Maharashtra Board Class 7 History Chapter 3 Religious Synthesis PDF Download

Religious Synthesis

Diversity of languages and religions is an important characteristic of the Indian society. Considering this feature, the Indian Constitution has adopted the principle of secularism. In medieval India, too, attempts to bring about religious synthesis in social life were made on the basis of this principle. Among these efforts, the Bhakti movement, Sikhism and the Sufi sect have a significant place. These different streams of thought arose in different parts of India. They emphasized harmony between the different sects and religions along with devotion to God. We shall study them in this chapter.

Initially, rituals and brahmadnyan were greatly emphasized in the Indian religious life. In the medieval period, they gave way to Bhakti Marg – the path of devotion. Bhakti Marg did not give undue importance to hierarchies, which further facilitated religious synthesis. In the different regions of India, we find different forms of the path of devotion, according to the local situation there. The Bhakti movement used the common people's language instead of Sanskrit. This helped the development of regional languages.

Bhakti Movement

It is believed that the Bhakti movement originated in South India. The Naynar and Alawar Bhakti movements emerged in this region. The Naynars were devotees of Shiva, while the Alawars were devotees of Vishnu. There were also attempts to consider Shiva and Vishnu as one and the same and bring them together. 'Harihar' idols which depict half Vishnu and half Shiva were produced in this period on a large scale. People belonging to all social strata had participated in these Bhakti movements. They preached values like love of God, humanity, compassion, mercy, etc. Ramanuja and other Acharyas strengthened the base of the Bhakti movement in South India. They told people that God is for all. God does not discriminate. The teachings of Ramanuja had a great impact in North India also.

Sant Ramanand strengthened the Bhakti movement in North India. Sant Kabir is a well-known sant in the Bhakti movement. He did not attach any importance to places of pilgrimage, vratas or idol worship. For him, Truth was God. He taught that all human beings are equal. He did not believe in any differences based on caste, creed, sect and religion. He wanted to bring about Hindu and Muslim unity. He criticized the extremely orthodox people in both Hindu and Muslim religions in strong terms.

In Bengal, Chaitany Mahaprabhu underlined the importance of Krishnabhakti. Due to his teachings, people joined the Bhakti movement in transcending the boundaries of caste and creed. Under his influence, Shankaradeva spread the Bhakti movement in Assam. Narsi Mehta was a renowned Vaishnawa Sant in Gujarat. He was an ardent devotee of Krishna. He gave the message of equality. He is known as the first poet of the Gujarati language.

Sant Mirabai stressed the importance of devotion to Krishna. She belonged to the royal family of Mewad. She renounced all pleasures of the royal family and immersed herself in devotion to Krishna. She composed devotional verses in Rajasthani and Gujarati. Her devotional verses give the message of devotion, tolerance and humanity. Sant Sena was an influential Sant. Sant Rohidas was a great Sant. He gave the message of equality and humanity. Surdasa, a great poet of Hindi literature, composed the poetical work 'Sursagar'. Devotion to Krishna (Krishnabhakti) is the subject of his work. The verses on Krishnabhakti composed by the Muslim Sant Raskhan are melodious. 'Ramcharita-Manasa' of Sant Tulshidas is a beautiful composition expressing devotion to Rama.

Teacher's Note

Sant Kabir's message is still very important today. Just like how our Prime Minister says "Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas" (everyone together, everyone grows), Sant Kabir also taught that all people are equal and should live together.

Exam Trick

Remember: Bhakti Marg = common people's language (not Sanskrit). This is like how WhatsApp messages are in simple Hindi, not in difficult words. The Bhakti saints used simple language so that all people could understand.

Points to Remember

Bhakti movement started in South India with Naynars and Alawars.
Sant Kabir taught that all humans are equal and there are no differences of caste or religion.
Bhakti saints used common people's language instead of Sanskrit.
Sant Mirabai was a devotee of Krishna who renounced royal life.
Surdasa and Tulshidas wrote devotional poems in Hindi.

In Karnataka, Basaveshwar spread the lingayat stream of thought. He opposed the caste system and stressed the dignity of labour. 'Kayakave Kailas' is his well-known saying which means 'Work is Kailas' (Work is worship). He encouraged women's participation in his movement. Men and women belonging to all castes began to participate in the religious discussions conducted in the hall 'Anubhava Mantapa'. Shri Basaveshwar conveyed his teachings in the language of the people, i.e., Kannada, through the medium of 'Vachana' literature. His work had a great impact on society. His followers have composed their work in Marathi also. Of these compositions, 'Paramarahasya' composed by Manmath Swami is very well-known. Great sants in Karnataka include Pamp, Purandardasa and others. They composed many devotional verses in Kannada.

Teacher's Note

Basaveshwar's saying "Work is Kailas" teaches us that doing our homework properly, helping our parents, and doing our daily work with care is like worship. Work is not a punishment but a way to show respect.

Exam Trick

Remember: Basaveshwar = dignity of labour = work is worship. Think of a farmer working hard in fields – that is also a form of worship according to Basaveshwar.

Points to Remember

Basaveshwar opposed the caste system and gave equal rights to all.
He created 'Anubhava Mantapa' where men and women of all castes could discuss religion.
He taught through Kannada language, not Sanskrit.
'Kayakave Kailas' means work is worship.
He encouraged women to participate in religious activities.

