Courses
Courses for Kids
Free study material
Offline Centres
More
Store Icon
Store

Devotional Paths to the Divine Class 7 Notes: CBSE History Chapter 6

ffImage
banner

Class 7 History Chapter Devotional Paths to the Divine Notes Download FREE PDF

Vedantu Class 7 History Chapter 6 Notes on Devotional Paths to the Divine explores the rich tapestry of devotional movements in India, highlighting the spiritual journeys of various saints and poets who sought to connect with the divine. Students will gain insights into the Bhakti and Sufi traditions and learn how these paths influenced Indian culture and society.


Our revision notes align with the CBSE Class 7 History Syllabus, ensuring that all key topics are covered thoroughly. The notes simplify complex ideas, making it easier for students to grasp the essence of these devotional movements. Download the Revision Notes for Class 7 History for FREE to enhance your exam preparation and deepen your understanding of this chapter.

Access Class 7 History Chapter 6 Notes on Devotional Paths to the Divine

The Idea of a Supreme God

Before the emergence of large kingdoms, people were not only free to worship their gods and goddesses but were also brought together through the growth of towns, trade, and empires and also shared new ideas. The idea that all living things pass through countless cycles of birth and rebirth performing good deeds and bad came to be widely accepted. Besides that, the idea that all human beings are not equal even at birth gained ground during this period. People had believed that social privileges came with a child who was born in a noble family. Slowly people who were not comfortable with such concepts turned towards new religions like Buddhism and Jainism.


Nayanars and Alvars - New Kind of Bhakti in South India.

The 7th to 9th centuries saw the emergence of new religious movements, led by the Nayanars (saints devoted to Shiva) and Alvars (saints devoted to Vishnu) who came from all castes including those considered 'untouchable' like the Pulaiyar and the Panars but critical of the Buddhists and Jainas and preached ardent love of Shiva or Vishnu as the path to salvation.

The Nayanars and Alvars went from place to place composing exquisite poems in praise of the deities enshrined in the villages they visited and set them to music. Between the 10th and 12th centuries, the Chola and Pandya kings built elaborate temples around many of the shrines visited by the saint-poets, strengthening the links between the bhakti tradition and temple worship.


Philosophy and Bhakti

Shankara

Shankara, one of the most influential philosophers of India, was born in Kerala in the 18th century. He advocates Advaita or the doctrine of the oneness of the individual soul and the Supreme God that declares that there is but Ultimate Reality, that the individual self and the Brahman are one. He opines that the reality of the world is then relative as opposed to the absolute nature of Brahman. He considered that the world is an illusion or maya and preached renunciation of the world and adoption of the path of knowledge to understand the true nature of Brahman and attain salvation.


Ramanujan

In the 11th century, Ramanujan was born in Tamil Nadu. Alvars swayed him. He stated that one could get salvation through an intense dedication of God Vishnu.He propounded the doctrine of Vishishtadvaita or qualified oneness in that the soul even when united with the Supreme God remained distinct. Ramanuja's doctrine greatly inspired the new strand of bhakti which developed in north India subsequently.


Basavanna’s  Virashaivism

The connection between the Tamil bhakti movement and temple worship, in turn, led to a reaction that is best represented in the Virashaiva movement initiated by Basavanna and his companions like Allama Prabhu and Akkamahadevi. This movement began in Karnataka in the mid-12th century. The Virashaivas argued strongly for the equality of all human beings and against Brahmanical ideas about caste and the treatment of women. They were also against all forms of ritual and idol worship.


The Saints of Maharashtra

During the 13th to 17th century, Maharashtra saw several saint poets who sang Marathi songs and inspired many people. The most important among them were Dnyaneshwar (Gyaneshwar), Namdev, Eknath, and Tukaram as well as women like Sakhubai and the family of Chokhamela, who belonged to the “untouchable” Mahar caste. These saint-poets rejected all forms of ritualism, outward display of piety, and social differences based on birth.


