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Question 1 of 10
1. Question
2 points
Consider the following statements about the ideas of Kabir:
He described the ultimate reality as the formless one.
His idea of God being shunya (emptiness) relates to that of yogic traditions.
His poems often attack Hindu polytheism and idol worship.
Choose the correct answer using the codes below.
Correct
Ans D
Kabir’s poems have survived in several languages and dialects, and some are composed in the special language of nirguna poets, the sant bhasha.
These hint at the difficulties of capturing the nature of the Ultimate Reality in words: expressions such as the lotus which blooms without flowerl or the fire raging in the oceanl convey a sense of Kabir’s mystical experiences.
Also striking is the range of traditions Kabir drew on to describe the Ultimate Reality. These include Islam: he described the Ultimate Reality as Allah, Khuda, Hazrat and Pir. He also used terms drawn from Vedantic traditions, alakh (the unseen), nirakar (formless), Brahman, Atman and more. Other terms with mystical connotations such as shabda (sound) or shunya (emptiness) were drawn from yogic traditions.
Diverse and sometimes conflicting ideas are expressed in these poems. Some poems draw on Islamic ideas and use monotheism and iconoclasm to attack Hindu polytheism and idol worship; others use the Sufi concept of zikr and ishq (love) to express the Hindu practice of nam-simaran (remembrance of God’s name).
Incorrect
Ans D
Kabir’s poems have survived in several languages and dialects, and some are composed in the special language of nirguna poets, the sant bhasha.
These hint at the difficulties of capturing the nature of the Ultimate Reality in words: expressions such as the lotus which blooms without flowerl or the fire raging in the oceanl convey a sense of Kabir’s mystical experiences.
Also striking is the range of traditions Kabir drew on to describe the Ultimate Reality. These include Islam: he described the Ultimate Reality as Allah, Khuda, Hazrat and Pir. He also used terms drawn from Vedantic traditions, alakh (the unseen), nirakar (formless), Brahman, Atman and more. Other terms with mystical connotations such as shabda (sound) or shunya (emptiness) were drawn from yogic traditions.
Diverse and sometimes conflicting ideas are expressed in these poems. Some poems draw on Islamic ideas and use monotheism and iconoclasm to attack Hindu polytheism and idol worship; others use the Sufi concept of zikr and ishq (love) to express the Hindu practice of nam-simaran (remembrance of God’s name).
Question 2 of 10
2. Question
2 points
As per the Nathpanthis and Siddhacharas, the way to salvation lies in
Correct
Ans A
Path of Bhakti was suggested by Alvars, Nayanars, Vaishnavites, Virashaivas, Ramanuja, Kabir, Mira and others. Therefore, option (b) can be eliminated.
Option (c) can also be eliminated as no path prescribes self-inflicted pain to attain salvation.
Option (d) was the path of the Buddha. So, this can be eliminated too. The word ‘Siddha’ in Siddhacharas should then lead you to option (a).
Incorrect
Ans A
Path of Bhakti was suggested by Alvars, Nayanars, Vaishnavites, Virashaivas, Ramanuja, Kabir, Mira and others. Therefore, option (b) can be eliminated.
Option (c) can also be eliminated as no path prescribes self-inflicted pain to attain salvation.
Option (d) was the path of the Buddha. So, this can be eliminated too. The word ‘Siddha’ in Siddhacharas should then lead you to option (a).
Question 3 of 10
3. Question
2 points
With reference to Lingayats, consider the following statements.
The Lingayats encouraged certain practices disapproved in the Dharmashastras such as post-puberty marriage and the remarriage of widows,
They believed in the theory of rebirth.
Lingayats believe that on death, the devotee will be united with Shiva and will not return to this world.
Therefore, they do not practice funerary rites such as cremation prescribed in the Dharmashastras. Instead, they ceremonially bury their dead.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Correct
Ans B
The 12th century witnessed the emergence of a movement in Kamataka led by a Brahmana named Basavanna (1106-1168), who was initially a Jaina and a minister in the court of a Chalukya king. His followers were known as Virashaivas (heroes of Shiva) or Lingayats (wearers of the lingam). Lingayats continue to be an important community in the region to date.
