Topic- salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times.
2) Kabir was one of the chief exponents of the Bhakti movement in the medieval period. Discuss the Relevance of the teachings of Kabir in Contemporary India?(250 words)
Key demand of the question
The question expects us to highlight the status of Kabir within the folds of bhakti movement and explain his teachings in detail. Thereafter, the question expects us to relate his teachings to the problems faced in contemporary India and how his teachings prove relevant.
Structure of the answer
Introduction – Give a background of Kabir.
Discuss his teachings and the relevance of his teaching in modern India.
- He preached a religion of love which aimed at promoting unity amongst all castes and creeds. In fact he was the first saint who tried to reconcile Hinduism and Islam. Kabir was not interested in organising any religion
- Kabir did not believe in extreme asceticism and abstractions from the world. He condemned idolatry and useless ceremonies. He believed in the equality of man and declared that before the high throne of God all were equal.
- He wished to abolish the caste system as well as the antagonism of the religions based on blind superstition or on the selfish interest of the minority exploiting the ignorance of others. He desired to establish social and religious peace among the people who lived together, but who were separated from one another by religion.
- Kabir made an attempt at a fusion of Islamic mysticism, having as its object a loving devotion to a single God, and Hindu traditions”. Kabir’s teachings do not give preference either to Hindus, or Muslims. On the other hand he admired whatever was good in the two cults and condemned whatever was dogmatic.
Conclusion – explain how application of his views would prove beneficial for India and its contemporary challenges.