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CBSE class 7 Chapter: DEVOTIONAL PATHS TO THE DIVINE. TOPIC: The idea of Supreme God, Bhakti
in South India-Nayanars and Alvars, Philosophy and Bhakti, Basavanna's Virashaivism, Bhakti
Movement in the Deccan, Nathpanthis, Siddhas and Yogis, Islam and Sufism, New Religious
Developments in North India, A closer Look-Kabir, Baba Guru Nanak. Make a broadly notes.

CBSE Class 7 Chapter: Devotional Paths to the Divine

This chapter explores the concept of devotion (Bhakti) as a path to connect with the Supreme God. It
looks at different movements and philosophies, particularly in South and North India, focusing on
figures like Nayanars, Alvars, Basavanna, Kabir, and Guru Nanak, along with other key religious
developments.

1. The Idea of the Supreme God

Supreme God: Refers to an ultimate divine being or force that is often worshipped through various
forms or concepts in different religious traditions.
Bhakti: The devotion and love toward a personal god. Bhakti movements emphasized a deep,
emotional, and personal relationship with the Supreme God.

2. Bhakti in South India: Nayanars and Alvars

Nayanars (Shaiva Bhaktas)

Nayanars: Devotees of Lord Shiva, dedicated to spreading the worship of Shiva.

Significant Nayanars:
Appar, Sankara: Famous saints who contributed to Shaiva Bhakti poetry.
Beliefs: Devotional songs and poetry focused on the glory of Shiva and the importance of
surrendering to the divine.

Alvars (Vaishnava Bhaktas)

Alvars: Devotees of Lord Vishnu.

Significant Alvars:
Poigai Alvar, Nammalvar: Key figures who wrote devotional hymns dedicated to Vishnu.
Beliefs: The Alvars spread the idea of personal devotion to Vishnu and encouraged the
importance of prayer and surrender to God.

3. Philosophy and Bhakti

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 Bhakti Philosophy: Emphasizes the direct relationship between the devotee and God without the
need for intermediaries.
Concepts: The idea that God can be experienced through sincere love and devotion, transcending
rituals or intellectual understanding.
Path of Devotion: Leads to liberation (Moksha) and freedom from the cycle of birth and rebirth.

4. Basavanna's Virashaivism

Virashaivism: A movement led by Basavanna, centered on devotion to Shiva in the form of Vira
Shaiva or Lingayat.
Beliefs:
Rejection of idol worship.
Emphasis on personal experience of God.
Focus on ethical living, equality, and social justice.
Basavanna: Known for his vachanas (poetry) which promoted devotion, social reform, and
the rejection of caste distinctions.

5. Bhakti Movement in the Deccan

The Bhakti movement spread across the Deccan, influencing both Hinduism and the region's
socio-political structure.
Bhakti Saints: In addition to Basavanna, figures like Tukaram, Ramanuja, and Namdev
contributed to the regional spread of Bhakti.
Focus on personal devotion to deities like Vishnu and Shiva, as well as spiritual equality.

6. Nathpanthis, Siddhas, and Yogis

Nathpanthis: A group of spiritual seekers who followed the teachings of Guru Gorakhnath,
focusing on physical discipline, meditation, and yoga.
Siddhas: Mystical saints who emphasized spiritual practices to attain union with the divine.
Yogis: Practitioners of Yoga, believing in the transformation of the body and mind through physical
discipline and meditation to achieve spiritual liberation.

7. Islam and Sufism

Sufism: The mystical branch of Islam that focuses on the personal experience of God through love,
devotion, and introspection.
Sufi Saints: Known for their poetry and spiritual practices that emphasized unity with the divine
and unconditional love.
Important Figures: Kabir, Ravidas, Bulleh Shah—who blended Bhakti and Sufi traditions.

8. New Religious Developments in North India

Bhakti Movement in North India: A reaction against ritualism, caste, and social inequalities. It
promoted the idea of equality of all believers before God.
Major Saints:

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 Kabir: A mystic poet who questioned both Hindu and Muslim religious practices, emphasizing
a personal relationship with the divine.
Baba Guru Nanak: The founder of Sikhism, who emphasized the oneness of God, equality,
and the importance of selfless service.

