New Religious Ideas and Movements 7th Social Science Lesson 16 Questions in English
7th Social Science Lesson 16 Questions in English
16. New Religious Ideas and Movements
1. The devotional poetry relating to medieval India were based on
a) Hindu
b) Muslim
c) Based on all religions
d) Christians
Explanation
Medieval India saw an extraordinary production of devotional poetry, which were not restricted to one particular religion but inspired by different religious movements. The exponents of these movements held the view that total devotion (bhakti) to God could save man from the pitfalls of life and earn him salvation.
2. What was proposed superior in Bhagavat gita?
a) Bhaktimarga (the path of bhakti)
b) The path of knowledge (jnana)
c) The path of rituals and good works (karma)
d) All the above
Explanation
God is omnipresent and resides inside every human. The Bhagavad Gita proposed that the path of bhaktimarga (the path of bhakti) is superior to the two other religious approaches, namely, the path of knowledge (jnana) and the path of rituals and good works (karma), providing inspiration to the exponents of Bhakti cult.
3. When was the bhakthi movement started in Tamil Nadu?
a) 3rd century BC
b) 2nd century AD
c) 7th century AD
d) 5th century BC
Explanation
The Bhakti movement, or the resurgence of devotional practices, started in Tamil Nadu around seventh century A.D.
4. What does Bhakthi movement in Tamil Nadu include?
a) Reciting the name of the God or Goddess
b) Singing hymns in their praise
c) Wearing religious marks or carrying identity emblems
d) All the above
Explanation
The Bhakti movement, or the resurgence of devotional practices, started in Tamil Nadu around seventh century A.D. It included reciting the name of the God or Goddess, singing hymns in their praise, wearing religious marks or carrying identity emblems, and undertaking pilgrimages to sacred places associated with the deity. It emphasized the mutual emotional attachment and love of a devotee towards a personal God and of the God for the devotee.
5. Which religion appeared as a reaction against worldliness of the early Islam?
a) Hinduism
b) Saivism
c) Sufism
d) None of the above
Explanation
This view was also preached by Sufism, which appeared as a reaction against worldliness of the early Islam. Sufis believed that realization of God can be achieved only through passionate devotion to God and intense meditation.
6. Sufis argued that doing what would liberate the devotee from all worldly bonds and help them become one with God?
a) Rituals
b) Saying mantras
c) Doing hymns
d) Meditation
Explanation
Sufis were of the view that this type of meditation would enable the devotee to understand the true nature of God. They argued that doing so would liberate the devotee from all worldly bonds and help them become one with God.
7. Who said that, ‘There is only one god, though Hindus and Muslims call him by different names’?
a) Kabir
b) Haridasa
c) Gandhi
d) None of the above
Explanation
Several mystical religious movements, in both Hinduism and Islam, had no hesitation to freely include elements of different faiths in their teachings. ‘There is only one god, though Hindus and Muslims call him by different names’, stated Haridasa.
8. Poems to Siva and Vishnu, particularly to Krishna, were composed in which language
a) Tamil
b) Telugu
c) Kannada
d) All the above
Explanation
The Azhwars, the Vaishnavite Bhakti sages and the originators of Bhakti cult, and the Nayanmars, the worshipers of Siva or the Saivites, composed devotional hymns in Tamil language, dedicated to their respective gods. Siva-bhakti is associated with Siva’s manifestations on earth. Poems to Siva and Vishnu, particularly to Krishna, were composed in Tamil and other South Indian languages such as Kannada and Telugu.
9. Who was the author of Thiruvaimozhi?
a) Thirunavukarasar
b) Appar
c) Sundarar
d) Nammazhwar
Explanation
Ishnu-bhakti or Vaishnavism is based on Vishnu’s avatars (incarnations), particularly Krishna and Rama. The 12 Tamil Azhwars are chiefly known for their immortal hymns. Two Azhwars stand out distinctly for their contribution to the promotion of the Bhakti movement. Nammazhwar fame lies in his 1,102-stanza Tiruvaimozhi.
10. Who collected the 4,000 poems of Nammazhwar, in the form of Divya Prabandhams?
a) Thirunavukarasar
b) Appar
c) Sundarar
d) Nathamuni
Explanation
Nammazhwar fame lies in his 1,102-stanza Tiruvaimozhi. Nathamuni collected the 4,000 poems of Nammazhwar, in the form of Divya Prabandhams.
11. Who was the only female Azhwar?
a) Avvaiyar
b) Appar
c) Andal
d) None of the above
Explanation
Andal, the only female Azhwar, is another. Periyazhwar, who was earlier known as Vishnu Chittar, made lots of songs on Krishna putting himself in the place of mother Yashoda.
