Topic: Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and
Architecture from ancient to modern times.
1) Bhakti and Sufi movements brought a new form of religious expression amongst Muslims and Hindus. Elaborate the statement highlighting how they worked for communal harmony.(250 words)
Medieval India Old NCERT History Text Book by Satish Chandra – class XI
Why this question:
The question is from the static portions of GS paper I based upon the communal harmony that existed during medieval times.
Key demand of the question:
One must bring out the significance of Bhakti and Sufi movements in keeping the Hindu-Muslim religions bound together and creating an environment of harmony.
Directive:
Elaborate – Give a detailed account as to how and why it occurred, or what is the particular context. You must be defining key terms where ever appropriate, and substantiate with relevant associated facts.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Briefly introduce evolution of Bhakti and Sufi movement in India.
Body:
One should first bring out How of Bhakti and Sufi movement created a new form of religious expression.
Explain how they worked against communalism and in what way they worked for communal harmony. Discuss that the Hindu as well as the Muslim saints emphasized religious simplicity. They stressed human qualities and moral attitudes. They stressed that a true religious man is one who is pure in thought and action.
Discuss few popular Bhakti and Sufi saints to add weightage to the answer.
Conclusion:
Conclude by reasserting significance of their contributions.