9. A Closer Look - Kabir

Kabir: A 15th-century poet-saint known for his spiritual poetry that critiqued religious orthodoxy.
Focused on God as formless, emphasizing love and devotion over rituals.
Verses: Simple and direct, encouraging people to seek the divine in their hearts rather than
external rituals.

10. Baba Guru Nanak

Guru Nanak: Founder of Sikhism, a reformist movement that sought to bring unity between
Hindus and Muslims.
Beliefs: One God, equality of all people, rejection of caste systems, and emphasis on
devotion, meditation, and service to humanity.
The Guru Granth Sahib: The sacred scripture of Sikhism, a compilation of hymns that reflect
Guru Nanak’s teachings.

Conclusion

The devotional paths, from the Bhakti movements of the South to the rise of mysticism and Sufism in
the North, helped shape the spiritual and social fabric of India. These movements emphasized the
importance of devotion, equality, personal connection to God, and rejection of rigid social
structures. Figures like Kabir, Guru Nanak, Basavanna, and others played pivotal roles in spreading
these ideals and influencing millions of people across India.

From this chapter make 25 MCQ, 20 Fill in the blanks, 15 True and False, 15 Short question and 10
Long question. All questions along with answer.

MCQs (Multiple Choice Questions)

1. Who were the primary devotees of Lord Shiva in South India?

a) Alvars
b) Nayanars
c) Sufis
d) Yogis
Answer: b) Nayanars
2. Which of the following was the philosophy promoted by Basavanna?
a) Bhakti to Vishnu
b) Devotion to Shiva
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 c) Rejection of caste system and idol worship
d) Focus on rituals
Answer: c) Rejection of caste system and idol worship
3. Who was the founder of Sikhism?
a) Kabir
b) Guru Nanak
c) Basavanna
d) Ramanuja
Answer: b) Guru Nanak

4. What is the main focus of the Bhakti movement?

a) Social reforms
b) Personal devotion to God
c) Caste system
d) Ritualistic practices
Answer: b) Personal devotion to God
5. Which of the following is true about the Nayanars and Alvars?
a) Nayanars were followers of Vishnu, and Alvars were followers of Shiva
b) Nayanars were devotees of Shiva, and Alvars were devotees of Vishnu
c) Both were followers of Buddha
d) Both followed idol worship
Answer: b) Nayanars were devotees of Shiva, and Alvars were devotees of Vishnu

6. Which philosopher is associated with the teaching of equality and the rejection of caste
system in the Bhakti movement?
a) Guru Nanak
b) Basavanna
c) Nammalvar
d) Kabir
Answer: b) Basavanna
7. What is the central idea in Sufism?
a) Devotion to idols
b) Meditation and personal connection with God
c) Social reform
d) Ritual sacrifice
Answer: b) Meditation and personal connection with God

8. Which of the following is associated with Guru Nanak's teachings?

a) Worshipping idols
b) One God and equality of all people
c) Rituals and sacrifices
d) Rejection of meditation
Answer: b) One God and equality of all people
9. Who were the Nathpanthis?
a) Devotees of Lord Vishnu
b) Mystical spiritual seekers focused on physical discipline and meditation
c) Followers of Islam

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 d) Saints promoting rituals
Answer: b) Mystical spiritual seekers focused on physical discipline and meditation
10. Kabir's philosophy primarily emphasized:
a) Rituals and ceremonies
b) One God and the rejection of religious orthodoxy
c) Worship of nature spirits
d) Castes and social hierarchy
Answer: b) One God and the rejection of religious orthodoxy
11. Basavanna's Virashaivism rejected which of the following?
a) Caste system
b) Meditation
c) Personal devotion to Shiva
d) Equality of all people
Answer: a) Caste system
12. Who were the primary followers of the Alvars?
a) Followers of Shiva
b) Followers of Vishnu
c) Followers of Buddha
d) Followers of Sufi traditions
Answer: b) Followers of Vishnu
13. What did Kabir question in his teachings?
a) The existence of God
b) The practice of idol worship
c) The importance of meditation
d) The role of Guru
Answer: b) The practice of idol worship
14. The teachings of Guru Nanak were compiled in the holy book called:
a) Bhagavad Gita
b) Quran
c) Guru Granth Sahib
d) Vedas
Answer: c) Guru Granth Sahib
15. The main goal of Sufism is to:
a) Perform rituals and sacrifices
b) Seek a direct personal experience with God
c) Focus on intellectual understanding
d) Worship nature
Answer: b) Seek a direct personal experience with God
16. Which of the following was the central idea of the Bhakti Movement in South India?
a) Idol worship and rituals
b) Devotion to a personal God and social equality
c) The caste system
d) Sacrificial rituals
Answer: b) Devotion to a personal God and social equality