12. Who is said to have found Andal as a baby in the tulsi garden at Srivilliputhur temple and adopted her?
a) Nammazhwar
b) Perudevanar
c) Periyazhvar
d) All the above
Explanation
Periyazhvar is said to have found Andal as a baby in the tulsi garden at Srivilliputhur temple and adopted her. She grew up in the temple town of Srivilliputhur and became known as Andal-she who ruled.
13. From the following find the works of Andal?
a) Thiruppavai
b) Nachiyar Thirumozhi
c) Ayyavazhi
d) Both a and b
Explanation
The Thiruppavai (The Path to Krishna) and the Nachiyar Thirumozhi (The Sacred Songs of the Lady) are celebrated works of Andal. Her poems expressing her love for Ranganatha, the incarnation of Vishnu worshiped at a temple at Srirangam, are used in Vaishnava wedding ceremonies in Tamil Nadu.
14. From the following find the who is one of the 3 Azhwars?
a) Poigai Azhwar
b) Thirumalisai Azhwar
c) Nammazhwar
d) None of the above
Explanation
Three Muthal Azhwars: Poigai Azhwar, Bhoothathu Azhwar and Pei Azhwar. Other Azhwars: Thirumalisai Azhwar, Periyazhwar, Thondaradippodi Azhwar, Thirumangai Azhwar, Thiruppanazhwar, Kulasekara Azhwar, Nammazhwar, Mathurakavi Azhwar and Andal.
15. Who among the following are legendry Nayanmars?
a) Gnanasampandar
b) Appar
c) Sundarar
d) All the above
Explanation
There are 63 legendary Nayanmars. Among them, Gnanasampandar, Appar, and Sundarar (often called “the trio”) are worshipped as saints through their images in South Indian temples.
16. Which period does Adi shankara belong to?
a) 150-100 BC
b) 750-850 AD
c) 700-750 AD
d) None of the above
Explanation
Adi Shankara or Shankarachariar (c. 700–750 A.D.) preached the Advaita philosophy. The essence of this philosophy is that the soul (atma) unites with the universal soul (brahma) through the attainment of knowledge.
17. Who set up mathas (mutts), centres of learning and worship, at Badrinath, Puri, Dwarka and Sringeri?
a) Ramanuja
b) Adi shankara
c) Nithyasekara
d) None of the above
Explanation
Adi Shankara or Shankaracharya set up mathas (mutts), centers of learning and worship, at Badrinath, Puri, Dwarka and Sringeri. These places have become prominent pilgrim centres today. Shankara enthusiastically endeavored to restore the orthodox Vedic tradition without paying attention to the Bhakti movement of his time.
18. _____ is said to have compiled the songs of all of the Nayanmars that form the basis of Tirumurai, the basic Tamil Saivite sacred canon.
a) Appar
b) Sundarar
c) Nambiyandar Nambi
d) All the above
Explanation
Nambi Andar Nambi (1000 A.D.) is said to have compiled the songs of all of the Nayanmars that form the basis of Tirumurai, the basic Tamil Saivite sacred canon. It consists of 12 books, and 11 of them were assembled by Nambi. The 12th book is Sekkizhar’s Periyapuranam.
19. Who is the author of philosophy Vishistadvaita?
a) Adi shankara
b) Shankaracharya
c) Ramanuja
d) All the above
Explanation
Ramanuja, a 11th century Vaishnava saint, was the most influential thinker of Vaishnavism. His philosophy, known as vishistadvaita, proclaims that the soul retains its identity even after uniting with brahma.
20. Where did Ramanujar settle after a long pilgrimage?
a) Tirunelveli
b) Thanjavur
c) Tirupati
d) Srirangam
Explanation
Ramanuja, a 11th century Vaishnava saint, was the most influential thinker of Vaishnavism. His philosophy, known as vishistadvaita, proclaims that the soul retains its identity even after uniting with brahma.
21. Where did Vadakalai vaishnavism flourished?
a) Delhi
b) Kanchipuram
c) Vellore
d) Thiruvaiyyar
Explanation
In the 16th and 17th centuries, Vaishnavism spread across India. The Vadakalai Vaishnavism originally flourished around Kanchipuram, which was a popular center for Sanskrit learning.
22. Thenkalai Vaishnavism was centered in
a) Delhi
b) Kanchipuram
c) Vellore
d) Srirangam
Explanation
Thenkalai Vaishnavism centered on Srirangam. Vadakalai sect focused on Vedic literature, which is written in Sanskrit. The Thenkalai sect stressed the importance of Divya Prabandhams, written by the 12 Azhwars in Tamil.
