Who among the following Bhakti saints popularized the 'Sankirtana' system (congregational singing of the Lord's name)?
- Tulsidas
- Ramananda
- Chaitanya Mahaprabhu
- Guru Nanak
Explanation: Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, a 16th-century saint from Bengal, popularized the Sankirtana movement, emphasizing ecstatic devotion and the public chanting of the Hare Krishna mantra.
Which Sikh Guru introduced the 'Khalsa' (the community of pure ones) and the five Ks (Kesh, Kangha, Kara, Kachera, Kirpan)?
- Guru Hargobind
- Guru Tegh Bahadur
- Guru Ram Das
- Guru Gobind Singh
Explanation: The 10th Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh, established the Khalsa Panth in 1699, transforming the Sikh community into a martial brotherhood to defend religious freedom.
The 'Pushtimarg' (The Path of Grace) was established by:
- Surdas
- Chaitanya
- Vallabhacharya
- Ramanuja
Explanation: Vallabhacharya founded the Pushtimarg sect, which focuses on the worship of Sri Nathji (Krishna) and emphasizes that salvation comes solely through the grace (Pushti) of God.
Which of the following Sufi Saints of the Naqshbandi order claimed to be the 'Mujaddid' (renovator) of the second millennium of Islam?
- Dara Shikoh
- Khwaja Baqi Billah
- Shah Waliullah
- Sheikh Ahmad Sirhindi
Explanation: Sheikh Ahmad Sirhindi was given the title 'Mujaddid Alf-i-Sani' (Renovator of the Second Millennium) because he led a conservative reaction against Akbar's syncretism to restore orthodox Islamic practices.
Regarding the Bhakti saints of Maharashtra, consider the following statements:
1. The Varkari sect focused on the worship of Lord Vithoba of Pandharpur.
2. Sant Tukaram was a contemporary of Shivaji Maharaj.
3. Ramdas authored 'Dasbodh' and inspired the Dharkari (militant) sect.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- 1, 2 and 3
- 2 and 3 only
- 1 and 3 only
- 1 and 2 only
Explanation: All statements are correct. The Varkaris worship Vithoba. Tukaram was a contemporary of Shivaji. Ramdas, the political and spiritual guru to many Marathas, wrote Dasbodh and promoted physical and spiritual strength (Dharkari).
Consider the following statements regarding the Alvar saint Andal:
1. She was the only female Alvar saint.
2. Her compositions express intense devotion to Lord Shiva.
3. Her most famous work is 'Thiruppavai'.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- 1 and 2 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
- 1 and 3 only
Explanation: Statement 2 is incorrect because Andal was an Alvar, meaning she was a devoted follower of Lord Vishnu (specifically Krishna), not Shiva. Statements 1 and 3 are correct.
Which Sufi order was known for its strict adherence to the Sharia and opposition to the liberal religious policies of Akbar?
- Qadiri
- Suhrawardi
- Naqshbandi
- Chishti
Explanation: The Naqshbandi Silsilah was orthodox and strictly adhered to Islamic law. Shaikh Ahmad Sirhindi (Mujaddid Alf Sani) of this order strongly opposed the liberal, syncretic policies of Akbar and Jahangir.
The Vaishnava saint Sankaradeva, who propagated the 'Ekasarana Dharma' (worship of one God in the form of Krishna), belonged to which region?
- Assam
- Odisha
- Bengal
- Gujarat
Explanation: Sankaradeva (15th-16th century) was a monumental figure in Assam. He propagated Ekasarana Dharma, created the Sattriya dance form, and established Monasteries (Sattras) and prayer halls (Namghars).
The 'Tazkiras' in medieval Indian historiography were primarily:
- Royal chronicles focused solely on military conquests.
- Administrative manuals for revenue collection.
- Treatises on Hindu temple architecture.
- Biographical dictionaries or compilations of the lives of Sufi saints.
