Question

Statement 1: The Bhakti movement originated as a reaction against the caste system, untouchability, and ritualism in India.

Statement 2: Devotion was the pivotal point in the Bhakti cult which connected the human soul with god.

Read the above given statements about the Bhakti movement and select the option that is true.

• A. Statement 1 is true and statement 2 false.
• B. Statement 1 is false and statement 2 is true
• C. Both statements, 1 and 2 are true and statement 2 is the correct explanation for statement 1.
• D. Both statements 1 and 2 are true and statement 2 is not the correct explanation for statement 1.

Answer 1

The correct option is D Both statements 1 and 2 are true and statement 2 is not the correct explanation for statement 1.

In medieval India, the upper castes had all the social privileges. The Brahamanas performed extravagant rituals and ceremonies to worship their Gods. The lower castes were not priviledged to worship their own Gods. They were highly dependent on Brahmanas to worship their Gods. In such circumstances, the Bhakti movement emerged as a reform movement within Hinduism. It emphasised that all human beings were equal and had direct access to the supreme God. It taught that all human beings could reach their God through sincere love and reverence without the involvement of middlemen like priests.