Q41. In the context of Kabirpanth and related sects in Rajasthan, what is the central definition of ‘Nirguna Bhakti’?
Religious Life: Saints, Sects and Folk Deities: RAS Prelims MCQs
112 RAS Prelims MCQs on religious life in Rajasthan cover sects, saints, seats and philosophies. The Pushti Marg and Nathdwara, the Ramanandi seat at Galtaji, the Dadupanth, the Nath sampraday and the Nirguna tradition of Kabir are all part of the set, so learn each sect with its founder, its seat and its philosophy.
Practice questions based on the RPSC RAS Prelims syllabus. They follow the exam pattern but are not past-paper questions.
Showing 41–50 of 112 questions
Q42. Which of the following texts is considered the most authoritative compilation of Kabir’s teachings, highly revered by Kabirpanthis in Rajasthan?
Explanation
The Bijak is the most authoritative and revered compilation of Kabir’s teachings. It contains his verses, songs, and philosophical insights, which were later organized into sections like Ramaini, Sabad, and Sakhi. This text serves as the primary scripture for Kabirpanthis in Rajasthan and elsewhere, articulating his fierce critique of religious hypocrisy and his vision of a formless, universal divine reality.
Q43. Identify the incorrect statement regarding the practices of Kabirpanthis in Rajasthan.
Explanation
Kabirpanthis do not mandate monasticism or the abandonment of family life. In fact, following Kabir’s own example of being a weaver and a householder, many of his followers remain actively engaged in society and their professions. They focus on spiritual discipline within the context of everyday life, emphasizing moral conduct, social equality, and the rejection of empty rituals rather than total world-renunciation.
Q44. Consider the following statements regarding the ideological impact of Kabir on Rajasthani saints:
I. Like Kabir, Dadu Dayal used simple, local dialects to communicate spiritual truths.
II. Ramsnehi saints adopted Kabir’s concept of ‘Ram’, but as a formless reality rather than the son of Dasharatha.
III. The Laldasi sect incorporated Kabir’s synthesis of Hindu and Islamic mystic traditions.
IV. Kabir’s influence caused the complete eradication of Saguna Bhakti in the Marwar region.
Which of the above statements is/are the correct combination?
I. Like Kabir, Dadu Dayal used simple, local dialects to communicate spiritual truths.
II. Ramsnehi saints adopted Kabir’s concept of ‘Ram’, but as a formless reality rather than the son of Dasharatha.
III. The Laldasi sect incorporated Kabir’s synthesis of Hindu and Islamic mystic traditions.
IV. Kabir’s influence caused the complete eradication of Saguna Bhakti in the Marwar region.
Which of the above statements is/are the correct combination?
Explanation
Dadu Dayal used local dialects like Kabir, while the Ramsnehi sect adopted the name of ‘Ram’ to represent a formless reality. The Laldasi sect also integrated syncretic elements of Hindu and Islamic mysticism. However, Kabir’s influence did not eradicate Saguna Bhakti in Marwar; instead, both traditions continued to flourish simultaneously, often influencing each other’s devotional expressions and social perspectives.
Q45. What is the most appropriate reason for the immense popularity of Kabir’s and Dadu’s teachings among the artisan and peasant classes of Rajasthan?
Explanation
The teachings of Kabir and Dadu were immensely popular among artisans and peasants because they validated the dignity of manual labor and rejected the oppressive caste hierarchy. By preaching that the divine is accessible through simple devotion regardless of social status or profession, these saints provided a sense of spiritual worth and social inclusion to communities that were often marginalized by orthodox traditions.
Q46. Consider the following statements:
Statement I: The Kabirpanth network in Rajasthan largely spread through oral traditions and itinerant ascetics rather than large, wealthy monastic institutions.
Statement II: Kabirpanthis in Rajasthan celebrate the elaborate Shrinathji festival every year with idol processions.
Which of the following is correct?
Statement I: The Kabirpanth network in Rajasthan largely spread through oral traditions and itinerant ascetics rather than large, wealthy monastic institutions.
Statement II: Kabirpanthis in Rajasthan celebrate the elaborate Shrinathji festival every year with idol processions.
Which of the following is correct?
Explanation
The Kabirpanth in Rajasthan primarily spread through oral traditions and wandering ascetics, focusing on simple spiritual gatherings rather than grand institutions. However, Kabirpanthis do not celebrate the Shrinathji festival with idol processions, as their core philosophy rejects idol worship and the ritualism associated with Saguna traditions. Their religious life is centered on the ‘Sabad’ and internal devotion to the formless divine.
