Question

Which of the following aspects of the Bhakti movement was common with Sufism?
A. Monotheism or belief in one God.
B. Equality and brotherhood of man.
C. Rejection of rituals and class Division.
D. All of the above.

Answer 1

Hint The Bhakti and Sufi Movement both played a fundamental role in bringing harmony between the Hindus and the Muslims. Bhakti Cult originated in the 7th-8th century in South India with the aim of bridging gaps between the Shaivas and the Vaishnavas.

Complete step-by-step solution
The Bhakti Movement was derived largely from the Upanishads, the Puranas, and the Bhagavad Gita. It believed in intense personal devotion and complete self-surrender to God. It promoted the monotheistic nature of God, brotherhood among men, and the equality of all religions. The other teachings of the Bhakti cult included the purity of heart and honest behavior.
Sufism was first introduced in India in the 12th century AD. It had two major teachings: To make spiritual progress and to serve mankind. Sufism laid emphasis on the equality of all human beings and the brotherhood of man. This concept of universal brotherhood and the humanitarian ideals of the Sufi saints attracted the Indian minds.
Hence the basic features of the Bhakti cult had many similarities with those of Sufism.

Thus, option (D) is correct.

Additional Information Shankaracharya is renowned to have been the first and principal exponent of the Bhakti movement. The credit for the evolution of various Indian languages like Urdu, Punjabi, Sindhi, Kashmiri, and Hindi should go to the Sufi saints who used to preach their teachings in these languages.

Note The liberal-minded Sufis were welcomed in India due to the similarities between the Sufism and the Bhakti cult and this helped greatly in checking the growth of Islam in India.