in the northern parts of India.
Teacher's Tip: Remember the "C" and "S" orders for Sufis in India.
Exam Tip: Naming "Moinuddin Chishti" as the leader of the Chishti order will get you bonus points.

Question 4: What is the importance of qawwali in Sufism?
Answer: One could come closer to God through devotional music qawwali.
Qawwali is a high-energy form of group singing that aims to create a state of spiritual ecstasy in the listeners. It was a tool used by Sufis to express their divine love and attract common people to their message.
Teacher's Tip: Qawwali is the "Heartbeat" of Sufi prayer meetings.
Exam Tip: Explain that it is "devotional music" used to achieve spiritual connection.

Question 5: Mention any one positive effect of the Bhakti Movement on Hindu-Muslim unity.
Answer: People were attracted to the principles of monotheism, equality and ritual-free worship. By propagating its principles of one God, universal brotherhood and respect for all religions, the Bhakti Movement created conditions conducive to the harmonious and peaceful coexistence of Hindus and Muslims.
Because both religions were taught that God is one, people started focusing on what they had in common instead of their differences. This helped reduce social tension and promoted a shared Indian culture.
Teacher's Tip: Common ground (One God) leads to common peace (Unity).
Exam Tip: Use the term "universal brotherhood" to describe the positive social change.

Question 6: What are dohas?
Answer: Dohas were the simple, beautiful Hindi verses (poems) through which Kabir spread his message.
These couplets were written in the language of common people so that everyone could understand and remember them easily. They often contained deep wisdom about kindness, honesty, and true devotion.
Teacher's Tip: Kabir + Dohas = Lessons for life.
Exam Tip: Clarify that they are "two-line Hindi poems" for a precise definition.

Question 7: How did Meera Bai spread the message of Bhakti among the people.
Answer: Meera Bai spread the message of devotion and love for God through devotional songs called Meera-s bhajans.
She left her royal life to live as a humble devotee and sang about her intense love for Lord Krishna. Her songs became very popular because they expressed deep feelings that touched the hearts of ordinary people.
Teacher's Tip: Meera sang her way into the history books with her "Bhajans."
Exam Tip: Mention "Lord Krishna" as her focal point of devotion.

Question 8: Name the five sacred symbols of Sikhism.
Answer: The five sacred symbols of Sikhism are :
(a) Kesh
(b) Kanga
(c) Kaccha
(d) Kirpan
(e) Kara
These symbols, collectively known as the "Five Ks," were introduced by Guru Gobind Singh ji to give Sikhs a distinct identity. They represent discipline, cleanliness, and the readiness to protect the weak.
Teacher's Tip: All five symbols start with the letter "K" - Kesh, Kanga, Kara, Kirpan, Kaccha.
Exam Tip: Always list all five items with their correct spelling for full marks.

Question 9: Who transformed the Sikhs into a martial race?
Answer: Guru Gobind Singh transformed the peace-loving Sikhs into a martial race.
He created the "Khalsa" to defend the community against oppression and injustice. This gave the Sikhs the courage to fight as warriors while still maintaining their spiritual values.
Teacher's Tip: Guru Gobind Singh gave the Sikhs their "Strength" and "Sword."
Exam Tip: Use the term "martial race" to describe the community's change into warriors.

Question 10: How did the Sufi and Bhakti movements lead to the development of local languages?
Answer: The Bhakti and Sufi saints preached in the language of the common people and this led to the development of local language.
Instead of using difficult Sanskrit or Persian, they used languages like Hindi, Bengali, Marathi, and Punjabi so that everyone could understand them. This made these regional languages much more popular and helped in the creation of great literature.
Teacher's Tip: Saints spoke the "People's Language," which made those languages grow.
Exam Tip: Give examples like "Hindi" or "Punjabi" to show how local languages developed.

F. Answer the following questions briefly :

Question 1: What are the important teachings of the Sufi saints? Explain the impact of Sufism on the people and their rulers?
Answer: Teachings of Sufism :
(a) There is only one god and all people are his children.
(b) All human beings are equal.
(c) Different religions are different paths leading to one God. Therefore, all religions must be respected.
(d) It is necessary to follow the path shown by a pir, who will guide a person along the right spiritual path.
The liberal ideas and rational principles of sufism, had great impact on the people and their rulers. It encouraged religious tolerance promoted the idea of universal brotherhood and brought the Hindus and Muslims closer to one another.
Sufism taught that serving humanity was the best way to serve God, which made it very attractive to common people. Even powerful rulers were impressed by the simple and holy lives of the Sufi saints and often sought their advice.
Teacher's Tip: Pir (Teacher) + Path (Method) = Peace (Goal).
Exam Tip: Clearly separate the "Teachings" from the "Impact" using headings.

