Question

Which of the following is/are cause(s) of Bhakti Movement in India?
A)Caste Division
B)Untouchability
C)Rituality
D)All of the above

Answer 1

Hint: The Bhakti movement was initiated in the 9th century A.D by Shankaracharya which continued till 16th century A.D by many Hindu devotees, preachers and religious reformers.

Complete answer:
The word Bhakti is derived from the Sanskrit word Bhaja whose actual meaning is ‘to utter’. But the word Bhaja also signifies the meaning ‘to adore’ or ‘to love with honour’. Thus in the general sense Bhakti means devotion. But the Bhakti movement referred to the movement which emphasized intense devotion to God. This devotion was expressed by a devotee through the chanting the name of their God. The main causes of Bhakti movement are :

Caste Division: During the period of Bhakti movement many people faced discrimination on the basis of caste and religion. The religion itself was monopolized by the brahmins who themselves are corrupt and malicious.

Untouchability: During this time the society was full of social evils. There was a problem of untouchability prevailing in India. The lower caste people had the worst conditions due to the untouchability.

Rituality: During the time of Muslim rule in India rituals which were performed by the common people became complicated. The people started questioning the irrelevant rituals and religious practices prevailing in the society.

Hence, the correct answer is option (D)

Note: At the same time, the saints of the Bhakti movement also stressed upon the discrimination. According to them there was no distinction of class, colour, caste etc. All were equal. They said that rituals were useless. The existence of God can be only felt through devotion, meditation, love and purity of soul.