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BHAKTI AND SUFI TRADITIONS

The term ‘Bhakti’, meaning ‘devotion’, denotes a movement emphasizing intense emotional attachment and love between a devotee and a personal deity, originating in South India between the 7th and 10th centuries CE. This movement found expression in the poems of Alvars and Nayanars, addressed to Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva, respectively.

Bhakti spread to North India, notably appearing in the 10th-century Sanskrit text, the Bhagavata-Purana. It gained momentum in east and north India from the 15th century onwards, reaching its zenith between the 15th and 17th centuries CE. Bhakti saints opposed the austerities promoted by Buddhist and Jain schools, advocating that ultimate devotion to God leads to salvation.

The Bhagavad Gita, a Hindu religious text, acknowledges Bhakti-marga as superior to the paths of knowledge (Jnana) and ritual and good works (karma) for attaining salvation.

Sources for Studying the Bhakti Movement

• Literature and Poetry:Regional languages contain a wealth of literature, devotional songs, and poetry that serve as primary sources for studying the Bhakti Movement. For example, Jayadeva’s “Gita Govinda” portrays the love between Krishna and Radha, while the Tamil hymns of Alvars provide further insights.
• Hagiographies:Biographical accounts of Bhakti saints, often written by their followers or sect members, offer valuable insights into their lives and teachings. For instance, the “Janam-Sakhi” focuses on the life of Guru Nanak.
• Oral Traditions:Oral transmission, narratives, and storytelling play a significant role in preserving and transmitting Bhakti traditions. For example, the Telugu art form of Burra Katha in Andhra Pradesh serves as a means of oral storytelling, passing down Bhakti-related narratives through generations.

Causes for the Emergence of the Bhakti Movement

• Superstitious Beliefs: The complexity of Hinduism, compounded by superstitious beliefs, created a fertile ground for the Bhakti Movement to emerge.
• Caste System and Social Inequality:The rigid caste system, untouchability, and social inequality prevalent in society led to dissatisfaction among different segments of the population.
• Influence of Islam: The teachings of Islam, which emphasized the unity of God and the brotherhood of man, appealed to the oppressed masses and provided an alternative to the existing religious structures.
• Preaching of Religious Leaders:Religious leaders across India advocated pure devotion, known as Bhakti, to combat issues like fanaticism, bigotry, and religious intolerance, thus contributing to the birth of the Bhakti Movement.

Reasons behind the movement:

• Response to corrupted practices in Hinduism.
• Emergence of influential reformers.
• Influence of Sufi sects and Vaishnavism/Shaivism ideologies.

Key teachings associated with the Bhakti movement include:

• Preaching equality, transcending divisions of religion, caste, and gender. For example, disciples of Ramananda hailed from diverse backgrounds.
• Advocating universal brotherhoodbased on values like love and care, exemplified by Kabir’s teachings through his Dohas.
• Striving to eradicate societal evils, as demonstrated by Guru Nanak’s condemnation of caste differences and ritualistic practices.

Central to the movement is the emphasis on Bhakti as the path to realizing God and achieving salvation, surpassing superficial rituals.

Alvars and Naynars

Bhakti Movement Schools of Thought:

VEDANTA SAINTS AND THEIR CONTRIBUTIONS:

SAINTS AND THEIR CONTRIBUTION TO THE BHAKTI MOVEMENT

The Sufi Movement:

• In the 12th century AD, amidst the rising materialism within the Caliphate, certain individuals in Persia turned towards asceticism, forming what would become known as the Sufis.
• The Sufi movement found its roots in India around 1300 AD, gradually expanding to South India by the 15th century.
• Sufism, also referred to as tasawwuf, represents the mystical dimension of Islam, delving into the inner aspects of the Islamic creed.
• The term “Sufi” derives from “suf,” meaning wool, as these individuals often wore long woolen garments as a symbol of their asceticism.
• Functioning as a liberal reform movement within Islam, Sufism emphasized love and devotion as potent paths towards the realization of God.
• Central to Sufism is the relationship between Pir (Teacher) and Murid (Student),fostering spiritual guidance and growth.
• Sufism traces its philosophical roots to the doctrine of Wahdat-ul-wajood, or the unity of being, as expounded by Ibn-ul-Arabi (1165-1240 AD).
• Among the early Sufi saints were figures like Rabia and Mansur bin Hallaj, known for their profound spiritual insights and devotion.
• Sufi orders are broadly categorized into two groups: Ba-sara, adherents who followed Islamic law, and Be-shara, those who transcended conventional Islamic practices.
• In Sufism, self-discipline was regarded as a crucial prerequisite for attaining knowledge of God, emphasizing inner purity over external conduct.
• The entry of Sufism into India occurred between the 11th and 12th centuries, with Al-Hujwari, popularly known asData Ganj Baksh (the Distributor of Unlimited Treasure), being one of the earliest Sufis to settle in the region, passing away in 1089 AD.
• The early centers of Sufism in India were Multan and Punjab, with its influence eventually spreading to regions like Kashmir, Bihar, Bengal, and the Deccan.

THREE STAGES IN THE HISTORY OF SUFISM

Sufism and Music: Embracing Poetry, Music, and Cultural Flourishment

• Sufism, the mystical facet of Islam, advocates for the use of music as a means to deepen one’s connection with the Divine, whether through zikr(recitation of the Divine name) or sama, the performance of mystical music.
• Sufi scholars and poets have contributed significantly to literature, producing a rich array of poems, prose, anecdotes, and fables. Among these, Amir Khusrau, a disciple of Nizamuddin Auliya, stands out as one of the most notable figures.
• Moreover, Sufi saints are credited with the invention of musical instruments such as the sitar and tabla, paving the way for the evolution of classical music. The Khayal style of music owes much to the influence of Sufism.
• Amir Khusrau, often referred to as the “Parrot of India,” played a pivotal role in shaping Sufi music, giving it a unique form known as sama. He is hailed as the “Father of Qawwali,”and his compositions are still sung in dargahs (Sufi shrines) across the country.

Important Features: Rejection, Orders, and Spiritual Principles

• Sufis rejected the intricate rituals and codes of conduct prescribed by traditional Muslim scholars, emphasizing instead a direct and intimate relationship with God, whom they viewed as thebeloved (Mashuq), while they themselves were seen as lovers (Ashiqs).
• Sufism was organized into twelve orders (Silsilas), each led by a mystic Sufi saint. Among the most prominent orders were the Chistis, Suhrawardis, Qadiriyahs, and Naqshbandis, with each order tracing its lineage back to its founding figure.
• The concept of Silsila signifies the continuous connection between the Murshid (teacher) and the Murid (student), often within the confines of a Khanqah, a hospice of worship.
• Sufism transcended both rural and urban settings, exerting a profound social, political, and cultural influence on society.
• Devotion held greater significance inSufism than fasting (Roza) or prayer (Namaz), and it actively rejected the caste system.
• Drawing extensively from Hindu Vedanta philosophy, Sufism embraces cardinal doctrines such as complete surrender to the Divine will, self-annihilation, and the pursuit of spiritual perfection.
• The concept of Fana, or annihilation of human attributes through union with God, epitomizes the core principles of Sufism, wherein a perfected being is referred to as a Wali, or a sincere friend of God.

Orders of Sufism (Silsilah)

(1) Chishtiya order.
(2) Qadriya order
(3) Suharwardiya order
(4) Naqsh bandiya order.