Question 2: Explain the origin of the Bhakti Movement in India. Why did the teaching of the Bhakti saints appeal to the people?
Answer: The word -bhakti- means devotion to God. The Bhakti Movement was a reform movement within Hinduism. It began in South India in the 7th century CE and became a popular movement before the arrival of the Turks. The Bhakti saints drew their inspiration from the Upanishads and the Bhagavad Gita.
People were attracted to the principles of monotheism, equality and ritual-free worship. By propagating its principles of one God, universal brotherhood and respect for all religions, the Bhakti Movement created conditions conducive to the harmonious and peaceful coexistence of Hindus and Muslims.
The Bhakti Movement was a protest against the rigid caste system and the dominance of the priest class. Because it taught that God belongs to everyone, it gave hope and dignity to those who were treated poorly by society.
Teacher's Tip: Bhakti was a "Religion of the Heart" that broke all social walls.
Exam Tip: Mention that it started in "South India" to provide the correct historical origin.

Question 3: Mention the chief teachings of the Bhakti saints.
Answer: Teachings of the Bhakti saints:
(a) There is only one God. Everyone is equal in the eyes of God.
(b) God can be reached through love and devotion and total surrender to his will and not through rites rituals and idol worship.
(c) Everyone should lead a pure life.
The saints emphasized that inner purity was much more important than outer show or ceremonies. They taught people to be kind, truthful, and to see God in every living creature.
Teacher's Tip: Equality + Love + Surrender = The Bhakti Formula.
Exam Tip: Use a numbered or lettered list to make these teachings easy for the examiner to read.

Question 4: Mention the important teachings of Sant Kabir.
Answer: Sant Kabir stressed the idea of one God. He taught that Ishwar, Allah, Ram and Rahim were different names of one God. He spread the message of Hindu-Muslim unity, Universal brotherhood, tolerance and banned idol worship, caste system and rituals. Kabir preached his message through simple beautiful Hindi poems called Dohas.
Kabir believed that religion should not divide people but should bring them together through love and common sense. He was a brave reformer who spoke out against both Hindu and Muslim priests who focused on rules instead of kindness.
Teacher's Tip: Think of Kabir as the "Bridge" between Ishwar and Allah.
Exam Tip: Mention "Dohas" as his method of teaching to score better.

Question 5: What are the main teachings of Guru Nanak? Why is the holy book of the Sikhs known as the Guru Granth Sahib?
Answer: The important teachings of Guru Nanak are as follows :
(a) There is only one God and He is the creator of this universe.
(b) All human beings are equal. The caste system must be rejected and the principle of universal brotherhood must be followed.
(c) Everyone should lead a good and pure life based on truth and kindness, and discard idol worship and ritualism.
(d) True spiritual knowledge can be gained under the guidance of a guru.
The last Guru Gobind Singh Ji, transferred the authority of the Guru to the holy scriptures called the -Adi Granth- which came to be known as the Guru Granth Sahib. The teachings of all the Gurus are contained in it and it serves as a guide or Guru.
Guru Nanak taught that "Truth is high, but higher still is truthful living," meaning that our actions matter more than our words. By naming the book as the "Guru," the community ensured they would always have a perfect teacher even after the human gurus were gone.
Teacher's Tip: Guru Nanak = "One God, One Human Family."
Exam Tip: Explain that the book is the "Living Guru" to get full marks on the second part of the question.

Question 6: What effect did the Bhakti and Sufi movements have on Indian society?
Answer: The Bhakti and Sufi movements brought a new era in Indian society which was based on tolerance and brotherhood among the human beings. Following are the impact of the movements :
(a) The Bhakti and Sufi movement preached in the language of the common man which gave rise to development of common languages.
(b) The common man came to know about great truths of Hindu philosophy which helped in slowing down conversions during this period.
(c) These movements helped in reducing the superiority of the brahmanas.
(d) They also brought feeling of universal brotherhood and created an environment of tolerance and mutual respect.
These movements made religion accessible to everyone, not just those who knew difficult languages or had a lot of money. They created a culture of inclusion where people started respecting each other's paths to God.
Teacher's Tip: Impact = Common Language + Equality + Peace.
Exam Tip: List at least three specific effects (Language, Social status, Peace) for a brief answer.

G. Picture study :

This is the picture of a monument associated with the founder of a religious reform movement in India.

Question 1: Name the reformer and the movement he started in India.
Answer: Religious reformer was Moinuddin Chishti. He started Sufi- Movements.
Moinuddin Chishti is one of the most famous Sufi saints who settled in Ajmer and spread the message of love and peace. His movement emphasized that serving the needy is the highest form of worship.
Teacher's Tip: Moinuddin Chishti is the "Star of Ajmer."
Exam Tip: Always associate "Ajmer" with Moinuddin Chishti in your mind.

Question 2: Identify the monument.
Answer: Dargah of Moinuddin Chisti.
A Dargah is a shrine built over the grave of a revered religious figure like a Sufi saint. Thousands of people from all religions visit this specific Dargah in Ajmer to seek blessings.
Teacher's Tip: Dargah = Sufi Saint's Shrine.
Exam Tip: Use the full name "Dargah Sharif" if you want to be extra precise.