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 17. Who was a key leader of the Virashaivism movement?
a) Kabir
b) Basavanna
c) Guru Nanak
d) Tukaram
Answer: b) Basavanna
18. Which of the following was a focus of the Nathpanthi, Siddha, and Yogi traditions?
a) Worship of idols
b) Social reforms through religious practices
c) Mystical practices and meditation
d) Idol destruction
Answer: c) Mystical practices and meditation

19. Which poet-saint rejected both Hindu and Muslim rituals?

a) Guru Nanak
b) Kabir
c) Nayanars
d) Tukaram
Answer: b) Kabir

20. Who among the following was NOT a Bhakti saint?

a) Kabir
b) Basavanna
c) Buddha
d) Guru Nanak
Answer: c) Buddha

21. The Alvars and Nayanars were instrumental in spreading which religion in South India?
a) Buddhism
b) Jainism
c) Hinduism
d) Sikhism
Answer: c) Hinduism

22. Which of the following was an important Sufi saint?

a) Guru Nanak
b) Kabir
c) Bulleh Shah
d) Ramanuja
Answer: c) Bulleh Shah
23. Which religious movement did Guru Nanak found?
a) Hinduism
b) Sikhism
c) Jainism
d) Buddhism
Answer: b) Sikhism
24. What did the Bhakti Movement in North India emphasize?
a) Meditation

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 b) Idol worship
c) Equality and devotion to one God
d) Social hierarchy
Answer: c) Equality and devotion to one God
25. Which movement rejected the caste system and promoted social equality?
a) Shaiva Bhakti
b) Vaishnava Bhakti
c) Sikhism
d) Both Bhakti and Sufism
Answer: d) Both Bhakti and Sufism

Fill in the Blanks

1. The Nayanars were devotees of Lord __________.

Answer: Shiva

2. The Alvars were devotees of Lord __________.

Answer: Vishnu

3. The teachings of Guru Nanak were compiled in the __________.

Answer: Guru Granth Sahib
4. Basavanna was a leader of the __________ movement.
Answer: Virashaivism
5. The central idea of the Bhakti movement was __________ to a personal God.
Answer: devotion

6. Kabir's poetry focused on the worship of a __________ God.

Answer: formless

7. Sufism is a mystical branch of __________.

Answer: Islam

8. Guru Nanak emphasized __________ of all people.

Answer: equality
9. The Nathpanthis, Siddhas, and Yogis emphasized __________ practices.
Answer: mystical
10. The Bhakti movement spread across __________ India.
Answer: South

11. The __________ are known for their rejection of idol worship.
Answer: Virashaivists

12. The Guru Granth Sahib is the holy book of __________.

Answer: Sikhism

13. Basavanna's movement rejected the __________ system.

Answer: caste
14. Kabir was critical of both __________ and Muslim rituals.
Answer: Hindu

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 15. The main goal of Sufism is to attain a personal connection with __________.
Answer: God

16. The Bhakti movement in North India emphasized devotion to __________.

Answer: one God
17. Guru Nanak founded the religion of __________.
Answer: Sikhism

18. The Sufis used poetry and music to express their love for __________.
Answer: God

19. The term __________ is used to describe devotion and love towards a personal God.
Answer: Bhakti

20. Guru Nanak taught the importance of __________ service.

Answer: selfless

21. The __________ system was rejected by the Bhakti saints.

Answer: caste
22. Kabir’s philosophy emphasized unity with __________.
Answer: God
23. Basavanna was from the __________ region of India.
Answer: Deccan

24. The Nayanars and Alvars wrote devotional __________.

Answer: hymns

25. The Bhakti movement helped in the rise of __________ reforms.

Answer: social

True or False

1. Kabir rejected both Hindu and Muslim rituals.

Answer: True

2. Basavanna promoted caste hierarchy.

Answer: False

3. Guru Nanak founded Jainism.

Answer: False
4. The Nayanars were primarily followers of Lord Vishnu.
Answer: False
5. Sufism focuses on intellectual teachings over personal experiences.
Answer: False