Mahanubhav Panth

In the thirteenth century, Chakradhar Swami founded the 'Mahanubhav Panth' in Maharashtra. This sect preaches devotion to Krishna. Shri Govind Prabhu was the Guru of Chakradhar Swami. The followers of Chakradhara included men and women belonging to all castes and creeds. He supported equality. He travelled to all parts of Maharashtra preaching in Marathi. He preferred Marathi instead of Sanskrit. This led to the development of the Marathi language. Many works were composed in Marathi.

This sect mainly spread in the Vidarbha and Marathwada regions of Maharashtra. Riddhipur in Vidarbha is an important place for people of this sect. This sect had reached up to faraway regions like the Punjab and Afghanistan.

Some of the main compositions of the followers of the Mahanubhav Panth are: The treatise 'Leelacharitra' compiled by Mhaimbhat describing the deeds of Chakradhar Swami; 'Dhavale' of the first Marathi poetess Mahadamba, 'Sutrapath and Drishtantapath' compiled by Keshobas, 'Vacchaharan' of Damodar Pandit, 'Shishupalvadha' of Bhaskarbhat Borikar and 'Rukmini Swayamvara' of Narendra.

Teacher's Note

Chakradhar Swami's movement in Maharashtra shows how a guru can bring people of different castes together through religion. This is like our school where students from all backgrounds sit together and learn.

Exam Trick

Remember: Mahanubhav Panth = Maharashtra = Marathi language. Just remember the state and the language match. Chakradhar Swami used Marathi to teach, which helped develop the language.

Points to Remember

Chakradhar Swami founded Mahanubhav Panth in Maharashtra in the thirteenth century.
This sect preached devotion to Krishna.
He used Marathi language instead of Sanskrit.
Men and women of all castes could be followers.
The sect spread to Punjab and Afghanistan as well.

A conversation between a Hindu and a Muslim written by Sant Eknath is important from the viewpoint of religious harmony. The famous quote of Sant Shaikh Mohammad is an example of this religious harmony.

Guru Nanak

Guru Nanak was the founder of Sikhism and the first guru of Sikhs. His work has to be mentioned as a great attempt at religious synthesis. He visited the holy places of both Hindus and Muslims. He had also visited Mecca. He realised that the feeling of devotion is common everywhere. He taught that all persons should be treated equally. His teachings aimed at achieving Hindu-Muslim unity. He emphasized chaste behaviour.

Many people were influenced by the teachings of Guru Nanak. The number of his followers increased day by day. The followers of Guru Nanak are known as 'Sikhs' (Shishyas) meaning 'disciples'. The 'Aadigrantha', also known as the 'Guru Granth Sahib' is the Holy Book of the Sikhs. The Aadigrantha includes compositions by Guru Nanak, Sant Namdeo, Sant Kabir and other Sants. Guru Nanak was succeeded by nine Gurus of the Sikhs. Guru Gobindsingh was the tenth Guru of the Sikhs. After Guru Gobindsingh, Sikhs regard the 'Guru Granth Sahib' as their Guru, as per the orders of Guru Gobindsingh.

Teacher's Note

Guru Nanak visited both Hindu and Muslim holy places to show that all religions teach love and devotion. This is like how our Indian Constitution says all religions are equal and we should respect all of them.

Exam Trick

Remember: Guru Nanak = visited Mecca and Hindu temples = unity between Hindus and Muslims. Think of him as a bridge between two communities. Sikhs = disciples of Guru Nanak.

Points to Remember

Guru Nanak founded Sikhism and was the first Sikh Guru.
He visited holy places of both Hindus and Muslims including Mecca.
He taught that all persons should be treated equally.
Followers of Guru Nanak are called Sikhs meaning disciples.
The Guru Granth Sahib is the holy book of Sikhs.

The Sufi Sect

This is a sect in Islam. The Sufi saints believed that God is full of love and the only way to reach him is through love and devotion. Their main teachings are love for all living beings, meditation and simple living. Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti, Shaikh Nijamuddin Avaliya were great Sufi Saints. The teachings of Sufi Saints led to unity in the Hindu and Muslim communities. Sufi music has made valuable contribution to Indian music.

The path of Bhakti taught by the Sants was easy to follow for the common people. The Bhakti movement was open to all men and women. The Sants expressed their thoughts in the language of the people. The common people found them close to their heart. The Bhakti movement has contributed greatly to the making of the Indian Culture.

Teacher's Note

Sufi saints in India like Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti showed that Islam also teaches love and devotion just like Bhakti. Their music called Qawwali is still sung in shrines and brings people of all religions together.

Exam Trick

Remember: Sufi = love + devotion + simple living = unity between religions. Sufi music = Qawwali = valuable contribution to Indian music. Music unites all people without any language barrier.

Points to Remember

Sufi sect is a sect in Islam based on love and devotion.
Sufi saints believed God is full of love.
Main teachings are love for all beings, meditation, and simple living.
Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti and Shaikh Nijamuddin Avaliya were great Sufi Saints.
Sufi music has made valuable contribution to Indian music.

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