Question

Bring out the changes noticeable in religion during the medieval period.

Answer 1

In the thousand-year history of the mediaeval period, several changes and developments in religious traditions were witnessed. Some of them are as follows:

1. In the Hindu religion, new deities emerged and were worshipped by people. Temples were constructed extensively by kings in this period.
2. Brahmins gained unprecedented importance and became a dominant group because of their knowledge of the Sanskrit language and status as priests in religious activities.
3. The Bhakti and Sufi movements also emerged in this period. The Bhakti movement emphasised love to the all-powerful God. There were no priests and no expensive rituals in this tradition.
4. During this period, a new religion named Islam was brought to India by merchants and migrants. The rule of the sultans marked the beginning of the rule of the Muslim dynasties.