They worship Shiva in his manifestation as a linga, and men usually wear a small lingam in a silver case on a loop strung over the left shoulder. Those who are revered include the jangama or wandering monks.
Lingayats believe that on death, the devotee will be united with Shiva and will not return to this world. Therefore, they do not practice funerary rites such as cremation prescribed in the Dharmashastras. Instead, they ceremonially bury their dead.
The Lingayats challenged the idea of caste and the ‘pollution’ attributed to certain groups by Brahmanas. They also questioned the theory of rebirth. These won them followers amongst those who were marginalised within the Brahmanical social order.
The Lingayats also encouraged certain practices disapproved in the Dharmashastras such as post-puberty marriage and the marriage of widows. Our understanding of the Virashaiva tradition is derived from vachanas (literally, sayings) composed in Kannada by men and women who joined the Lingayats also encouraged group.
Incorrect
Ans B
The 12th century witnessed the emergence of a movement in Kamataka led by a Brahmana named Basavanna (1106-1168), who was initially a Jaina and a minister in the court of a Chalukya king. His followers were known as Virashaivas (heroes of Shiva) or Lingayats (wearers of the lingam). Lingayats continue to be an important community in the region to date.
They worship Shiva in his manifestation as a linga, and men usually wear a small lingam in a silver case on a loop strung over the left shoulder. Those who are revered include the jangama or wandering monks.
Lingayats believe that on death, the devotee will be united with Shiva and will not return to this world. Therefore, they do not practice funerary rites such as cremation prescribed in the Dharmashastras. Instead, they ceremonially bury their dead.
The Lingayats challenged the idea of caste and the ‘pollution’ attributed to certain groups by Brahmanas. They also questioned the theory of rebirth. These won them followers amongst those who were marginalised within the Brahmanical social order.
The Lingayats also encouraged certain practices disapproved in the Dharmashastras such as post-puberty marriage and the marriage of widows. Our understanding of the Virashaiva tradition is derived from vachanas (literally, sayings) composed in Kannada by men and women who joined the Lingayats also encouraged group.
Question 4 of 10
4. Question
2 points
Consider the following statements.
Siddhas (Sittars) of the Tamil region were monotheistic and condemned idolatry.
Lingayats of Kannada region questioned the theory of rebirth and rejected the caste hierarchy.
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?
Correct
Ans(c)
Siddas condemned idolatory and lingayats followed the teachings of Basavanna questioning the rebirth theory.
Incorrect
Ans(c)
Siddas condemned idolatory and lingayats followed the teachings of Basavanna questioning the rebirth theory.
Question 5 of 10
5. Question
2 points
Consider the following statements about Ziyarat.
It is a pilgrimage to the tomb of Sufi saints.
This practice is an occasion for seeking the Sufi’s spiritual grace (barakat).
The practice was restricted to a certain class of Muslims.
Choose the correct answer using the codes below.
Correct
Ans A
Pilgrimage, called ziyarat, to the tombs of Sufi saints is prevalent all over the Muslim world. This practice is an occasion for seeking the Sufi’s spiritual grace (barakat).
For more than seven centuries, people of various creeds, classes and social backgrounds have devotion at the dargahs of the five great Chishti saints. expressed their 3. Amongst these, the most revered shrine is that of Khwaja Muinuddin, popularly known as Gharib Nawaz (comforter of the poor).
Incorrect
Ans A
Pilgrimage, called ziyarat, to the tombs of Sufi saints is prevalent all over the Muslim world. This practice is an occasion for seeking the Sufi’s spiritual grace (barakat).
For more than seven centuries, people of various creeds, classes and social backgrounds have devotion at the dargahs of the five great Chishti saints. expressed their 3. Amongst these, the most revered shrine is that of Khwaja Muinuddin, popularly known as Gharib Nawaz (comforter of the poor).