Chishti Order

• Founded by:Khwaja Moin-Uddin Chishti, after migrating to India from Central Asia, encouraged by his guide, Khwaja Usman.
• Arrival:Accompanied Muhammad Ghori’s army in 1192, eventually settling in Ajmer.
• Belief:Advocated devotional music as a path to God.
• Influence: Became a leading Sufi group by adapting to local customs and incorporating Indian devotional traditions.
• Practices: Included bowing before the Shaikh, offering water to visitors, initiating rituals like shaving heads, and incorporating yogic exercises.
• Function: Served as a social hub with facilities for living, praying, and shelter during threats like Mongol invasions.
• Visitors:Attracted poets and historians, including Amir Hasan Sijzi and Amir Khusrau.
• Pilgrimage (Ziyarat):Common practice involving music, dance, and chants at saints’ tombs, most notably Khwaja Muinuddin’s shrine.
• Spiritual Practices:Emphasized ‘zikr’ (Divine Names) and ‘sama’ (mystical music) for divine connection.
• Language Use: Utilized Hindavi for wider communication.
• Literary Contributions:Produced significant poetry symbolizing divine love, including Malik Muhammad Jayasi’s “Padmavat”.
• Support: Accepted grants and land from rulers, enhancing their influence without political isolation.
• Royal Patrons:Received support from figures like Sultan Ghiyasuddin Khalji and Mughal emperors, including frequent visits from Emperor Akbar to Khwaja Muinuddin’s shrine.
• Interactions with Rulers:Though they occasionally faced conflicts with Sultans, Chishti Sufis were revered for their piety and perceived miraculous abilities.

Qadriya Order:

• Similarity:Shared practices with Chishtis but emphasized allegiance to elders.
• Introduction: Arrived in India in the late 14th century, gaining popularity with Ibnul Arabi’s inclusion.
• Philosophy: Advocated Wahdat-ul-Wujood (Unity of Existence).
• Significance: Less prominent in India compared to other major orders.
• Associations: Urdu poets Hasrat Mohani and Muhammad Iqbal were followers.

Naqshbandi Order:

• Founder:Khwaja Baha-ul-din Naqshband, popularized by Khawja Naseer-ul-din Ubaidullah Ahrar.
• Introduction:Entered India with Babur’s invasion.
• Tolerance:Less tolerant compared to Chishtis, Qadries, and Suharwardis.
• Origins:Traced back to the first caliph, Abu Bakr.
• Approach: Known for a puritanical and austere stance, recommended imposing jaziya on Hindu subjects.
• Notable Figures:Included Shaikh Ahmad Sir Hindi, who criticized Akbar’s religious policies.
• Philosophy: Initially aligned with Wahdat-ul-Wujood, later evolved to Wahadul-ul-Shahood under Shaikh Ahmad Sir Hindi.
• Contributors: Produced significant saints like Khwaja Khurd, Ahmad Sir Hindi, and Shah Wali-ullah.

Suharwardi Order:

• Founder:Sheikh Shahabuddin Suharwardi Maqtul, introduced the doctrine of light (Nur) in Sufism.
• Prominence: Bahauddin Zakarya popularized it in Northern India.
• Wealth:Valued wealth accumulation for serving humanity.
• Duration:Remained briefly popular, introduced after the Chishti order.

UPSC PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

1.  Consider the following statements: [2019]

1.  Saint Nimbarka was a contemporary of Akbar
2.  Saint Kabir was greatly influenced by Shaikh Ahmad Sirhindi

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer d

2.  With reference to the cultural history of medieval India, consider the following statements: [2016]

1.  Siddhas (Sittars) of Tamil region were monotheistic and condemned idolatry.
2.  Lingayats of Kannada region questioned the theory of rebirth and rejected the caste hierarchy.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer c

3.  Consider the following Bhakti saints: [2013]

1.  Dadu Dayal
2.  Guru Nanak
3.  Tyagaraja

Who among the above was/were preaching when the Lodi dynasty fell and Babur took over?

a) 1 and 3
b) 2 only
c) 2 and 3
d) 1 and 2

Answer b

4.  Evaluate the nature of Bhakti Literature and its contribution to Indian culture. (2021)

5.  The Bhakti movement received a remarkable re-orientation with the advent of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. Discuss. (2018)

6.  Sufis and medieval mystic saints failed to modify either the religious ideas and practicesor the outward structure of Hindu / Muslim societies to any appreciable extent.Comment. (2014)