The Medieval Period spans from the 5th to the 15th century. It was a time of religious transformation. Major religious movements emerged, influencing cultural and social dynamics. The Catholic Church became a dominant institution in Europe. Various reformist and heretical movements also arose, challenging established norms.
The Bhakti Movement
The Bhakti Movement emphasises devotion, or ‘Bhakti’, towards a personal god. Originating in South India between the 7th and 10th centuries, it was expressed through Tamil poetry by the Alvars and Nayanars. The movement spread to North India, notably through the Bhagavata-Purana.
Reasons Behind the Bhakti Movement
The Bhakti Movement arose in response to social injustices and corrupt practices in Hinduism. Key reasons for its spread included:
- The rise of Islam and its teachings.
- Influential reformers advocating change.
- The impact of Sufi sects.
- Ideologies of Vaishnavism and Shaivism.
Teachings of the Bhakti Movement
The Bhakti saints preached several core beliefs:
- Equality among all people, regardless of caste or gender.
- Universal brotherhood based on love and compassion.
- Rejection of superficial rituals in favour of sincere devotion.
Schools of Thought in the Bhakti Movement
The movement is divided into two primary schools:
- Nirgunabhakti: Advocates formless worship, led by saints like Kabir and Guru Nanak.
- Sagunabhakti: Focuses on worshipping the divine in form, represented by figures such as Ramanuja and Meera Bai.
Shankaracharya and Advaita Vedanta
Adi Shankara, born in Kerala, founded Advaita Vedanta. He became a saint at age five. He taught that the true Self is identical to Brahman, the Absolute Reality. His works include commentaries on the Upanishads and the Brahmasutras. Followers of this philosophy are known as Smratas.
Ramanujacharya and Vishishta Advaita
Born in 1017 in Sriperumbudur, Ramanujacharya was a disciple of Yamuna Muni. He founded Vishishta Advaita, advocating for a personal relationship with God. He opposed the rigid caste system, promoting the idea that all could attain salvation through devotion.
Nimbaraka and Dwita Advaita
Nimbaraka, a disciple of Ramanujacharya, introduced the Radhamadhav cult. His philosophy, Dwita Advaita, balances Advaita and Vishishta Advaita. He believed that surrendering to Radha-Krishna leads to liberation.
Madhvacharya and Dvaita Philosophy
Madhvacharya, born in 1238, propounded Dvaita, or Dualism. He wrote extensive commentaries on sacred texts. His philosophy argues that the world is real and that the soul must seek grace to attain liberation.
Vallabhacharya and Shuddha Advaita
Known as Achinitabhadra, Vallabhacharya promoted Krishna Bhakti based on the Maha Bhagavad Purana. He founded Shuddha Advaita, believing in absolute union with God. His teachings emphasised Pushtimarga, the path of grace.
Basavanna and the Lingayat Movement
Basavanna was a 12th-century philosopher and poet. He raised social awareness through Vachana poetry. He established the Anubhava Mantapa, a forum for spiritual discussion, promoting equality and social justice.
Ramananda and Social Reform
Ramananda was a 14th-century Vaishnava poet. He accepted disciples from all backgrounds, advocating for equality. His teachings influenced many, including Kabir and Ravidas. His works include Gyan-lila and Yog-Kintamani.
Kabir – The Mystic Poet
Kabir, a 15th-century poet, challenged religious orthodoxy. He advocated for a formless God and universal love. His verses are included in the Guru Granth Sahib. He founded the Kabir Panth, promoting a path of devotion.
Guru Nanak and Sikhism
Guru Nanak, born in 1469, is the founder of Sikhism. He preached equality and the oneness of God. His teachings emphasised a direct relationship with God, rejecting rituals and caste distinctions. He composed 974 hymns in the Guru Granth Sahib.
Mirabai – The Devoted Poetess
Mirabai was a prominent Bhakti reformer from Rajasthan. She introduced the Giridhara Gopala cult and composed bhajans in Vraj Bhasha. Her devotion to Krishna exemplified the Bhakti spirit.
Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and Gaudiya Vaishnavism
Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, from Bengal, popularised Vaishnavism. He introduced Kirtans and emphasised ecstatic devotion. His teachings led to the development of Gaudiya Vaishnavism.
Tulsidas and Ramcharit Manas
Tulsidas lived during Akbar’s reign. He composed the ‘Ramcharit Manas’ in Avadhi. He is credited with popularising Ramlila, a folk adaptation of the Ramayana.
Dadu Dayal and Nirgunabhakti
Dadu Dayal, from Ahmedabad, preached Nirgunabhakti. His teachings were compiled in ‘Dadu Dayaram ki Bani’. He emphasised devotion to the formless God.
Shankar Dev and Vaishnavism in Assam
Shankar Dev introduced Vaishnavism in the Brahmaputra valley. He founded Eka Saranadharma and promoted new forms of music and theatre, enriching Assam’s cultural landscape.
Purandaradasa – Father of Carnatic Music
Purandaradasa, from Karnataka, is regarded as the father of Carnatic music. He composed numerous devotional songs and introduced the Raga Mayamalavagowla for beginners.
Ganeshwar and Varkari Tradition
Ganeshwar wrote the ‘Gnaneswari’, a commentary on the Bhagavad Gita. His followers, the Varkaris, seek God through devotional songs and prayers.
Eknath and Marathi Literature
Eknath emphasised the growth of the Marathi language. He wrote religious songs called Abhangas and advocated devotion within family life.
Namdev and Cultural Unity
Namdev, a tailor by profession, promoted the cultural unity of the Marathas. His devotional songs are included in the Guru Granth Sahib. He advocated equality among all people.
Tukaram – The Great Bhakti Reformer
Tukaram, a contemporary of Shivaji, popularised the Vithoba cult. He composed Abhangs, emphasising equality and universal brotherhood.
Samard Ramdas – Guru of Shivaji
Samard Ramdas, a revered saint, inspired Shivaji in establishing Swaraj. His teachings were compiled in ‘Dasabodha’, promoting devotion to Lord Rama.