6. Guru Granth Sahib is the holy scripture of Sikhism.

Answer: True

7. The Nathpanthis practiced mysticism and meditation.

Answer: True

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 8. Alvars promoted rituals and sacrifices to Vishnu.
Answer: False

9. The Bhakti movement was against idol worship.

Answer: False
10. Kabir’s verses promote a personal connection with God.
Answer: True

11. Basavanna rejected the worship of idols.

Answer: True

12. The teachings of Guru Nanak are against equality.

Answer: False

13. Kabir’s teachings were focused on social equality.

Answer: True

14. Basavanna’s teachings encouraged the practice of rituals.

Answer: False
15. Sufis believed in the personal experience of God.
Answer: True

Short Questions

1. Who were the Nayanars? Answer: The Nayanars were devotees of Lord Shiva in South India, who
expressed their love and devotion through hymns and poetry.
2. What did the Bhakti movement emphasize? Answer: The Bhakti movement emphasized
personal devotion to God, equality of all people, and the rejection of rigid social systems like the
caste system.

3. What is the Guru Granth Sahib? Answer: The Guru Granth Sahib is the holy book of Sikhism,
containing the hymns and teachings of Guru Nanak and other Sikh Gurus.
4. What were the main teachings of Basavanna? Answer: Basavanna promoted devotion to Shiva,
rejected idol worship, and advocated for social equality and the rejection of the caste system.
5. Who was Guru Nanak? Answer: Guru Nanak was the founder of Sikhism, emphasizing the
oneness of God, equality of all people, and the importance of selfless service.

6. What is the main idea of Sufism? Answer: Sufism emphasizes the mystical and personal
experience of God, focusing on love, devotion, and direct connection with the divine.

7. What did Kabir’s poetry focus on? Answer: Kabir’s poetry focused on devotion to one formless
God and criticized both Hindu and Muslim religious practices.

8. What is Virashaivism? Answer: Virashaivism is a movement founded by Basavanna that

emphasized devotion to Shiva, rejected idol worship, and promoted social reform and equality.

9. Who were the Alvars? Answer: The Alvars were devotees of Lord Vishnu in South India, known for
their devotional hymns that praised Vishnu.
10. What was the role of the Bhakti saints in India? Answer: The Bhakti saints played a crucial role
in spreading the message of personal devotion to God, social equality, and challenging religious
rituals and practices.

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 11. What is the relationship between Sufism and the Bhakti movement? Answer: Both Sufism and
the Bhakti movement focused on the personal devotion to God and shared ideas of equality, social
reform, and the rejection of rigid rituals.

12. What was the impact of the Bhakti movement in North India? Answer: The Bhakti movement
in North India promoted devotion to one God, rejected the caste system, and emphasized social
equality, influencing many saints and reformers.
13. How did the Alvars contribute to the Bhakti movement? Answer: The Alvars contributed by
composing hymns dedicated to Lord Vishnu, spreading the practice of Bhakti in Southern India.

14. What social changes did the Bhakti movement inspire? Answer: The Bhakti movement inspired
social reforms, promoting equality, rejecting caste distinctions, and challenging the authority of
priests and rituals.
15. What was the central theme of Guru Nanak’s teachings? Answer: Guru Nanak’s teachings
focused on the oneness of God, equality of all people, and the importance of devotion and selfless
service.

Long Questions

1. Explain the significance of the Bhakti movement in India.

Answer: The Bhakti movement was a religious and social reform movement that emphasized
personal devotion to God. It challenged the traditional caste system, rejected idol worship, and
promoted social equality. Bhakti saints like Kabir, Basavanna, and Guru Nanak played crucial roles
in spreading these ideas, influencing millions across India. The movement led to the emergence of
new religious sects, such as Sikhism, and laid the foundation for the spread of both Hinduism and
Islam through personal devotion rather than rigid rituals.
2. Describe the teachings and impact of Kabir on the Bhakti movement.
Answer: Kabir, a 15th-century saint, emphasized the worship of one formless God, rejecting the
practices of idol worship in both Hinduism and Islam. His poetry, known for its simplicity, called for
the removal of rituals and social distinctions, promoting love, equality, and devotion to God. Kabir's
teachings had a profound impact on the Bhakti movement, challenging both Hindu and Muslim
religious authorities and inspiring followers to seek a direct connection with the divine.