Explanation: Tazkiras are biographies of Sufi saints. 'Siyar-ul-Auliya' is a famous example. They help historians understand the social and spiritual life of the period, though they often contain miraculous elements.
In the administration and culture of the Sufi shrines, the term 'Sajjada Nashin' implies:
- The main cook of the Langar.
- The musician who leads the Qawwali.
- The royal representative at the shrine.
- The hereditary administrator or spiritual successor of the Dargah.
Explanation: Sajjada Nashin translates to 'one who sits on the prayer mat'. It designates the spiritual head and administrator of a Sufi Dargah, often a descendant of the saint.
The Vachana Sahitya is associated with which of the following religious traditions?
- Lingayat tradition of Karnataka
- Varkari tradition of Maharashtra
- Sri Vaishnava tradition of Tamil Nadu
- Kashmiri Shaivism
Explanation: Vachanas are rhythmic writings in Kannada used by Basavanna, Akka Mahadevi, and other Shiva Sharanas to propagate the Lingayat/Virashaiva philosophy.
Consider the following pairs of Sufi terminology:
1. Khanqah: Sufi hospice or resting place.
2. Ziyarat: Pilgrimage to the tombs of Sufi saints.
3. Murshid: The disciple or seeker.
4. Barkat: Spiritual grace or blessing.
Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched?
- 1, 2 and 3
- 2, 3 and 4
- 1, 2 and 4
- 1, 3 and 4
Explanation: Pair 3 is incorrect. In Sufism, 'Murshid' is the spiritual teacher or guide, whereas 'Murid' refers to the disciple or seeker.
Consider the following statements regarding Kabir:
1. He drew inspiration from both Hindu and Islamic traditions.
2. He believed in the concept of Saguna Brahman.
3. His verses are compiled in the 'Bijak'.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- 1 and 2 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Explanation: Statement 2 is incorrect. Kabir was the most prominent proponent of Nirguna Bhakti (worship of the formless God) and strongly rejected idol worship. Statements 1 and 3 are correct.
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:
- 1, 2 and 3
- 3 only
- 1 and 2 only
- 2 and 3 only
Explanation: Sufis adopted various practices including meditation (Zikr), breath control (often influenced by yogic practices), severe asceticism (Chilla), and musical recitation (Sama) to induce spiritual ecstasy.
Among the following, who translated the Upanishads into Persian under the title 'Sirr-i-Akbar'?
- Abul Fazl
- Dara Shikoh
- Amir Khusrau
- Badauni
Explanation: Dara Shikoh, the eldest son of Shah Jahan, was heavily influenced by Sufism (Qadiri order) and Vedantic philosophy. He translated 50 Upanishads into Persian, titled Sirr-i-Akbar (The Great Secret).
The term 'Nirguna Bhakti' refers to the worship of:
- God with specific form and attributes.
- Various manifestations of the Goddess (Shakti).
- The avatars of Vishnu exclusively.
- Formless, omnipresent, and absolute God.
Explanation: Nirguna Bhakti is the devotion to the Divine without form or physical attributes (e.g., Kabir, Guru Nanak). Saguna Bhakti is devotion to God with attributes and forms, such as Rama or Krishna (e.g., Tulsidas, Surdas).
Which of the following Bhakti saints of Maharashtra explicitly linked spiritual emancipation with mundane duties (Prapancha) and asked his followers not to renounce the world?
- Tukaram
- Ramdas
- Eknath
- Dnyaneshwar
Explanation: Sant Eknath (16th century) led a family life (Grihastha) and proved that one does not need to abandon the world or family duties to attain spiritual liberation. He actively criticized untouchability.
Who among the following was the author of 'Amuktamalyada', and also a great patron of the Bhakti movement in South India?
- Devaraya II
- Rajaraja Chola
- Krishnadevaraya
- Harshavardhana
Explanation: Krishnadevaraya of the Vijayanagara Empire authored 'Amuktamalyada' in Telugu, which discusses the life of the Alvar saint Andal. He was a devout Vaishnava and a major patron of literature and temples.
