Class 7 History Chapter Devotional Paths to the Divine Notes Download FREE PDF
FAQs on Devotional Paths to the Divine Class 7 Notes: CBSE History Chapter 6
1. What is the main idea behind a 'devotional path' as discussed in Class 7 History Chapter 6?
A devotional path, such as the Bhakti and Sufi movements, is a religious approach that focuses on an intense, personal love and devotion to a single God. The core idea for revision is that through this direct, heartfelt connection, one can attain salvation, bypassing complex rituals and social hierarchies.
2. What were the key teachings of Guru Nanak for a quick revision?
For a quick revision of Chapter 6, remember Guru Nanak's main teachings emphasised:
- Worship of one formless God (nirguna bhakti).
- The irrelevance of caste, creed, or gender for attaining liberation.
- The importance of an active life with a strong sense of social commitment.
- His ideas of equality were expressed through collective worship (sangat) and common kitchens (langar).
3. How did the Virashaiva movement, led by Basavanna, view the caste system?
The Virashaiva movement strongly argued for the equality of all human beings. They challenged the Brahmanical ideas about caste and the poor treatment of women. They rejected all forms of ritual and idol worship, promoting a society where people from all backgrounds could live in harmony.
4. What were the main principles expressed in the teachings of Kabir?
Kabir's teachings were a powerful critique of established religions. The key concepts for revision include:
- The rejection of all major religious traditions and orthodox beliefs.
- Criticism of external worship in both Brahmanical Hinduism and Islam.
- A belief in a single, formless Supreme God.
- The core idea that the only path to salvation was through pure devotion (bhakti).
5. Who were the Sufis, and what was their central belief?
The Sufis were Muslim mystics who rejected outward religiosity and instead emphasised love and devotion to God, and compassion towards all fellow human beings. Their central belief was that the heart could be trained to look at the world in a different way, seeking a personal union with God much like a lover seeks his beloved.
6. How did the Bhakti and Sufi movements contribute to social reform in medieval India?
Both the Bhakti and Sufi movements acted as powerful agents of social reform. They challenged the rigid caste system and religious orthodoxies by preaching a message of universal love and brotherhood. By welcoming followers from all social backgrounds, including lower castes and women, they promoted social harmony and equality.
7. What was the primary difference between the Nayanars and the Alvars for concept clarity?
The primary difference for revision lies in the deity they worshipped. The Nayanars were saints devoted to Lord Shiva, while the Alvars were saints devoted to Lord Vishnu. Both groups were central to the early Bhakti movement in South India, composing poems in Tamil that celebrated their love for their chosen deity.
8. Why did many devotional saints, like Kabir and Basavanna, reject formal rituals?
Many devotional saints rejected elaborate rituals because they saw them as external distractions from the true path to God. They believed these ceremonies created artificial barriers, often controlled by priestly classes, and prevented a direct, personal, and emotional connection with the divine. Their focus was on internal faith and love, which they taught was accessible to everyone.
9. How did the ideas of the Bhakti movement influence art and literature?
The Bhakti movement led to a great flourishing of regional literature and arts. Saints composed devotional poetry and songs in local languages, making them accessible to the common people. This inspired new forms of music, such as bhajans and kirtans, and also influenced temple architecture and sculpture, all centred around expressing intense personal devotion.

















