8 + Interview Questions in BHAKTI IN GENERAL AWARENESS Page 1 InterviewSolution

1.	State how historians of religion have classified Bhakti tradition?
Answer» Bhakti traditions into two broad categories, (i) Saguna - with attributes. (ii) Nirguna - without attributes.

1.

State how historians of religion have classified Bhakti tradition?

Answer»

Bhakti traditions into two broad categories,

(i) Saguna - with attributes.

(ii) Nirguna - without attributes.

2.	Which Tamil text is known as Tamil Veda?
Answer» The Nalayira Divyaprabandham - composed by Alwar Saints. It is as important as Four Sanskrit Vedas.

3.	Analyze the relations which existed between the Chisti Sufi Saints and the State.
Answer» Sufi Saints maintained distance from Worldly affair, but accepted grants and donations from state. Kings set up charitable trust, gave tax free lands. Donation disbursed to meet their daily requirements. Donation was not used for personal use. Kings often needed the Support of the Sufi Saints for their decisions. Kings constructed their Tombs near Sufi shrines and Khanqahs. Both (The kings and Saints) expected certain established rituals to be performed. Eg. Prostration, kissing of the feet.

3.

Answer»

Sufi Saints maintained distance from Worldly affair, but accepted grants and donations from state.
Kings set up charitable trust, gave tax free lands.
Donation disbursed to meet their daily requirements.
Donation was not used for personal use.
Kings often needed the Support of the Sufi Saints for their decisions.
Kings constructed their Tombs near Sufi shrines and Khanqahs.
Both (The kings and Saints) expected certain established rituals to be performed.

Eg. Prostration, kissing of the feet.

4.	Discuss the ways in which the Alwars, Nayanars and the Virashaivas expressed critiques of the caste system?
Answer» The followers (Bhaktas) came from different social background. They challenged the idea of caste and pollution attributed by Brahmanas.

5.	Describe the main features of Life in Shaikh Nizamuddin's Khanqah.
Answer» Situated in Ghiyaspur. Several small rooms and a big hall for prayer. Shaikh met visitors in morning & evening. It was also a Centre of refuge. Langar system was also there which ran on futuh (unasked for charity). Many eminent personalities also visited here. Certain practices were performed at Khanqah. Shaikh appointed several spiritual successors.

6.	Analyze the influence that the Tamil Bhakti Saints had on the Chola Rulers.
Answer» By giving land grants and constructing temples of Vishnu and Shiva. Sculpture of Shiva as Natraja was also produced. To ensure the stability of Chola Kingdoms, they supported these saints. These kings introduced the singing of Tamil Shiva hymns in the temple. Took initiative to compile these hymns into text called Tevaram.

7.	What were the four major Principles of Islam?
Answer» Belief in one god Allah and Prophet. Namaj (Five times every day). Zakat (Give alms to the poor). Haj visit. Fasting during the month of Ramzan

8.	The message of Baba Guru Nanak is spelt out in hymns and teachings. He firmly repudiated the external practices of the religions he saw around him. He rejected sacrifices, ritual baths, image worship, austerities and the scriptures of both Hindus and Muslims. (i) What were the main teachings of Guru Nanak? (ii) What values do you learn from this passage?
Answer» GuruNanak was against rituals, superstitions, caste system, and Brahmanical domination. He wanted to achieve a synthesis between the doctrines of Islam and Hinduism. The value are rationalism i.e. to apply reason not to follow religious practice blindly, Humanism - i.e. to treat all equally, secularism - To have respect for all religions.