In the context of the cultural history of India, a 'Malfoozat' refers to:
- The compiled conversations or discourses of a Sufi saint.
- Musical instruments used during the Sama.
- Land grants given to Sufi shrines.
- Biographical accounts of Sufi saints written by historians.
Explanation: Malfoozat are the recorded sayings or conversations of Sufi saints, compiled by their disciples. A famous example is 'Fawa'id al-Fu'ad' which records the discourses of Nizamuddin Auliya.
In the context of Sufism, the term 'Wahdat-ul-Wujud' refers to:
- The concept of 'Unity of Being', implying that God and his creation are one.
- The practice of musical recitation to induce a state of ecstasy.
- The biographical accounts of the Sufi saints.
- The strict adherence to the Islamic law (Sharia).
Explanation: Propounded by Ibn Arabi, 'Wahdat-ul-Wujud' means the 'Unity of Being'. It suggests that there is only one true reality (God), and everything else is merely a manifestation of the Divine. This was often compared to the Hindu concept of Advaita.
Regarding the Chishti Silsilah in India, consider the following statements:
1. It was founded in India by Khwaja Muinuddin Chishti.
2. The Chishti saints typically accepted high state positions and jagirs from the Delhi Sultans.
3. 'Sama' (musical gatherings) was a prominent feature of their spiritual practice.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 1, 2 and 3
- 1 and 3 only
- 3 only
- 1 and 2 only
Explanation: Statement 2 is incorrect. A key feature of the Chishti order was their strict avoidance of state patronage and politics; they preferred to live in poverty. Suhrawardi saints, on the other hand, accepted state positions. Statements 1 and 3 are correct.
With reference to the Bhakti saints, who among the following wrote the 'Srikhasya' and the 'Gita Bhasya'?
- Vallabhacharya
- Madhvacharya
- Ramanujacharya
- Shankaracharya
Explanation: Ramanujacharya authored the Sribhasya (a commentary on the Brahma Sutras) and the Gita Bhasya, establishing the philosophical foundations of Vishishtadvaita.
Sant Ravidas (Raidas), a prominent figure of the Nirguna Bhakti tradition, belonged to which profession by birth?
- Barber
- Weaver
- Tailor
- Cobbler
Explanation: Ravidas was a leather-worker (cobbler). His spiritual elevation and acceptance as a guru (including reputedly by Mirabai) severely challenged the contemporary caste hierarchy.
Which famous saint is credited with introducing the idol of Sri Nathji to the Govardhan hill and organizing a group of eight poets known as 'Ashtachhap'?
- Nimbarka
- Vallabhacharya
- Ramananda
- Chaitanya
Explanation: Vallabhacharya established the shrine of Sri Nathji at Govardhan. His son, Vitthalnath, later organized eight prominent poets (including Surdas) into the 'Ashtachhap' to compose hymns for the deity.
With reference to medieval Indian history, 'Maktubat' refers to:
- The royal decrees issued by the Mughal emperors.
- Letters written by Sufi saints to their disciples and associates.
- The tax levied on non-Muslim pilgrims.
- Grants of revenue-free land to religious scholars.
Explanation: Maktubat are the collected letters of Sufi masters. They provide deep insights into the religious, social, and political conditions of the time. The Maktubat of Sheikh Ahmad Sirhindi are very famous.
Who was the founder of the Shattari Silsilah in India, a Sufi order that sought synthesis between Islamic mysticism and Hindu yogic practices?
- Sheikh Ahmad Sirhindi
- Mian Mir
- Shah Nimatullah
- Shah Abdullah Shuttari
Explanation: Shah Abdullah Shuttari introduced the Shattari order to India in the 15th century. It was popular in Malwa, Bengal, and Gujarat, and was known for adopting concepts from Hindu Yoga, maintaining a close relationship with yogis.
