Question

What were the main features of the monotheistic movement?

Answer 1

The monotheistic movement was based on the concept of monotheism, which is an ardent belief in the idea of one God. Some of the monotheistic leaders were Kabir, Raidas and Trilochan. The main features of the monotheistic movement are as follows:

(1) Synthesis of many traditions: It was influenced by Vaishnava Bhakti, the Nathpanthi movement and Sufism. It was a synthesis of the elements of all these traditions.
(2) Nirguna outlook: Monotheistic bhakti adopted the notion of bhakti from Vaishnava Bhakti but gave it a nirguna orientation; that is, it believed that God has no form.
(3) Independent path: This tradition followed a path that was independent of the dominant religions of that time, i.e. Hinduism and Islam.
(4) Against orthodoxy: It widely criticised the superstitious and orthodox elements of the religions prevalent during that period.

Monotheistic leaders emphasised the importance of a spiritual guru, community singing of devotional songs, companionship of saints and repetition of the divine name. They also wrote poems in languages common to all, not giving preference to their own dialects. Most of the monotheistic saints led a worldly life and were not ascetics.