📘 Class 7 History – Chapter 8
Devotional Paths to the Divine
NCERT Textbook Questions & Answers

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Q1. What were the main ideas of the Bhakti movement?

The main ideas of the Bhakti movement were:

• God can be reached through love and devotion
• All people are equal before God
• Caste system and rituals are not important
• True devotion matters more than ceremonies

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Q2. Who were the Alvars and Nayanars?

The Alvars and Nayanars were early Bhakti saints of South India.

• Alvars were devotees of Lord Vishnu
• Nayanars were devotees of Lord Shiva
• They travelled and sang hymns in praise of God

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Q3. Write a short note on the teachings of Kabir.

Kabir was a famous Bhakti saint who believed in:

• One formless God
• Rejection of idol worship
• Criticism of religious rituals
• Use of simple language to reach common people

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Q4. Who was Mirabai? What did she preach?

Mirabai was a Rajput princess and a devotee of Lord Krishna.

• She expressed her devotion through songs
• She ignored social customs and rituals
• She believed in complete devotion to God

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Q5. What is Sufism?

Sufism was a devotional movement within Islam. Sufis believed in:

• Love and devotion to God
• Simple living and self-discipline
• Service to humanity

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Q6. How did Sufi saints spread their message?

Sufi saints spread their message by:

• Living in khanqahs (hospices)
• Teaching through stories and poetry
• Using music called sama
• Welcoming people of all religions

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Q7. Why were music and poetry important in Bhakti and Sufi movements?

Music and poetry were important because:

• They helped spread ideas easily among people
• They touched the hearts of common people
• They were used to express devotion

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Q8. What was the impact of Bhakti and Sufi movements?

The impact of these movements was:

• Promotion of equality and brotherhood
• Reduction of religious tensions
• Encouragement of devotion without discrimination

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📌 Exam Writing Tip:
Mention names of saints and their teachings. Write answers in points and give examples for full marks.

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