The famous poem 'Padmavat', written in Awadhi, is an allegorical Sufi text composed by:
- Abdul Rahim Khan-i-Khana
- Amir Khusrau
- Malik Muhammad Jayasi
- Tulsidas
Explanation: Malik Muhammad Jayasi wrote 'Padmavat' in 1540. It is considered a classic example of Sufi Premakhyan (romantic tale), where human love is used as an allegory for the soul's quest for the Divine.
Consider the following statements regarding Lalleshwari (Lal Ded):
1. She was a mystic of the Kashmiri Shaivism tradition.
2. Her poetic expressions are known as 'Vakhs'.
3. She strongly supported orthodox Brahminical rituals.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- 2 and 3 only
- 1 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
- 1 and 2 only
Explanation: Lal Ded was a 14th-century mystic of Kashmiri Shaivism. Her poems (Vakhs) emphasize internal spiritual awakening and severely criticize orthodox rituals, idolatry, and religious hypocrisy.
The religious text 'Adi Granth' (or Guru Granth Sahib) was initially compiled by which Sikh Guru?
- Guru Angad
- Guru Nanak
- Guru Arjan Dev
- Guru Gobind Singh
Explanation: The 5th Sikh Guru, Guru Arjan Dev, compiled the Adi Granth in 1604. It contains the hymns of the Sikh Gurus as well as prominent Hindu and Muslim Bhakti/Sufi saints like Kabir, Namdev, and Baba Farid.
Which of the following statements about Ramananda is incorrect?
- He was a follower of Ramanuja's philosophy.
- He opened the doors of Bhakti to people of all castes.
- He preached exclusively in Sanskrit to maintain orthodox purity.
- Ravidas (a cobbler) and Kabir (a weaver) were among his disciples.
Explanation: Ramananda was a pioneer of the Bhakti movement in North India precisely because he preached in the vernacular language (Hindi) instead of Sanskrit, making religion accessible to the common people.
Which Bhakti saint is famous for composing 'Ramcharitmanas', shifting the focus of Rama worship from Sanskrit to the vernacular Awadhi?
- Chandidas
- Tulsidas
- Vidyapati
- Ramananda
Explanation: Tulsidas composed the Ramcharitmanas in the 16th century during the reign of Akbar. It made the story of Lord Rama accessible to the masses and remains highly influential in North India.
The concept of 'Achintya Bheda Abheda' (inconceivable difference and non-difference) is the philosophical bedrock of which Bhakti tradition?
- The Varkari Sampradaya of Maharashtra
- The Gaudiya Vaishnavism of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu
- The Shaiva Siddhanta of Tamil Nadu
- The Kabir Panth
Explanation: Achintya Bheda Abheda was formalized by Jiva Goswami, a follower of Chaitanya. It states that the soul is simultaneously completely different from God, yet not different from God, and this relationship is inconceivable to the human mind.
Which Sikh Guru was executed by the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb for refusing to convert to Islam, an event that deeply influenced the militarization of the Sikhs?
- Guru Tegh Bahadur
- Guru Arjan Dev
- Guru Gobind Singh
- Guru Hargobind
Explanation: Guru Tegh Bahadur, the 9th Sikh Guru, was executed in Delhi by Aurangzeb in 1675. This act of martyrdom led his son, Guru Gobind Singh, to form the martial Khalsa.
Match List I (Philosopher) with List II (Philosophy):
List I: a. Shankaracharya, b. Madhvacharya, c. Nimbarkacharya, d. Vallabhacharya
List II: 1. Dvaita, 2. Advaita, 3. Shuddhadvaita, 4. Dvaitadvaita
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
- a-3, b-1, c-4, d-2
- a-2, b-4, c-1, d-3
- a-2, b-1, c-4, d-3
- a-1, b-2, c-3, d-4
Explanation: Shankara - Advaita (Non-dualism); Madhvacharya - Dvaita (Dualism); Nimbarka - Dvaitadvaita (Dualism-Non-dualism); Vallabhacharya - Shuddhadvaita (Pure Non-dualism).
