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HCS (Haryana)Prelims2024General Studies
Question
Consider the following statements: 1. Kabir Granthawali is related to Dadupanthies of Rajasthan. 2. Meera's teacher Raidas was a weaver. 3. Malik Mohammad Jayasi promoted the establishment of prayer halls like Namghar. How many of the statements given above are correct?
Options
- A Only one statement is correct.
- B Only two statements are correct.
- C All three statements are correct.
- D None of the statements is correct.
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Correct Answer
A Only one statement is correct.
Model Answer
Kabir Granthawali
- The Kabir Granthavali is a compilation of the hymns, songs, and teachings of Kabir, who was known for his critique of both Hindu and Muslim religious practices. He emphasized the importance of a personal connection with the Divine and condemned ritualism, caste distinctions, and religious hypocrisy. Hence, statement 1 is incorrect.
- Kabir's works are widely respected and are included in various collections like the Bijak (a text associated with the Kabir Panth) and the Guru Granth Sahib (the holy scripture of the Sikhs).
Raidas or Ravidas
- Ravidas was a 15th-century saint, poet, and social reformer from the Bhakti movement, primarily revered in North India. He belonged to a community of leather workers, and he practiced the profession of leatherworking and weaving.
- Despite his lower caste status, Ravidas became widely respected for his spiritual wisdom, devotional songs (bhajans), and his teachings on equality, humility, and devotion to God.
- His hymns emphasized the importance of a direct relationship with God and were against caste discrimination and ritualistic practices. Many of his compositions are included in the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy scripture of the Sikhs.
- Meera Bai was a 16th-century Rajput princess and a devout follower of Lord Krishna. She is renowned for her devotion and her poetic compositions dedicated to Krishna.
- Meera Bai regarded Ravidas as her spiritual guru. She often expressed her deep respect and reverence for him in her poetry, acknowledging his role in guiding her spiritual journey.
- Hence, statement 2 is correct.
Namghars
- Namghars are prayer halls associated with the Neo-Vaishnavite movement in Assam, initiated by Srimanta Sankardev in the 15th century. These structures serve as community centers for religious and cultural activities, where people gather for prayers, recitations of the Bhagavata Purana, and singing of devotional songs (kirtans). Hence, statement 3 is incorrect.
- Srimanta Sankardev was the key figure behind the establishment of Namghars as part of his efforts to spread Vaishnavism in Assam. His teachings focused on devotion to Lord Krishna, and the Namghar played a crucial role in bringing people together for worship and community activities.
Additional Information
- The Dadupanthis are followers of Dadu Dayal, a 16th-century saint from Rajasthan. Dadu Dayal, like Kabir, was a Bhakti saint who preached the importance of devotion to a formless God, rejecting idolatry and ritualism.
- Dadu Dayal's teachings were collected in a text known as the Dadu Panchratna and other works specific to the Dadupanthi tradition.
- Malik Muhammad Jayasi (c. 1492–1542) was a Sufi poet from North India, most famous for his epic poem Padmavat.