23. Who were the founders of new sects that are included in the movement in Bengal, associated with Chaitanya deva?
a) Kabir
b) Guru nanak
c) Tulsidas
d) Both a and b
Explanation
While dealing with the religious movements of the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries in northern India, one has to keep in mind the two very different attitudes which Hindu religious leaders had towards Islam. One group accepted what was best in Islam; the other adopted a few elements in order to prevent conversion to Islam. Both reacted to Islam, but one was sympathetic while the other was hostile. Kabir and Guru Nanak, and other founders of new sects are included in the first group, while the movement in Bengal, associated with Chaitanya deva, or Chaitanya Mahaprabu, belongs to the latter tendency.
24. Who spread the Bhakti ideology in northern India where it became a mass movement?
a) Vallabacharya
b) Ramanuja
c) Ramananda
d) None of the above
Explanation
It was Ramananda who spread the Bhakti ideology in northern India where it became a mass movement.
25. _____a Telugu philosopher, built a temple for Lord Krishna on the Govardhan Hills near Mathura.
a) Vallabacharya
b) Ramanuja
c) Ramananda
d) None of the above
Explanation
Vallabh Acharya, a Telugu philosopher, built a temple for Lord Krishna on the Govardhan Hills near Mathura.
26. Who is a blind poet and musician, was associated with this temple as well as that of Agra?
a) Govardhan
b) Meera bai
c) Surdas
d) None of the above
Explanation
Surdas, a blind poet and musician, was associated with this temple as well as that of Agra. His famous collection of poetry is called Sursagar. Meera Bai, wife of the crown prince of Mewar, was an ardent devotee of Lord Krishna. She was a disciple of Ravidas.
27. Who gained popularity through her bhajans?
a) Meera bai
b) Ravi das
c) Sursagar
d) None of the above
Explanation
Meera Bai gained popularity through her bhajans. Chaitanyadeva popularized Krishna worship through ecstatic songs and dancing that had a profound effect on Vaishnavism in Bengal.
28. _______ ,a 17th century saint poet of Maharashtra, is known for his spiritual songs (abangas or kirtanas).
a) Tukaram
b) Vithoba
c) Panduranga
d) None of the above
Explanation
Tukaram, a 17th century saint poet of Maharashtra, is known for his spiritual songs (abangas or kirtanas), devoted to Vitthoba, an avatar of Krishna. There is a Vitthoba / Panduranga temple at Pantharpur or Pandaripuram in Sholapur district, Maharashtra. What is Chaitanyadeva to Bengal is Tukaram to Maharashtra.
29. When did Sufism gained prominence in India?
a) Delhi sultanates
b) Mughal emperor
c) Mauryan empire
d) None of the above
Explanation
The advent of Sufis to India dates back to the Arab conquest of Sind. It gained prominence in the 10th and 11th centuries during the reign of the Delhi Sultans. Sufism adopted many native Indian concepts such as yogic postures, music and dance. Sufism found adherents among both Muslims and Hindus.
30. The word Sufi takes its origin from suf, it means
a) Skin
b) Meditation
c) Music
d) Wool
Explanation
The word Sufi takes its origin from suf, meaning wool. The Sufis wore course garments made of wool and hence they were called Sufis. Sufism was basically Islamic but was influenced by Hindu and Buddhist (Mahayana) ideas.
31. How does the Sufis accept Ulemas?
a) Accepted wholeheartedly
b) With certain modification
c) Never accepted
d) None of the above
Explanation
Sufism was basically Islamic but was influenced by Hindu and Buddhist (Mahayana) ideas. It rejected the stringent conduct code of the ulemas. Sufis lived in hermitages akin to monasteries and functioned outside society.
32. From the following find out the major orders of Sufism?
a) Chisti
b) Suhrawardi
c) Firdausi
d) All the above
Explanation
Sufis in medieval India were divided into three major orders. They were Chisti, Suhrawardi and Firdausi. Moinuddin Chishti made Chisti order popular in India. He died in Ajmer (1236) and his resting place is in the Ajmer Sharif Dargah in Ajmer, Rajasthan.
33. One of its distinguished followers of Nizamuddin Auliya is
a) Kabir
b) Amir khusru
c) Firdausi
d) None of the above
Explanation
The best known Sufi sage of the early medieval period was Nizamuddin Auliya of the Chishti order, who had a large number of followers among the ruling class in Delhi. Poet Amir Khusru was one of its distinguished followers. Suhrawardi order was founded byan Iranian Sufi Abdul-Wahid Abu Najib. The Firdausi order was a branch of Suhrawardi order and its activities were confined to Bihar.
34. Who tried to reconcile Hinduism and Islam under the influence of Varanasi-based Saint Ramananda?
a) Amir Khusuru
b) Kabir
c) Wahid
d) None of the above
Explanation
As a Muslim, Kabir came under the influence of Varanasi-based Saint Ramananda. He accepted some Hindu ideas and tried to reconcile Hinduism and Islam. However, it was the Hindus, and particularly those of the lower classes, to whom his message appealed.