Consider the following statements regarding the impact of the Bhakti and Sufi movements:
1. They led to a decline in the rigidity of the caste system.
2. They encouraged the growth of vernacular languages and literature.
3. They resulted in the complete eradication of orthodox religious structures in India.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- 1 and 2 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Explanation: Statements 1 and 2 are correct. They challenged social inequalities and vastly enriched vernacular literature. Statement 3 is incorrect; while they challenged orthodoxy, orthodox structures (like the Brahminical caste hierarchy or the Islamic Ulema) continued to exist and wield power.
In Sufi terminology, what does 'Fana' mean?
- The annihilation of the self to merge with the Divine.
- The daily prayer obligations of a Sufi.
- The charitable endowments given to a Khanqah.
- The lineage or chain of succession in a Sufi order.
Explanation: Fana refers to the breaking down of the individual ego and the annihilation of the self in the presence of the Divine. It is often paired with 'Baqa' (subsistence or eternal life with God).
Consider the following statements regarding the Alvars and Nayanars of South India:
1. The Alvars were devotees of Shiva, while the Nayanars were devotees of Vishnu.
2. The 'Nalayira Divyaprabandham' is a major anthology of compositions by the Alvars.
3. Both movements strongly rejected the austerities of Buddhism and Jainism.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- 2 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
- 1 and 2 only
- 1 and 3 only
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect: Alvars were devotees of Vishnu, and Nayanars were devotees of Shiva. Statements 2 and 3 are correct. The Divyaprabandham is often called the Tamil Veda, and both sects actively countered the influence of Buddhism and Jainism in South India.
The philosophy of 'Bheda-Abheda' (Difference and Non-difference) was propounded by:
- Shankara
- Madhva
- Nimbarka
- Vallabha
Explanation: Nimbarkacharya founded the Dvaitadvaita (or Bheda-Abheda) philosophy, which posits that the soul and the world are simultaneously distinct from God and inherently part of Him.
Which Sufi saint is popularly known as 'Sultan-ul-Mashaikh'?
- Baba Farid
- Nasiruddin Chiragh-i-Dehlavi
- Qutbuddin Bakhtiyar Kaki
- Nizamuddin Auliya
Explanation: Shaikh Nizamuddin Auliya was given the title 'Sultan-ul-Mashaikh' (King of Sheikhs/Saints) by his followers due to his immense spiritual authority and popularity.
Which of the following philosophical schools was propagated by Ramanujacharya?
- Advaita (Non-dualism)
- Vishishtadvaita (Qualified Non-dualism)
- Dvaita (Dualism)
- Shuddhadvaita (Pure Non-dualism)
Explanation: Ramanujacharya propounded Vishishtadvaita, which argued that while Brahman is supreme, the individual souls (chit) and the material world (achit) are real and form the 'body' of Brahman. Advaita was by Shankara, Dvaita by Madhvacharya, and Shuddhadvaita by Vallabhacharya.
Who among the following was a renowned saint of the Varkari sect and belonged to the Shimpi (tailor) caste, highlighting the inclusive nature of the movement?
- Dnyaneshwar
- Ramdas
- Namdev
- Eknath
Explanation: Sant Namdev was a tailor by caste. His verses were so highly regarded that many were later incorporated into the Sikh holy scripture, the Guru Granth Sahib.
The Virashaiva or Lingayat movement in Karnataka was initiated by:
- Nimbarka
- Basavanna
- Ramanuja
- Vidyaranya
Explanation: The Lingayat movement emerged in the 12th century in Karnataka under the leadership of Basavanna. They worship Shiva in his manifestation as a linga, rejected caste discrimination, and opposed temple worship.
