Q31. Surdas, the blind poet-saint renowned for his devotion to Lord Krishna, was deeply influenced by the ‘Pushtimarg’ philosophy. Who founded this philosophical path?
Bhakti and Sufi Movements: RAS Prelims MCQs
65 RAS Prelims MCQs on the Bhakti and Sufi movements cover the causes of Bhakti, the Tamil traditions, the great philosophers, Maharashtra’s Varkari saints, Kabir and Ramananda, and the Sufi orders. The explanations give the founder, philosophy and text of each school so that the pairs are easy to recall.
Practice questions based on the RPSC RAS Prelims syllabus. They follow the exam pattern but are not past-paper questions.
Showing 31–40 of 65 questions
Q32. Which of the following is not a recognized composition attributed to Surdas?
Explanation
The literary legacy of the blind bard consists of several major works that describe the various stages of the life of Krishna. While his primary anthology and shorter collections are widely celebrated, the work mentioned as an exception is actually attributed to his contemporary who wrote primarily about Rama. This distinction highlights the specific sectarian focuses of different saints within the same movement.
Q33. In the teachings of Guru Nanak, the ultimate reality or God is described as ‘Akal Purakh’. What does this term fundamentally signify?
Explanation
The foundational teachings of this spiritual leader describe the ultimate reality as a singular, infinite entity that exists beyond the constraints of time and physical form. This concept emphasizes that the divine is not confined to any specific incarnation or human image. Instead, it is an eternal presence that is accessible to all individuals through sincere remembrance and righteous living in the world.
Q34. Consider the following statements:
Statement I: Guru Nanak established the institutions of ‘Sangat’ and ‘Langar’ to promote social equality among his followers.
Statement II: The ‘Langar’ mandated that only people of the same caste could eat together in the community kitchen.
Which of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
Statement I: Guru Nanak established the institutions of ‘Sangat’ and ‘Langar’ to promote social equality among his followers.
Statement II: The ‘Langar’ mandated that only people of the same caste could eat together in the community kitchen.
Which of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
Explanation
To dismantle social hierarchies, the founder of this tradition established community institutions where followers could gather and share meals. These practices were revolutionary because they required people from all backgrounds to sit together on the same floor and eat from a common kitchen. This served as a practical application of the core teaching that all human beings are spiritually equal.
Q35. Consider the following statements about Guru Nanak:
I. He was born in Talwandi, now in Pakistan.
II. He rejected the authority of the Vedas and the Quran as the ultimate path to salvation.
III. His teachings emphasized the repetition of the Divine Name (Naam Japo).
IV. He undertook extensive travels known as Udasis to spread his message.
V. He strictly advocated for an ascetic life and detachment from household duties.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
I. He was born in Talwandi, now in Pakistan.
II. He rejected the authority of the Vedas and the Quran as the ultimate path to salvation.
III. His teachings emphasized the repetition of the Divine Name (Naam Japo).
IV. He undertook extensive travels known as Udasis to spread his message.
V. He strictly advocated for an ascetic life and detachment from household duties.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
The founder of this tradition was born in Punjab and traveled extensively to share his vision of a formless God. He prioritized the sincere repetition of the divine name and personal conduct over institutional scriptures or rigid rituals. Importantly, he rejected the life of an ascetic, teaching instead that true spiritual progress is achieved while fulfilling one’s responsibilities as a householder.
Q36. Identify the correct statement regarding the foundations of Sikhism laid by Guru Nanak.
Explanation
The spiritual vision of this leader was remarkably progressive, as he actively campaigned against social evils and championed the rights of the marginalized. He promoted the active participation of women in religious life and strongly opposed the prevailing customs that restricted their freedom. His focus remained on internal purity and social justice rather than the maintenance of traditional caste or gender hierarchies.
Q37. What was the most significant effect of the establishment of the ‘Khalsa’ by the tenth Guru, which evolved from the foundational teachings of Guru Nanak?
Explanation
The evolution of this community culminated in the creation of a group of saint-soldiers who were dedicated to defending the oppressed. This transformation was guided by a strict ethical and physical code, ensuring that the followers remained identifiable and disciplined. It successfully combined the foundational spiritual values of the early gurus with a new emphasis on resilience and social responsibility.
