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HCS (Haryana)Prelims2024General Studies
Question
Given below are two statements: Statement I: Bhakti saint Shankardev addressed ‘Vaishnav Dharma’ as ‘Bhagwati Dharma’ Statement II: Shankardev's main composition is Kirtanaghosh. In the light of the above statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below:
Options
- A Both Statement I and Statement II are true.
- B Both Statement I and Statement II are false.
- C Statement I is correct but Statement II is false.
- D Statement I is incorrect but Statement II is true.
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Correct Answer
A Both Statement I and Statement II are true.
Model Answer
- Srimanta Sankardev (1449–1568) was a renowned saint-scholar, poet, and reformer in Assam, India, and he is considered the founder of the Ekasarana Dharma (also known as Neo-Vaishnavism) in the region. Sankardev's teachings and religious reforms were centered around the principles of Vaishnavism, which is the worship of Vishnu as the supreme deity. His movement in Assam is often referred to as Ekasarana Dharma or Mahapurushiya Dharma.
- Sankardev often referred to his form of Vaishnavism as Bhagavata Dharma or Bhagavati Dharma. This term is derived from the Bhagavata Purana, one of the key texts in Vaishnavism, which emphasizes devotion to Lord Krishna (an avatar of Vishnu). Hence, statement I is correct.
- The term Bhagavata Dharma essentially means the religion or path of those devoted to Bhagavan (God), specifically Lord Vishnu or Krishna. It emphasizes the practice of devotion (Bhakti) and surrender to God as outlined in the Bhagavata Purana.
- Principles of Bhagavata Dharma include Ekasarana (Sole Refuge), Naam-Kirtan and Equality.
- Kirtan Ghosha was composed by Srimanta Sankardev to spread the teachings of Vaishnavism and to propagate the message of devotion to Lord Krishna among the people of Assam. It was written in the Assamese language, making it accessible to the common people. Hence, statement II is correct.