35. Kabir’s verses were composed in which of the following languages?
a) Urdu
b) Bengali
c) Bhojpuri
d) Both a and c
Explanation
Kabir believed that God is one and formless, even though different religious sects give him different names and forms. He opposed discrimination on the basis of religion, caste and wealth. He also condemned meaningless rituals. Kabir’s verses were composed in Bhojpuri language mixed with Urdu. The Kabir’s Granthavali and the Bijak contain collections of Kabir’s verses.
36. Guru nanak was born in 1469 at which place?
a) Punjab
b) Lahore
c) Delhi
d) None of the above
Explanation
Guru Nanak, born in a village near Lahore in 1469, showed interest in religious discussions with other saints right from his early childhood. His parents were keen to involve him in worldly life. But he was inclined towards spiritualism.
37. Gurudwara Darbar Sahib is located in
a) India
b) Bangladesh
c) Pakistan
d) None of the above
Explanation
Guru Nanak visited many holy places and finally settled in Kartarpur near Lahore. He died there in 1539. To mark the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak, a corridor is being constructed by the Indian government that will link the Nanak shrine in Gurdaspur with Gurudwara Darbar Sahib at Kartarpur in Pakistan.
38. Who is considered as first guru among Sikhs?
a) Guru harbind
b) Guru nanak
c) Guru govind Singh
d) None
Explanation
Guru Nanak preached that God is without form and wanted his followers to practice meditation upon the name of God for peace and ultimate salvation. He is considered the first guru by the Sikhs.
39. Guru Nanak and his successors’ teachings are collected in the
a) Guru Granth Sahib
b) Guru keerth Sahib
c) Guru henth Sahib
d) None of the above
Explanation
The teachings of Guru Nanak formed the basis of Sikhism, a new religious order, founded in the late 15th century. His and his successors’ teachings are collected in the Guru Granth Sahib, which is the holy book of the Sikhs.
40. Guru Nanak’s teachings were spread through the group singing of hymns, called
a) Peetans
b) Kirtan
c) Hedras
d) None of the above
Explanation
Guru Nanak’s teachings were spread through the group singing of hymns, called kirtan. The devotees gathered in (rest houses), which became gurudwaras in course of time.
41. Guru Nanak nominated Whom as his disciple to succeed him as the guru?
a) Guru har gobind
b) Hartal
c) Lehna
d) None of the above
Explanation
Guru Nanak nominated his disciple Lehna to succeed him as the guru. Following this precedent, the successors are named by the incumbent Sikh Guru. At the time of Guru Gobind Singh, the custom of pahul (baptism by sweetened water stirred with a dagger) was introduced.
42. Those who got baptized became members of a disciplined brotherhood known as the
a) Kahna
b) Khalsa
c) Kangha
d) None
Explanation
Guru Gobind Singh, the custom of pahul (baptism by sweetened water stirred with a dagger) was introduced. Those who got baptized became members of a disciplined brotherhood known as the Khalsa (meaning the pure). The men were given the title Singh (lion).
43. What is Kesh and kangha?
a) Comb and uncut hair
b) Uncut hair and comb
c) Swords
d) Steel bangle
Explanation
Every member of the Khalsa had to have five distinctive things on his person. These were kesh (uncut hair), kangha (comb), kirpan (dagger), kada (steel bangle) and kachera (underpants). After Guru Gobind Singh, the holy book Guru Grants Sahib is considered the guru and its message is spread by the Khalsa.
44. Which of the following does bhakthi movement brought?
a) It used the language of the common people for its devotional literature.
b) Opened up space for Indian languages to grow. It stimulated literary activity in regional languages
c) Caste system and social disparities came to be criticized.
d) All the above
Explanation
Vedic Hinduism was regenerated and thus saved from the onslaught of Islam. The Islamic tenets – unity of God and universal brotherhood – emphasized by the saints promoted harmony and peace. Bhakti was a movement of the common people; it used the language of the common people for its devotional literature. Bhakti movement opened up space for Indian languages to grow. It stimulated literary activity in regional languages. What sustained Sanskrit, despite its decline during this period, was the support extended by the rulers of Hindu kingdoms.
45. ____was the only ancient Indian language remained vibrant during this period.
a) Sanskrit
b) Hindi
c) Tamil
d) None of the above
Explanation
Tamil was the only ancient Indian language remained vibrant during this period. But the ethos of Tamil literature in medieval time had changed. In the classical period, it had secular literature depicting the everyday life, its joys and sorrows, but under the influence of devotional cults, its emphasis shifted to religion and religious literature.