The concept of 'Wahdat-ul-Shuhud' (Unity of Witness), which countered the pantheistic philosophy of 'Wahdat-ul-Wujud', was formulated by:
- Dara Shikoh
- Alauddin Khalji
- Moinuddin Chishti
- Sheikh Ahmad Sirhindi
Explanation: Sheikh Ahmad Sirhindi (Naqshbandi order) formulated Wahdat-ul-Shuhud to assert that God and the created world are distinct, opposing Ibn Arabi's Wahdat-ul-Wujud which implied pantheism.
Consider the following statements regarding the differences between Bhakti and Sufi movements:
1. Bhakti saints exclusively used vernacular languages, whereas Sufi saints strictly used Persian or Arabic for preaching.
2. Both movements were critical of orthodox religious structures and rigid rituals.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect because Sufi saints in India also widely used vernacular languages (like Hindavi, Awadhi, and Punjabi) to connect with the masses (e.g., Baba Farid wrote in Punjabi, Jayasi in Awadhi). Statement 2 is correct.
Who among the following was a blind poet of Agra whose compositions are collected in 'Sursagar', emphasizing Saguna Krishna Bhakti?
- Mirabai
- Surdas
- Narsinh Mehta
- Tulsidas
Explanation: Surdas, believed to be blind, was a disciple of Vallabhacharya. His monumental work 'Sursagar' vividly describes the childhood leelas (play) of Krishna in the Braj Bhasha dialect.
The 'Nathpanthi' yogis played a crucial role in medieval India. They influenced which of the following groups the most?
- The Nirguna Bhakti saints and early Sufis.
- The orthodox Brahminical scholars of Kashi.
- The Chola kings in their temple architecture.
- The proponents of Saguna Krishna Bhakti.
Explanation: Nathpanthis practiced Hatha Yoga and rejected caste. Their esoteric practices and emphasis on a formless ultimate reality deeply influenced Nirguna saints like Kabir and Sufis of the Shattari order.
In Sufism, a 'Chilla' refers to:
- The initiation ceremony of a new disciple.
- A musical gathering for inducing trance.
- A 40-day period of solitary retreat and fasting for spiritual discipline.
- The piece of cloth given by the master to the disciple.
Explanation: Chilla (from Persian 'Chihal' meaning forty) is a spiritual practice of penance and meditation in solitary confinement for forty days, practiced by many Sufi saints to achieve spiritual purification.
Consider the following statements regarding the interaction between Sufis and the state:
1. The Suhrawardis believed that holding a government office was a distraction from spiritual life.
2. The Chishtis generally avoided royal courts and refused state endowments.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect: The Suhrawardis accepted state positions and believed that associating with the state helped them serve the people better. Statement 2 is correct: Chishtis avoided the state.
The teachings of Guru Nanak were essentially directed against:
- Ritualism, caste distinctions, and religious hypocrisy.
- The concept of a formless God.
- The participation of women in religious gatherings.
- The political authority of the Delhi Sultanate.
Explanation: Guru Nanak preached the unity of God (Nirguna) and strongly opposed empty rituals, caste discrimination, and the hypocrisy of both Hindu and Muslim orthodoxy. He promoted egalitarian institutions like Langar.
The concept of 'Sulah-i-Kul' (Universal Peace), heavily influenced by Sufi ideals, became the official state policy during the reign of:
- Akbar
- Alauddin Khalji
- Muhammad bin Tughlaq
- Aurangzeb
Explanation: Akbar's religious policy, guided by Abul Fazl, was based on Sulah-i-Kul. It promoted tolerance, equal treatment of all religions, and drew heavily from the Sufi concept of Wahdat-ul-Wujud.
Which Sufi Silsilah was highly popular in Sindh and Multan, and did not believe in living in poverty or relying entirely on unsolicited charity?
- Chishti
- Shattari
- Qadiri
- Suhrawardi
Explanation: The Suhrawardi order, established by Bahauddin Zakariya in India, was mainly confined to Punjab and Sindh. Unlike the Chishtis, they did not believe in asceticism, accepted state positions, and amassed wealth.
