2 previous year UPSC Prelims questions on Bhakti and Sufi Movement (Medieval History). Choose an option to see the answer and explanation.
Explanations state facts as of the year each question was asked; words like “recently” refer to that year.
Showing 1–2 of 2 questions
Nastaliq is a highly stylized Persian script, known for its fluid and elegant appearance. Introduced to India during the Delhi Sultanate and Mughal periods, it was widely used in manuscripts, poetry, and royal decrees. This script reflects the cultural fusion of Persian and Indian traditions, particularly under the Mughal Empire. It remains a hallmark of Islamic calligraphy and is still used in Persian and Urdu writing today.
Sufism is the mystical branch of Islam that emphasizes inner spiritual development, seeking a direct connection with God through meditation, poetry, and devotion. Sufis are often part of "orders" called tariqa, which are congregations centered around a grand master wali. These orders trace their teachings through a lineage of successive teachers, ultimately connecting back to the Islamic prophet Muhammad. Khwaja Muin-ud-din Chisti, founder of the Chishti Sufi order in India, emphasized the use of sama (devotional music) as a means of spiritual connection with God. He believed that music, when performed with pure devotion, could elevate the soul and foster closeness to the divine. This practice became central to Chishti gatherings, inspiring spiritual ecstasy. While Baba Farid and Sayyid Muhammad Gesudaraz focused more on spiritual teachings and community service, the tradition of sama continues today at Muin-ud-din Chisti’s dargah in Ajmer.
| Q | UPSC year | Correct answer |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1996 | (a) A persian script used in medieval India |
| 2 | 1996 | (a) Muin-ud-din Chisti |
This page covers 2 previous year UPSC Prelims GS Paper-I questions on Bhakti and Sufi Movement (Medieval History), asked from 1996 to 2022. Each has the correct answer and an explanation.
Attempt each question first, then open the answer and read the explanation for every option. Repeat by chapter, and track which statements UPSC reuses across years. Previous year questions show the exam pattern and difficulty level.
Questions on Bhakti and Sufi Movement (Medieval History) are available for 13 years, from 1996 to 2022. Use the Year filter to practise a single paper.