Q38. Chaitanya Mahaprabhu propagated a unique philosophy concerning the relationship between God and the individual soul. What is the name of this philosophical doctrine?
Explanation
The philosopher-saint of Bengal introduced a doctrine that explores the simultaneous oneness and difference between the creator and the soul. This concept is described as "inconceivable" because it transcends ordinary human logic. It suggests that while the soul is qualitatively the same as the divine, it remains quantitatively distinct, allowing for a deep and eternal relationship of loving service.
Q39. Consider the following statements regarding Chaitanya Mahaprabhu:
I. He popularized the practice of ‘Sankirtan’, which involved ecstatic group singing and dancing in praise of Lord Krishna.
II. He was heavily influenced by the Advaita Vedanta of Adi Shankara and preached absolute formlessness of God.
III. His teachings laid the foundation for the Gaudiya Vaishnavism tradition in Bengal.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
I. He popularized the practice of ‘Sankirtan’, which involved ecstatic group singing and dancing in praise of Lord Krishna.
II. He was heavily influenced by the Advaita Vedanta of Adi Shankara and preached absolute formlessness of God.
III. His teachings laid the foundation for the Gaudiya Vaishnavism tradition in Bengal.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
The movement in Bengal was characterized by the popularization of collective chanting and dancing as a means of expressing spiritual joy. This approach moved away from abstract, formless philosophies and focused instead on the intense worship of a personal deity. These practices laid the enduring foundation for a specific school of Vaishnavism that continues to influence religious life in the region.
Q40. Chaitanya Mahaprabhu spent a significant portion of the later years of his life promoting his devotional movement in which important pilgrimage center?
Explanation
After spending his early years in Bengal, this ecstatic saint moved to a major coastal pilgrimage site where he spent the remaining decades of his life. This location, home to a famous temple, became the center for his devotional activities and helped spread his influence across eastern and southern India. His presence there significantly enriched the local religious and cultural traditions.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 31 | (c) Vallabhacharya |
| 32 | (d) Gitawali |
| 33 | (b) The timeless, formless, and immortal being |
| 34 | (c) Statement I is correct but Statement II is incorrect |
| 35 | (b) I, II, III, and IV only |
| 36 | (c) He believed in the equality of women and opposed discriminatory practices. |
| 37 | (a) It created a martial community bound by a strict code of discipline. |
| 38 | (b) Achintya Bheda Abheda |
| 39 | (c) I and III only |
| 40 | (d) Puri |
Key facts from Bhakti and Sufi Movements
- The Bhakti movement grew from caste rigidity and the exclusive nature of Vedic ritual, and stressed a personal bond between devotee and God.
- Tirumurai is a twelve-volume collection of Tamil Shaiva devotional poetry.
- Ramanuja wrote the Sri Bhashya on the Brahma Sutras and taught Vishishtadvaita; Madhvacharya taught Dvaita, also called Tattvavada.
- Chaitanya Mahaprabhu taught Achintya Bheda Abheda and spent his later years at Puri.
- The Varkari saints of Maharashtra sang Abhangas; Sant Eknath wrote a commentary on the Bhagavata Purana.
- Kabir’s verses are preserved in the Bijak; the order of the Bhakti leaders is Ramanuja, Madhvacharya, Ramananda, Kabir.
Frequently asked questions
How many RAS Prelims practice MCQs are there on Bhakti and Sufi Movements?
This page has 65 practice MCQs on Bhakti and Sufi Movements (Medieval Indian History). Each has the correct answer, and most have an explanation.
What is Vishishtadvaita?
The philosophy of Ramanuja, which holds that Brahman is the ultimate reality, but souls and matter are real parts of Brahman and are distinct from it. It is called qualified non-dualism, and Ramanuja’s Sri Bhashya on the Brahma Sutras explains it.
What is Tirumurai?
A twelve-volume collection of Tamil Shaiva devotional poetry, compiled in the Chola period from the hymns of the Nayanars. It is the Shaiva counterpart of the Alvars’ Vaishnava hymns, and the two together shaped Tamil Bhakti.
Where are Kabir’s teachings preserved?
In the Bijak, the most famous compilation of his verses. Kabir taught devotion to a formless God and criticised idol worship, ritual and caste in both Hinduism and Islam, using short dohas that ordinary people could remember.