SSC CGL - Detailed Guide 2025
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Bhakti Movement
Reference: Lucent GK, NCERT Class 6–12
Origin
- Started in South India (Tamil Nadu) between 7th–9th centuries with Alvars (devotees of Vishnu) and Nayanars (devotees of Shiva)
- Spread to North India between 13th–17th centuries.
Key Features
- Emphasized devotion (bhakti) to a personal god.
- Rejected caste system and religious rituals.
- Promoted equality, love, and tolerance.
- Used vernacular languages for devotional songs.
Important Bhakti Saints
| Saint | Region | Teachings |
|---|---|---|
| Ramananda | North India | Opened Bhakti to all castes |
| Kabir | Varanasi | "God is one", against caste & rituals |
| Guru Nanak | Punjab | Founded Sikhism, "Ek Onkar" |
| Tulsidas | Uttar Pradesh | Wrote Ramcharitmanas in Hindi |
| Mirabai | Rajasthan | Devotee of Krishna, poetess |
| Chaitanya Mahaprabhu | Bengal | Devotion to Krishna, Sankirtana |
| Namdev, Eknath, Tukaram | Maharashtra | Varkari sect, devotion to Vithoba |
| Basavanna | Karnataka | Founded Lingayat movement |
Sufi Movement
- Islamic mystical movement that spread in India from 12th century onwards.
- Place of Origin: Islamic heartlands (modern-day Iraq, Iran, Syria).
Key Features
- Emphasized inner purity, love of God, and service to humanity.
- Opposed orthodox Islam and materialism.
- Promoted communal harmony and universal brotherhood.
- Saints lived simple lives and were inclusive in their teachings.
Important Sufi Orders (Silsilas)
| Silsila | Founder | Region |
|---|---|---|
| Chishti | Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti | Ajmer |
| Suhrawardi | Shihabuddin Suhrawardi | Multan |
| Qadiri | Abdul Qadir Jilani | Delhi, Punjab |
| Naqshbandi | Bahauddin Naqshband | Central Asia & India |
Famous Sufi Saints
| Saint | Contributions |
|---|---|
| Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti | Dargah in Ajmer, stressed love & tolerance |
| Nizamuddin Auliya | Delhi, disciple of Baba Farid, beloved by Hindus & Muslims |
| Baba Farid | Punjab, wrote in Punjabi, spread Islam in local language |
| Sheikh Salim Chishti | Fatehpur Sikri, respected by Akbar |
Comparison: Bhakti vs. Sufi
| Aspect | Bhakti Movement | Sufi Movement |
|---|---|---|
| Religion | Hindu | Islam |
| Focus | Personal devotion to God | Love for Allah, mysticism |
| Against | Caste, rituals, priesthood | Orthodox Islam, materialism |
| Language | Vernacular (Hindi, Marathi, Tamil, etc.) | Persian, Urdu, regional languages |
| Key Message | Love, equality, devotion | Love, unity, inner purity |
SSC Important Points
- Kabir: Criticized both Hindus and Muslims.
- Mirabai: Devotee of Krishna, Rajput princess.
- Guru Nanak: Founded Sikhism, "Ek Onkar".
- Moinuddin Chishti: Ajmer Dargah, popular Sufi.
- Both movements promoted communal harmony and simplified religion.
Developed By Satyam Kumar
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