Question 3: Why is this monument famous?
Answer: This monument is famous for its teachings
(a) All human beings are equal and God is only one.
(b) All religions must be respected.
(c) Fasts and other rituals are not necessary.
(d) There is no need to convert to another religion.
The monument is a symbol of Indian "Ganga-Jamuni tehzeeb" or mixed culture where Hindus and Muslims pray together. It is famous because it represents the idea that love for God and humanity is above any specific religion.
Teacher's Tip: Famous for "Unity in Diversity."
Exam Tip: List the core Sufi teachings to explain why the site is respected by everyone.

Question 4: Mention any four important religious principles of that movement, which are common to the principles of the Bhakti Movement.
Answer: (a) There is only one God.
(b) Everyone is equal in the eyes of God.
(c) God can be reached through love and devotion and total surrender to His will and not through rites, rituals and idol worship.
(d) Everyone should lead a pure life.
Both movements believed that heart-felt love was better than external show. They both rejected the idea that some people are born superior to others, making them very similar in their social goals.
Teacher's Tip: Bhakti and Sufi are "Spiritual Twins."
Exam Tip: Focus on "Love" and "Equality" as the two most important common principles.

Question 5: Name any two religious reformers of the Bhakti Movement.
Answer: Ramananda, Guru Nanak Dev ji.
Ramananda was instrumental in bringing the Bhakti movement to North India and simplifying its message. Guru Nanak Dev ji founded the Sikh faith based on these same principles of devotion and equality.
Teacher's Tip: Think of "R" and "N" - Ramananda and Nanak.
Exam Tip: If you mention "Kabir" or "Meera Bai," those are also correct answers for this question.

OTHER IMPORTANT QUESTIONS

Question 1: Why was the Bhakti movement revived and strengthened in the Medieval Period?
Answer: The Bhakti movement revived and strengthened during the Medieval Period as people got attracted to the principles of equality, one God, universal brotherhood and respect for all religions. This movements provided conducive conditions for peaceful and harmonious co-existence of the Hindus and Muslims.
During this time, society was divided and people were looking for a simpler way to connect with God. The movement's message of equality was a great relief for those who were tired of social discrimination.
Teacher's Tip: Revival happened because people needed "Peace and Equality."
Exam Tip: Use the phrase "conducive conditions" to explain how the movement helped society stay together.

Question 2: What are the main principles of Sikhism?
Answer: The main principles of Sikhism are :
(a) There is only one God and he is the creator of this universe.
(b) All human beings are equal. The caste system must be rejected and the principles of universal brotherhood must be followed.
(c) Everyone should lead a good and pure life based on truth and kindness, and discard idol worship-and ritualism.
(d) True spiritual knowledge can be gained under the guidance of a guru.
Sikhism emphasizes "Wand Chakko" (sharing with others) and "Kirat Karo" (honest work). It teaches that God is present in every human being, so we should serve everyone with a kind heart.
Teacher's Tip: Sikhism = "One God + One Guru + One Human Family."
Exam Tip: Mention the rejection of the "caste system" as a key social principle.

Question 3: Why is the Sikh religion also referred to as Gurumat?
Answer: In Sikh religion Guru acquires the central position. The word sikhis derived from a word which means disciple, so Sikhism is also referred to as Gurumat means guru-s doctrine.
The term means following the "mind" or the "path" of the Guru. It signifies that every action of a Sikh should be guided by the wisdom found in the Guru's teachings.
Teacher's Tip: Gurumat = "Guru" + "Mat" (Opinion/Path).
Exam Tip: Explain both parts of the definition—"disciple" and "guru's doctrine"—for a full mark answer.

Question 4: What provoked Guru Govind Singh to infuse his followers with the martial spirit?
Answer: To save the people from cruelty of Mughal rulers, Guru Govind Singh infused his followers with the martial spirit.
The Guru realized that peaceful prayer was not enough when innocent people were being persecuted. He turned his disciples into "Saint-Soldiers" who were trained to fight for justice while still being holy and kind.
Teacher's Tip: Martial spirit = Courage to fight for what is right.
Exam Tip: Mention "Mughal rulers" as the reason for the need for a defensive force.

Question 5: Throw some light on how the Sufis came to India?
Answer: The Sufis came to India with the Turks in the 12th century. As the course of time went on, they absorbed Buddhist and Hindu influences and were greatly respected by the Muslims as well as the Hindus.
They initially settled in cities like Delhi and Multan before spreading to every corner of the country. Their ability to speak the local language and respect local customs made them the "Ambassadors of Peace" in medieval India.
Teacher's Tip: Turks brought them, but India "Adopted" them.
Exam Tip: Specify the "12th century" as the time of their arrival.

Question 6: Who was the founder of the Sufi movement in India?
Answer: The founder of the Sufi movement in India was Moinuddin Chisti. His dargah in Ajmer is an important pilgrimage centre for both the Muslims and the Hindus.
He is often called "Gharib Nawaz" because he loved and served the poor. His presence in India marked the beginning of a long tradition of Sufi mysticism that is still alive today.
Teacher's Tip: Remember: Moinuddin Chishti is the "Founder" and "Ajmer" is his "Home."
Exam Tip: If asked about a pilgrimage site, naming "Ajmer" is essential for this answer.