Question 6 of 10
6. Question
2 points
Consider the following about beliefs of Sufis:
Love and devotion is a means of attaining salvation.
One must have the guidance of a master without which spiritual development is impossible.
Which of the above is/are correct?
Correct
Ans C
Statement 1: Sufism stressed the elements of love and devotion as effective means of the realisation of God. Love of God meant love of humanity, and so the Sufis believed service to humanity was tantamount to service to God. While orthodox Muslims emphasise external conduct, the Sufis lay stress on inner purity.
Statement 2: According to them, one must have the guidance of a pir or guru, without which spiritual development is impossible. This is because the path of devotion can be very tough for a novice follower. Sufism also inculcated a spirit of tolerance among its followers. Other ideas emphasised by Sufism are meditation, good actions, repentance for sins, performance of prayers and pilgrimages, fasting, charity and suppression of passions by ascetic practices.
Incorrect
Ans C
Statement 1: Sufism stressed the elements of love and devotion as effective means of the realisation of God. Love of God meant love of humanity, and so the Sufis believed service to humanity was tantamount to service to God. While orthodox Muslims emphasise external conduct, the Sufis lay stress on inner purity.
Statement 2: According to them, one must have the guidance of a pir or guru, without which spiritual development is impossible. This is because the path of devotion can be very tough for a novice follower. Sufism also inculcated a spirit of tolerance among its followers. Other ideas emphasised by Sufism are meditation, good actions, repentance for sins, performance of prayers and pilgrimages, fasting, charity and suppression of passions by ascetic practices.
Question 7 of 10
7. Question
2 points
With reference to Sufi Khanqah, consider the following statements.
It was a lodging facility for Sufi saints and disciples.
Series of Khanqahs were known as silsilas.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Correct
Ans (a)
By the 11th century, Sufism evolved into a well-developed movement with a body of literature on Quranic studies and Sufi practices. Institutionally, the Sufis began to organise communities around the hospice or khanqah (Persian) controlled by a teaching master known as shaikh (in Arabic), pir or murshid (in Persian). He enrolled disciples (murids) and appointed a successor (khalifa). He established rules for spiritual conduct and interaction between inmates as well as between laypersons and the master.
Sufi silsilas began to crystallise in different parts of the Islamic world around the 12th century. The word silsila literally means a chain, signifying a continuous link between master and disciple, stretching as unbroken spiritual genealogy to the Prophet Muhammad. It was through this channel that spiritual power and blessings were transmitted to devotees. Special rituals of initiation were developed in which initiates took an oath of allegiance, wore a patched garment and shaved their hair.
Incorrect
Ans (a)
By the 11th century, Sufism evolved into a well-developed movement with a body of literature on Quranic studies and Sufi practices. Institutionally, the Sufis began to organise communities around the hospice or khanqah (Persian) controlled by a teaching master known as shaikh (in Arabic), pir or murshid (in Persian). He enrolled disciples (murids) and appointed a successor (khalifa). He established rules for spiritual conduct and interaction between inmates as well as between laypersons and the master.
Sufi silsilas began to crystallise in different parts of the Islamic world around the 12th century. The word silsila literally means a chain, signifying a continuous link between master and disciple, stretching as unbroken spiritual genealogy to the Prophet Muhammad. It was through this channel that spiritual power and blessings were transmitted to devotees. Special rituals of initiation were developed in which initiates took an oath of allegiance, wore a patched garment and shaved their hair.
Question 8 of 10
8. Question
2 points
Sufi silsilas were
Correct
Ans A
Sufi silsilas began to crystallise in different parts of the Islamic world around the 12th century. The word silsila literally means a chain, signifying a continuous link between master and disciple, stretching as an unbroken spiritual genealogy to the Prophet.
Chisti silsila, tracing its origin to Khwaja Chisti, was one such popular silsila.