Which Bhakti saint of Maharashtra wrote 'Bhavarth Dipika', a prominent Marathi commentary on the Bhagavad Gita?
- Eknath
- Tukaram
- Dnyaneshwar (Jnaneshwar)
- Namdev
Explanation: Sant Dnyaneshwar wrote the 'Dnyaneshwari' (or Bhavarth Dipika) in the 13th century. It is an outstanding commentary on the Gita in Marathi, laying the foundation of the Varkari movement.
The 'Dargah' of Khwaja Muinuddin Chishti is located in:
- Delhi
- Lahore
- Ajmer
- Fatehpur Sikri
Explanation: Khwaja Muinuddin Chishti settled in Ajmer, Rajasthan, in the late 12th century. His Dargah is one of the most important Sufi pilgrimage sites in South Asia, historically patronized by Akbar.
The Qadiri Sufi order was introduced in India by:
- Khwaja Baqi Billah
- Sheikh Bahauddin Zakariya
- Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jilani
- Shah Nimatullah
Explanation: Though founded globally by Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jilani (of Baghdad), the Qadiri order was introduced in India by Shah Nimatullah and Makhdum Muhammad Jilani. It gained significant patronage under Dara Shikoh.
The phrase 'Hanooz Dilli Door Ast' (Delhi is still far away) is famously associated with which Sufi saint regarding his relationship with Sultan Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq?
- Qutbuddin Bakhtiyar Kaki
- Amir Khusrau
- Nasiruddin Chiragh-i-Dehlavi
- Nizamuddin Auliya
Explanation: Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq, while returning from Bengal, threatened Nizamuddin Auliya. The saint replied 'Hanooz Dilli Door Ast'. The Sultan died before reaching Delhi when a pavilion collapsed on him.
Who among the following founded the 'Rishi' order of Sufism, which was unique to the Kashmir valley and heavily influenced by Shaivite traditions?
- Nund Rishi (Sheikh Noor-ud-din Wali)
- Syed Ali Hamadani
- Lalleshwari (Lal Ded)
- Bulbul Shah
Explanation: Sheikh Noor-ud-din Wali, also known as Nund Rishi, founded the Rishi order. It was indigenous to Kashmir and deeply influenced by the mystic poetry of Lal Ded, synthesizing Shaivism and Sufism.
The famous Sufi saint Nizamuddin Auliya belonged to which of the following orders?
- Naqshbandi
- Qadiri
- Suhrawardi
- Chishti
Explanation: Shaikh Nizamuddin Auliya was a highly influential saint of the Chishti order, based in Delhi. He saw the reigns of several Delhi Sultans but maintained a strict distance from the royal court.
The famous Bhakti poet Vidyapati wrote mostly in which of the following languages?
- Bengali
- Braj Bhasha
- Maithili
- Awadhi
Explanation: Vidyapati was a renowned poet from the Mithila region (modern Bihar). His love lyrics concerning Radha and Krishna written in Maithili had a profound influence on later Bengali literature and Chaitanya's followers.
Consider the following statements regarding Mirabai:
1. She was a Rajput princess married into the royal house of Mewar.
2. She worshipped Krishna exclusively in the Nirguna form.
3. Raidas (a lower-caste saint) is believed to have been one of her gurus.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 2 and 3 only
- 1 only
- 1 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Explanation: Statement 2 is incorrect because Mirabai was a proponent of Saguna Bhakti; she worshipped Krishna as a physical, personal deity (Giridhar Gopal). Statements 1 and 3 are correct.
Which of the following works is not attributed to the Bhakti saint Tulsidas?
- Vinay Patrika
- Kavitavali
- Gitawali
- Bijak
Explanation: The 'Bijak' is the compilation of the verses of Kabir. Tulsidas authored Ramcharitmanas, Vinay Patrika, Kavitavali, Gitawali, and Hanuman Chalisa.