NCERT Solutions for Class 7 Social Chapter 8 - Devotional Paths To The Divine

1. Match the following:

Ans: 

2. Fill in the blanks: 

1. Shankara was an advocate of __________.

2. Ramanuja was influenced by the ___________. 

3. _______, and were advocates of Virashaivism. 

4. _______ was an important centre of the Bhakti tradition in Maharashtra.

Ans: 

1. Shankara was an advocate of _advaita_. 

2. Ramanuja was influenced by the _Alvars_. 

3. _Basavanna_, _Allama Prabhu_and _Akkamahadevi_ were advocates of Virashaivism. 

4. _Vitthala temple_ was an important center of the Bhakti tradition in Maharashtra.

3. Describe the beliefs and practices of the Nathpanthis, Siddhas, and Yogis.

Ans: The Nathpanthis, Siddhas, and Yogis used straightforward, logical reasons to criticize the rituals and other elements of traditional religion and the social order. They believed that meditation on the formless Ultimate Reality was the way to salvation. They emphasized intensive mind-body training through yogasanas, breathing exercises, and meditation. These organizations grew especially popular among the "lower" classes.

4. What were the major ideas expressed by Kabir? How did he express these?

Ans: Kabir's teachings were founded on a total, if not outright rejection, of the main religious traditions. His lectures publicly mocked all kinds of outward worship in both Hinduism and Islam, as well as the priestly classes' dominance and the caste system. Kabir preached that the only way to redemption was via bhakti, or devotion, to a formless Supreme God. 

Kabir's views were communicated through his poetry, which was a type of spoken Hindi that was widely understood by the general public. He also composed poems known as sakhis and dohas, which are still popular today.

5. What were the major beliefs and practices of the Sufis?

Ans: Following were the major practices and beliefs of the Sufis:

• As a lover pursuing his beloved, the Sufis believed in oneness with God. 

• They also believed that the heart might be taught to have a new perspective on the world. 

• They refused to follow Muslim religious experts' complex ceremonies and standards of conduct. They did not worship idols and believed in only one God. 

• Sufi masters gathered in their khanqahs or hospices to debate spiritual concerns, seek the blessings of the saints in resolving worldly difficulties, or simply enjoy the music and dance performances.

6. Why do you think many teachers rejected prevalent religious beliefs and practices?

Ans: Many teachers rejected prevalent religious beliefs and practices because these ideas favored social inequality and class division; they were burdensome and difficult to follow.  Hence, the teachers were drawn to the concept of a Supreme God who, if approached with devotion, might free humanity from slavery (or bhakti).

7. What were the major teachings of Baba Guru Nanak?

Ans: Following were the major teachings of Baba Guru Nanak: 

• He emphasized the importance of worshipping just one God.

• He believed that gaining emancipation was independent of caste, creed, or gender. For him, the pursuit of an active life with social engagement was liberation.

• He offered the mantra nam, dan, and isnan, which signified correct worship, others' benefit, and moral purity. 

• Dharmsal was the name given to the hallowed area constructed by Guru Nanak. Gurdwara is the name given to it presently.

• Nam-japna, kirt-karna, and vand-chhakna are three of his teachings that emphasize the significance of correct belief and worship, honest life, and assisting others.

8. For either the Virashaivas or the sants of Maharashtra, discuss their attitude towards caste.

Ans: Maharashtra's Virashaivas and sants both opposed social injustice and caste divisions.

• The Virashaivas advocated vehemently for human equality and were opposed to Brahmanical caste systems and women's treatment. They also opposed all types of idol worship and rituals.

• All types of ritualism, external displays of piety, and social distinctions based on birth were condemned by Maharashtra's sants. They chose to live with their families, earn a living like any other individual, and serve other human beings in need respectfully. They were adamant about sharing other people's suffering.

9. Why do you think ordinary people preserved the memory of Mirabai?

Ans: Mirabai was completely devoted to Krishna and became a follower of Ravidas, a saint from a caste that is treated as "untouchable". Mirabai's memory has been perpetuated by ordinary people since her songs openly questioned upper-caste conventions.