3. What were the core beliefs of Guru Nanak and how did they contribute to the development
of Sikhism?
Answer: Guru Nanak's core beliefs included the oneness of God, equality of all people, and the
rejection of caste systems and rituals. He emphasized living a truthful life, meditating on God, and
serving humanity. These teachings led to the formation of Sikhism, a faith that rejects social
hierarchy and promotes devotion, service, and equality. Guru Nanak's philosophy influenced the
social and spiritual landscape of India, fostering religious tolerance and unity.
4. What role did Basavanna play in the Virashaivism movement, and how did it affect social
reforms?
Answer: Basavanna was the central figure in the Virashaivism movement, which promoted
devotion to Lord Shiva. He rejected idol worship and emphasized the importance of individual
devotion and social equality. Basavanna’s teachings also encouraged social reforms, particularly
the abolition of the caste system. His movement advocated for the dignity of all individuals,

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 regardless of their social status, and promoted the idea that spiritual enlightenment was accessible
to all people.
5. Explain the significance of the Alvars and Nayanars in the development of Bhakti in South
India.
Answer: The Alvars (devotees of Vishnu) and Nayanars (devotees of Shiva) were instrumental in
spreading the Bhakti movement in South India. The Alvars composed hymns dedicated to Vishnu,
which helped spread devotional worship of Vishnu across the region. Similarly, the Nayanars
expressed their love for Shiva through their poetry, promoting the idea of personal devotion to
Shiva. Their teachings played a key role in emphasizing emotional devotion over ritualistic practices
and helped shape the devotional landscape of South India.
6. Discuss the role of Sufism in India and its connection to the Bhakti movement.
Answer: Sufism, the mystical branch of Islam, had a significant influence on the religious practices
in India. Sufi saints emphasized personal devotion, meditation, and love for God, which resonated
with the Bhakti movement's focus on a direct emotional connection with the divine. Both Sufism
and the Bhakti movement rejected the caste system, idol worship, and ritualism, promoting social
equality and devotion. The poetry and teachings of Sufi saints, such as Bulleh Shah, share many
similarities with the Bhakti saints in terms of spiritual and social ideals.
7. What was the impact of the Bhakti movement on the social structure in India?
Answer: The Bhakti movement had a transformative effect on the social structure of India. It
rejected the rigid caste system, which was prevalent in Hindu society, and promoted the idea that
all people, regardless of caste, could reach spiritual liberation through devotion to God. Bhakti
saints emphasized social equality and the importance of loving devotion over ritualistic practices.
This led to a more inclusive approach to spirituality and helped foster social harmony across
diverse communities.

8. How did the teachings of Guru Nanak challenge existing religious practices?
Answer: Guru Nanak challenged both Hindu and Muslim religious practices by emphasizing that
God is formless and can be experienced through devotion rather than rituals. He rejected the caste
system and promoted the idea that all people are equal in the eyes of God. Guru Nanak’s teachings
also emphasized meditation, honest living, and selfless service as the path to spiritual fulfillment,
which contrasted with the prevalent focus on rituals, pilgrimages, and sacrifices.
9. Describe the relationship between the Nathpanthis, Siddhas, and Yogis.
Answer: The Nathpanthis, Siddhas, and Yogis were a group of mystics who sought spiritual
liberation through meditation, physical discipline, and self-realization. They believed in the power
of the mind and body to connect with the divine. These traditions had a significant impact on the
spiritual landscape of India, blending elements of Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism, and
influencing later movements like Sufism and the Bhakti movement.
10. What are the similarities between the Bhakti movement and Sufism?
Answer: Both the Bhakti movement and Sufism emphasized personal devotion to God, rejected
the caste system and idol worship, and focused on the individual's relationship with the divine.
Both movements promoted equality, social reform, and spiritual liberation through love and
devotion. They also shared similar practices, such as the use of poetry and music to express
devotion and transcend religious boundaries to unite people in their worship of one God.

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