UPSC CSE Prelims
Bhakti Movement Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
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The world's second tallest statue in sitting pose of Ramanuja was inaugurated by the Prime Minister of India at Hyderabad recently. Which one of the following statements correctly represents the teachings of Ramanuja?
Detailed Explanation:
Answer: Option 1 — The best means of salvation was devotion.
Ramanuja (11th-12th century CE) was a prominent Vaishnavite philosopher who propounded the philosophy of Vishishtadvaita (Qualified Non-dualism). His central teaching emphasized that salvation (moksha) is best achieved through intense devotion (bhakti) to a personal God (Vishnu/Narayana) and divine grace, rather than through mere knowledge or ritualistic practices.
✅ Option 1 – Correct: Ramanuja's core teaching was that bhakti (devotion) is the supreme path to salvation, complemented by God's grace.
❌ Option 2 – Incorrect: While Ramanuja respected the Vedas, this statement more accurately reflects the views of Mimamsa school or orthodox Vedic philosophy, not Ramanuja's distinctive teaching.
❌ Option 3 – Incorrect: Emphasis on logical arguments as essential means for the highest bliss is characteristic of the Nyaya school of philosophy, not Ramanuja's bhakti-centered approach.
❌ Option 4 – Incorrect: Meditation as the primary means of salvation is more aligned with Patanjali's Yoga philosophy or Advaita Vedanta of Shankara, not Ramanuja's devotional path.
📝 Short Notes: Ramanuja and Vishishtadvaita Philosophy
- Period: 11th-12th century CE (1017-1137 CE approximately)
- Philosophy: Vishishtadvaita (Qualified Non-dualism) - Individual souls and the world are real and are attributes of Brahman, but remain distinct
- Core Teaching: Bhakti (devotion) to a personal God (Vishnu) as the supreme path to moksha
- Concept of God: Personal God (Saguna Brahman) - Vishnu/Narayana with qualities, both transcendent and immanent
- Path to Salvation: Prapatti (self-surrender) and Bhakti (devotion), aided by God's grace (prasada)
- Key Works: Sri Bhashya (commentary on Brahma Sutras), Gita Bhashya, Vedartha Sangraha
- Influence: Inspired the Bhakti movement in South India; promoted social equality and temple worship accessibility
- Contrast with Shankara: Unlike Shankara's Advaita (absolute non-dualism with nirguna Brahman), Ramanuja accepted the reality of individual souls and the material world as real attributes of God
Consider the following statements:
- Saint Nimbarka was a contemporary of Akbar.
- Saint Kabir was greatly influenced by Shaikh Ahmad Sirhindi.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Detailed Explanation:
Answer: Option 4 — Neither 1 nor 2
Both statements contain chronological inaccuracies regarding the timelines of these historical religious figures. Let us evaluate each statement:
❌ Statement 1 – Incorrect: Saint Nimbarka lived in the 12th-13th century (exact dates debated, but generally placed between 1130-1200 CE), while Akbar reigned much later from 1556 to 1605 CE, making them separated by approximately 3-4 centuries.
❌ Statement 2 – Incorrect: Saint Kabir lived in the 15th century (approximately 1440-1518 CE), while Shaikh Ahmad Sirhindi (Mujaddid Alf Thani) lived from 1564 to 1624 CE, meaning Kabir predated Sirhindi and could not have been influenced by him.
📝 Short Notes: Medieval Bhakti Saints and Sufi Masters
| Religious Figure | Time Period | Key Contributions |
|---|---|---|
| Saint Nimbarka | 12th-13th century (c. 1130-1200 CE) | Founded Dvaitadvaita (dualistic non-dualism) philosophy; emphasized Krishna-Radha worship; established Nimbarka Sampradaya |
| Saint Kabir | 15th century (c. 1440-1518 CE) | Bhakti-Sufi synthesis; criticized ritualism and caste system; composed dohas and bhajans; influenced both Hindu and Muslim traditions |
| Akbar (Mughal Emperor) | 1556-1605 CE | Known for religious tolerance; patronized arts and culture; promoted Din-i-Ilahi |
| Shaikh Ahmad Sirhindi | 1564-1624 CE | Naqshbandi Sufi master; orthodox Islamic reformer; opposed syncretism; called Mujaddid Alf Thani (Renovator of the Second Millennium) |
- Chronological Order: Nimbarka (12th-13th c.) → Kabir (15th c.) → Akbar (16th c.) → Sirhindi (16th-17th c.)
- Nimbarka's Philosophy: Dvaitadvaita or Bhedabheda (difference and non-difference) - souls and world are both different from and identical to Brahman
- Kabir's Influences: He was influenced by earlier Bhakti saints like Ramananda and Sufi traditions prevalent in his time, not by later figures like Sirhindi
- Sirhindi's Position: He opposed Akbar's religious syncretism and worked to restore orthodox Islamic practices during Jahangir's reign
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