Q47. Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the codes given below:
| Term associated with Nirguna sects | Meaning |
|---|---|
| A. Shabda/Sabad | i. Spiritual gathering of devotees |
| B. Smaran/Sumiran | ii. The divine word or mystical sound |
| C. Satsang | iii. Continuous remembrance of the divine name |
| D. Parcha | iv. Miraculous experience or proof of spiritual power |
Explanation
In Nirguna sects, ‘Sabad’ refers to the divine word or mystical sound. ‘Sumiran’ is the continuous remembrance of the divine name through chanting. ‘Satsang’ is a spiritual gathering where devotees share teachings and hymns. ‘Parcha’ denotes a miraculous experience or evidence of a saint’s spiritual power. These terms form the essential vocabulary of the Nirguna devotional path followed by various Rajasthani saints.
Q48. Sant Pipa, a prominent Nirguna Bhakti saint of Rajasthan, was originally the ruler of which kingdom?
Explanation
Sant Pipa was originally the Khichi Chauhan ruler of Gagron in the Jhalawar region. Despite his royal status and wealth, he was drawn towards spirituality. Influenced by the teachings of the Bhakti movement, he eventually abdicated his throne, renounced his princely life, and became a prominent Nirguna saint, spending the rest of his days preaching the path of simple devotion and equality.
Q49. Who among the following was the spiritual Guru of Sant Pipa?
Explanation
Sant Pipa was a prominent disciple of the great Bhakti saint Ramananda of Kashi. Along with other famous disciples like Kabir and Ravidas, Pipa received spiritual initiation from Ramananda, which led him to renounce his kingdom. This connection highlights the broad, inclusive nature of Ramananda’s teachings, which reached across caste and social boundaries to inspire various figures in the North Indian Bhakti movement.
Q50. The primary temple dedicated to Sant Pipa, where a major fair is held annually, is located at:
Explanation
The primary temple dedicated to Sant Pipa is located at Samdari in the Balotra district. This site is considered highly sacred by his followers, and a major fair is held here annually in his honor. The temple serves as a central point for the community to gather and remember his teachings, which emphasized that the true temple of God resides within the human body.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 41 | (a) Devotion to God without physical form or attributes. |
| 42 | (d) Bijak |
| 43 | (b) They mandate monasticism and abandonment of family. |
| 44 | (a) I, II and III |
| 45 | (d) They validated manual labor and rejected hierarchy. |
| 46 | (c) Statement I is correct, but Statement II is incorrect. |
| 47 | (a) A-ii, B-iii, C-i, D-iv |
| 48 | (b) Gagron |
| 49 | (a) Ramananda |
| 50 | (c) Samdari (Balotra) |
Key facts from Religious Life: Saints, Sects and Folk Deities
- The Pushti Marg was founded by Vallabhacharya; its philosophy is Shuddhadvaita.
- The Shrinathji idol was brought to Mewar to escape Aurangzeb’s iconoclasm, and Maharana Raj Singh gave refuge.
- The Ashta Chhap are the eight poets of the Pushti Marg.
- Galtaji is the main seat of the Ramanandi sect in Rajasthan; Krishnadas Payahari established its Peeth.
- Dadu Dayal, called the Kabir of Rajasthan, had his main seat at Naraina.
- The Maha Mandir in Jodhpur, with 84 carved pillars, is a seat of the Nath sampraday.
Frequently asked questions
How many RAS Prelims practice MCQs are there on Religious Life: Saints, Sects and Folk Deities?
This page has 112 practice MCQs on Religious Life: Saints, Sects and Folk Deities (Rajasthan History, Art and Culture). Each has the correct answer, and most have an explanation.
Who founded the Pushti Marg?
Vallabhacharya founded the Pushti Marg, whose philosophy is Shuddhadvaita. Pushti means the grace of God, and the sect holds that devotion and divine grace, not rigid ritual, lead to salvation. Its principal deity in Rajasthan is Shrinathji at Nathdwara.
Where is Dadu Dayal’s principal seat?
At Naraina (Narayana) in Rajasthan, where the Dadupanth has its main centre. Dadu Dayal is often called the Kabir of Rajasthan because he preached formless, nirguna devotion in the spirit of Kabir.
What are the Ashta Chhap?
The Ashta Chhap are the group of eight saint-poets associated with the Pushti Marg who composed devotional hymns for Shrinathji. Their songs became part of the daily worship of the sect and shaped the Braj devotional tradition.