Question

Q.4 Explain : Alvars and Nayanars.
Q-5 What were the important features of the bhakti movement?
Q-6 What was the religious policy of Akbar?
Q-7 Who was the founder of the Christi order?
Q-8 Who was the Suhrawardi order?​

Answer 1

Alvars:  

• The alvars were Tamil Poets-saints of South India who espoused bhakti to Hindu god Vishanu And his incarnation Lord Krishana in their song.
• They Expounded the way of Vaishnavism.
• Alvars Dated between 5th century to 10th century.
• Andal is the only female saint among 12 alvars.

Nayanars:

• The Nayanars were a group of 63 saints in 6th to 8th century.
• Who were to hindu god Shiva in Tamil Nadu.
• They, along with the Alwars, their contemporaries who were devoted to Vishnu, influenced the Bhakti movement in Tamil
• The Names of the Nayanaras were first compiled by sundarar.

Important feature of Bhakti Movement:

• The Bhakti exponents raised their powerful voice against different types of immoral acts like infanticide and sati and encouraged prohibition of wine, tobacco and toddy. Adultery and sodomy were also discouraged. They aimed to set up a good social order upholding high moral values.
• Remarkable impact was bringing about a unity among the Hindu and Muslim Communities.
• The method of worship and belief in God took a new turn during the movement.
• The spirit of tolerance, harmony and mutual respect which inaugurated  by bhakti saints.
• The Bhakti movement promoted the growth of vernacular language and literature in different parts of the country.

Religious Policy of Akbar:

• Akbar was pious Muslim but after marrying Jodh Bai of amber, he abolished pilgrim tax.
• In 1562, he abolished Jaziya Tax.
• He allowed his Hindu wives to worship their hindu gods.
• In 1575, Akbar built Ibadat Khana (House of worship) at his new capital Fatepur Sikri and invited scholars from all religions like Christianity, Hinduism, Jainism, and Zoroastrianism.
• He did not like the Muslim Ulemas in Political Matters.
• In 1579, he delivered the “Infallibility Decree” and proclaimed his religious powers.
• In 1582, he propagated a new religion called Din Ilahi or Divine Faith.
• Akbar's religious policy made him alive in history pages.

Moinuddin Chishti was the founder Christi Order.

suhrawadi Order:

• This is a sufi order founded by Diya-al-din Abu n-Najib as Suhrawadi.
• It is strictly sunni order.