NCERT Solutions for Class 7 Social Science History Chapter 8 - Download PDF

The PDF will help answer important questions like those from the exercise given. A student’s ability to answer the questions will help determine their understanding of this chapter. You can download NCERT Solutions for Class 7 history for Chapter 8 for free and prepare for your exams without any hassle. 

Class 7 Chapter 8 - Devotional Paths to the Divine

Introduction

NCERT Solutions for Class 7 history devotional paths to the divine gives students another trove of information to learn from. Not only does this present the chapter in a different point of view, but also supplies answers to questions that will improve your understanding of our cultural heritage. 

In many cases, our intense devotion for our gods has brought us together, and also torn us apart throughout history. In our search for the answers of the universe’s mysteries, our love and devotion to our gods and goddesses go undiminished; sustained by carrying on the tradition of prayer and rituals from one generation to the next. 

The chapter specific to NCERT Solutions of Class 7 history Chapter 8 contains a few specific topics that will be summarized here: 

The Idea of a Supreme God

In the early times of our history; even before thoughts of towns and cities could even be born, every group always looked for their way to explain the unexplainable. As we developed, we developed the concept of “nobility”, which meant not everyone was equal even at birth. As more people were subjected to this concept, they turned to the teachings of the Buddha and other deities. They longed for a supreme god; one who could free them of any bonds and grant them any wish they desired if they were simply approached with devotion or bhakti. The idea of bhakti gained popularity and has even been emulated by other religions.

The Change of Bhakthi in South India, Nayanars and Alvars

By the time Humans made it to the 9th century: They had two major sects of Hinduism made of people who came from all castes (even “untouchables”). The one thing the Alvars and Nayanars had in common was their devotion to their god (Vishnu and Shiva) respectively. However, while originally, these gods kept us apart; eventually, even our religious texts began to merge bhakti from various sources, creating the unified Hindu pantheon we see today. 

Philosophy and Bhakti

The final goal of Bhakti was to purify one’s self through multiple lifetimes in order to attain a pure state that will allow one to become one with the Supreme God. It is believed that this is what will give the soul eternal salvation and leave them in a unified state of eternal bliss. 

Basavanna’s Virashaivism

The history of Virashaivas, who strongly argued for the equality of women in a time when the Brahmanical laws suppressed them even in temples. 

The Saints of Maharashtra

The saints of Maharashtra were, in fact, saint-poets who were often looked down upon because of their “untouchable” status. However, the beauty of their poems was conveyed through common Marathi. These poems spread the idea of a supreme god who lives within all and saw everyone equally without the concept of “Nobility” and “untouchability”. 

Islam and Sufism

Islam and Sufism have initially been unified. However, as Sufism promoted love, devotion, and compassion to all; Islam enforced strict religious laws that highlighted submission to the almighty. These Holy laws (Shariat) and Islamic theology slowly grew in popularity because of the highly personal relationship each member has with their god as well as a significant sense of community with one another. 

Kabir

Kabir was a saint who came from a Muslim family was one of the few saints who was loved by nearly every religious group that knew him. The beauty of his poems could move the hearts of Hindus and Muslims alike. His death was said to be a source of conflict because both Hindus and Muslims wanted to perform their sacred rites on his body. It is written that Kabir changed his body to flowers that could be equally distributed among both groups to perform their respective rites. Kabir always preached religious tolerance, and in fact, forbade mockery of other religions.

Guru Nanak

Guru Nanak was another religious figure who was loved by all groups and gained an enormous following of people simply by way of his words and poetry. Baba Guru Nanak preached the idea of equality regardless of caste, creed, or gender. He also always preached the importance of the right beliefs, honest living, helping others, and righteous worship. 

Exercise

This exercise is designed by experts to help you understand CBSE Class 7 Social Science History Chapter 8 solutions. It consists of the following: 

• Match the following (5 choices)

• Fill in the blanks (4 sentences)

• Answer the following (6 questions, numbered three to eight)