Incorrect
Ans A
Sufi silsilas began to crystallise in different parts of the Islamic world around the 12th century. The word silsila literally means a chain, signifying a continuous link between master and disciple, stretching as an unbroken spiritual genealogy to the Prophet.
Chisti silsila, tracing its origin to Khwaja Chisti, was one such popular silsila.
Question 9 of 10
9. Question
2 points
The practice of ‘muraqaba’ in Sufism can be likened to the practices of what in other religions and faiths?
Correct
Ans B
The practice of muraqaba can be likened to the practices of meditation attested in many faith communities. The word muraqaba is derived from the same root (r-q-b) occurring as one of the 99 names of God in the Quran, al-Raqib, meaning ‘the Vigilant’ and attested in the Quran. Through muraqaba, a person watches over or takes care of the spiritual heart, acquires knowledge about it and becomes attuned to the Divine Presence, which is ever vigilant. While variation exists, one description of the practice within a Naqshbandi lineage reads as follows: ‘He is to collect all of his bodily senses in concentration, and to cut himself off from all preoccupation and notions that inflict themselves upon the heart. And thus he is to turn his full consciousness towards God Most High while saying three times: ‘Ilahîanta maqsûdî wa-ridâka matlûbî’-‘my God, you are my Goal and Your good pleasure is what I seek’. Then he brings to his heart the Name of the Essence-Allâh-and as it courses through his heart he remains attentive to its meaning, which is ‘Essence without likeness’. The seeker remains aware that He is Present, Watchful, encompassing of all, thereby exemplifying the meaning of his saying (may God bless him and grant him peace): ‘Worship God as though you see Him, for if you do not see Him, He sees you’. And likewise the prophetic tradition: ‘The most favored level of faith is to know that God is witness over you, wherever you may be”
Incorrect
Ans B
The practice of muraqaba can be likened to the practices of meditation attested in many faith communities. The word muraqaba is derived from the same root (r-q-b) occurring as one of the 99 names of God in the Quran, al-Raqib, meaning ‘the Vigilant’ and attested in the Quran. Through muraqaba, a person watches over or takes care of the spiritual heart, acquires knowledge about it and becomes attuned to the Divine Presence, which is ever vigilant. While variation exists, one description of the practice within a Naqshbandi lineage reads as follows: ‘He is to collect all of his bodily senses in concentration, and to cut himself off from all preoccupation and notions that inflict themselves upon the heart. And thus he is to turn his full consciousness towards God Most High while saying three times: ‘Ilahîanta maqsûdî wa-ridâka matlûbî’-‘my God, you are my Goal and Your good pleasure is what I seek’. Then he brings to his heart the Name of the Essence-Allâh-and as it courses through his heart he remains attentive to its meaning, which is ‘Essence without likeness’. The seeker remains aware that He is Present, Watchful, encompassing of all, thereby exemplifying the meaning of his saying (may God bless him and grant him peace): ‘Worship God as though you see Him, for if you do not see Him, He sees you’. And likewise the prophetic tradition: ‘The most favored level of faith is to know that God is witness over you, wherever you may be”
Question 10 of 10
10. Question
2 points
Consider the following statements. Tasawwuf
stressed the elements of love and devotion as effective means of the realisation of God.
considered rituals more important than self-discipline in reaching the highest goal.
Which of the above is/are correct?
Correct
Ans A
Statements 1 and 2: Tasawwuf is another name for Sufism, as it is known in the Muslim world. In Sufism, self-discipline was considered an essential condition to gain knowledge of God by sense of perception. While orthodox Muslims emphasise external conduct and rituals, the Sufis lay stress on inner purity. According to them, one must have the guidance of a pir or guru, without which spiritual development is impossible.
Incorrect
Ans A
Statements 1 and 2: Tasawwuf is another name for Sufism, as it is known in the Muslim world. In Sufism, self-discipline was considered an essential condition to gain knowledge of God by sense of perception. While orthodox Muslims emphasise external conduct and rituals, the Sufis lay stress on inner purity. According to them, one must have the guidance of a pir or guru, without which spiritual development is impossible.
