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Bhakti-Sufi Traditions
How centres of pilgrimage develop from the travels of Alvars and Nayanars?
Alvars and Nayanars identified, during their travels, certain shrines as abodes of their respective deities. Later on, large temples were constructed at these places and they became pilgrimage centres. Singing compositions of poet-saints became part of temple rituals in these shrines, as did worship of the images of saints.
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Describe the major teachings of either Kabir or Baba Guru Nanak, and the ways in which these have been transmitted.
Discuss the major beliefs and practices that characterised Sufism.
Examine how and why rulers tried to establish connections with the traditions of the Nayanars and the Sufis.
Analyse, with illustrations, why Bhaktland Sufi thinkers adopted a variety of languages in which to express their opinions.
Read any five of the sources included in this chapter and discuss the social and religious ideas that are expressed in them.
On an outline map of India, plot three major sufi shrines, and three places associated with temples (one each of a form of Vishnu, Shiva and the goddess).
Choose any two of the religious teachers/thinkers/saints mentioned in this chapter, and find out more about their lives and teachings. Prepare a report
about the area and the times in which they lived their major ideas, how we know about them, and why you think they are important.
Find out more about practices of pilgrimage associated with the shrines mentioned in this chapter. Are these pilgrimages still undertaken? When are these shrines visited? Who visits these shrines? Why do they do so? What are the activities associated with these pilgrimages?
Mention the two earliest Bhakti Movements of Tamil Nadu, giving the main difference between them.
Mention two features of the protest movement started by Nayanars and Alvars.
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