The Bhakti movement refers to the theistic devotional trend that emerged in medieval India.
Sufism may be best described as a practice of asceticism, which through belief and practice helps believers attain nearness to God.
The Bhakti and Sufi Movements of Medieval India played a crucial role in creating a composite culture whose legacy can be seen to this day. It is one of the most commonly asked questions in the UPSC History segment.
In this regard, this article will give details about the difference between Bhakti and Sufi Movements.
You can find more Difference Between Articles, by visiting the linked page
Bhakti and Sufi Movements Differences
In the table below we have given in detail the differences between Bhakti and Sufi movements
Differences Between Bhakti and Sufi Movements
| Bhakti Movement |
Sufi Movement |
| The movement largely influenced Hindus | It was followed mainly by Muslims |
| The Saints of the Bhakti Movement sang Bhajans to worship Gods and Goddesses | Sufi Saints sang Qawwalis – a form of music to inspire religious devotion |
| The Bhakti movement has its origination in eighth-century South India | The Origins of Sufism can be traced to the early days of Islam in seventh-century Arabian Peninsula |
| The Bhakti Movement is regarded by scholars as an influential social revival and reformation movement in Hinduism | It has been misunderstood as another sect of Islam, but it is a religious order for any Islamic denomination |
| From its point of origins in South India, the Bhakti movement swept over East and North India from the 15th century onwards | It spans many continents and cultures. |
| The Bhakti Movement shared direct emotional and intellection of the divine. | Sufism laid emphasized on simplicity and austerity, which found many adherents due to the worldliness of medieval empires and kingdoms |
| Kabir Das, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, Nanak, Meerabai, | Hasan of Basra, Amir Khusrau, Moinuddin Chishti |
These were the main differences between the Bhakti and Sufi Movements. These details from this article will help the candidates to know about this topic in detail and be able to answer any related questions easily in the Civil Services Exams.
Bhakti and Sufi Movements – Download PDF Here
You can know more in detail about these two movements and other topics for UPSC History by referring to the links given below:
- Bhakti Movement
- Sufism
- Sufi Saints
- Sufism in India
- NCERT Ancient Indian History Notes for UPSC
- NCERT Medieval Indian History Notes for UPSC
- NCERT Modern Indian History Notes for UPSC
- World History for UPSC Mains
- UPSC History Syllabus
- Difference Between Early Vedic and Later Vedic Period
- Difference Janapadas and Mahajanapadas
Frequently Asked Questions about Bhakti and Sufi Movements
When did the Sufi movement come to India?
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| NCERT Books | UPSC Exam Pattern | Current Affairs Quiz |
| Third President of India | National Bamboo Mission | Depot Online System |
| Political Science Books | Project Tiger in India | MSME Samadhan |
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