Microtheme: Bhakti and Sufi Movements —
7 questions asked in Prelims in the past.

1. [2019] Consider the following statements:
   1. Saint Nimbarka was a contemporary of Akbar.
   2. Saint Kabir was greatly influenced by Shaikh Ahmad Sirhindi.
   Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
   • (a) 1 only
   • (b) 2 only
   • (c) Both 1 and 2
   • (d) Neither 1 nor 2
   Correct Answer: (D) Neither 1 nor 2
2. [2016] With reference to the cultural history of medieval India, consider the following statements:
   1. Siddhas (Sittars) of Tamil region were monotheistic and condemned idolatry.
   2. Lingayats of Kannada region questioned the theory of rebirth and rejected the caste
   hierarchy.
   Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
   • (a) 1 only
   • (b) 2 only
   • (c) Both 1 and 2
   • (d) Neither 1 nor 2
   Correct Answer: (C) Both 1 and 2
3. [2014] Consider the following statements:
   1. ‘Bijak’ is a composition of the teachings of Saint Dadu Dayal.
   2. The Philosophy of Pushti Marg was propounded by Madhvacharya.
   Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
   • (a) 1 only
   • (b) 2 only
   • (c) Both 1 and 2
   • (d) Neither 1 nor 2
   Correct Answer: (D) Neither 1 nor 2
4. [2013] Consider the following Bhakti Saints :
   (1). Dadu Dayal
   (2). Guru Nanak
   (3). Tyagaraja
   Which among the above was/were preaching when the Lodi Dynasty fell and Babur took over?
   • (a) 1 and 3
   • (b) 2 only
   • (c) 2 and 3
   • (d) 1 and 2
   Correct Answer: (B) 2 only
5. [2012] With reference to the religious history of medieval India, the Sufi mystics were known to pursue which of the following practices?
   1. Meditation and control of breath
   2. Severe ascetic exercises in a lonely place
   3. Recitation of holy songs to arouse a state of ecstasy in their audience
   Select the correct answer using the code given below:
   • (a) 1 and 2 only
   • (b) 2 and 3 only
   • (c) 3 only
   • (d) 1, 2 and 3
   Correct Answer: (D) 1, 2 and 3
6. [2010] Among the following, who was not a proponent of bhakti cult ?
   • (a) Nagarjuna
   • (b) Tukaram
   • (c) Tyagaraja
   • (d) Vallabhacharya
   Correct Answer: (A) Nagarjuna
7. [2004] Which one of the following sequences indicates the correct chronological order?
   • (a) Shankaracharya—Ramanuja—Chaitanya
   • (b) Ramanuja—Shankaracharya—Chaitanya
   • (c) Ramanuja—Chaitanya—Shankaracharya
   • (d) Shankaracharya—Chaitanya—Ramanuja
   Correct Answer: (A) Shankaracharya—Ramanuja—Chaitanya