Nathpanthis, Siddhas, and Yogis

A number of religious groups that emerged during this period criticised the ritual and other aspects of conventional religion and the social order, using simple, logical arguments. Notables among them were the Nathpanthis, Siddhacharas, and Yogis. They advocated renunciation of the world & which can be achieved by intense training of the mind and body through practices like yogasanas, breathing exercises, and meditation.


Islam and Sufism

  • Sufis were Muslim mystics.

  • They rejected outward religiosity and emphasised love and devotion to God and compassion towards all fellow human beings.

  • Muslim scholars developed a holy law called Shariat.

  • A large number of Sufis from Central Asia settled in Hindustan from the 11th century onwards. This process was strengthened with the establishment of the Delhi Sultanate when several major Sufi centres developed all over the subcontinent.

  • They developed elaborate methods of training using zikr (chanting of a name or sacred formula), contemplation, sama(singing), raqs (dancing), discussion of parables, breath control, etc. under the guidance of a master or pir.


New Religious Development in North India

  • The period after the 13th century saw a new wave of the bhakti movement in North India. 

  • Kabir and Baba Guru Nanak rejected all orthodox religions.

  • Tulsidas and Surdas accepted existing beliefs and practices but wanted to make these accessible to all.

  • Tulsidas conceived of God in the form of Rama. Tulsidas's composition, the Ramcharitmanas, written in Awadhi (a language used in Eastern Uttar Pradesh), is important both as an expression of his devotion and as a literary work.

  • Surdas was an ardent devotee of Krishna. His compositions, compiled in the  Sursagara, Surasaravali, and Sahitya Lahari, express his devotion.

  • Shankaradeva of Assam (late 15th century) who emphasised devotion to Vishnu, and composed poems and plays in Assamese. He began the practice of setting up namghars or houses of recitation and prayer, a practice that continues to date.

  • Mirabai was a Rajput princess married into the royal family of Mewar in the sixteenth century. Mirabai became a disciple of Ravidas, a saint from a caste considered “untouchable”. She was devoted to Krishna and composed innumerable bhajans expressing her intense devotion.


Kabir

  • Kabir, who probably lived in the fifteenth-sixteenth centuries, was one of the most influential saints.

  • He was brought up in a family of Muslim julahas or weavers settled in or near the city of Benares (Varanasi).

  • Kabir believed in a formless Supreme God and preached that the only path to salvation was through bhakti or devotion. Kabir drew his followers from among both Hindus and Muslims.


Baba Guru Nanak (1469-1539)

  • Born at Talwandi (Nankana Sahib in Pakistan), he traveled widely before establishing a centre at Kartarpur (Dera Baba Nanak on the river Ravi).

  • Before his death in 1539, Baba Guru Nanak appointed one of his followers as his successor. His name was Lehna but he came to be known as Guru Angad, signifying that he was a part of Baba Guru Nanak himself.

  • Guru Angad compiled the compositions of Baba Guru Nanak, to which he added his own in a new script known as Gurmukhi.

  • By the beginning of the seventeenth century, the town of Ramdaspur (Amritsar) had developed around the central Gurdwara called Harmandar Sahib (Golden Temple).


5 Important Topics of Class 7 History Chapter 6 Devotional Paths to the Divine

S. No

Important Topics

1

The Bhakti Movement

2

Sufism in India

3

Alvars and Nayanars

4

The Virashaiva Tradition

5

Influence of Bhakti and Sufi Movements on Indian Society


Importance of Class 7 History Chapter 6 Devotional Paths to the Divine

  • Revision notes help us quickly understand and remember key concepts before exams.

  • They save time by focusing on essential information and skipping unnecessary details.

  • These notes simplify complex topics, making them easier to understand and use.

  • They provide practical examples that show how theoretical knowledge is used in real-life situations.

  • Revision notes ensure thorough preparation by covering all important topics in a structured manner.

  • They increase confidence by clearly understanding what to expect in exams.

  • Accessible formats like PDFs allow for easy studying anytime and anywhere.


Tips for Learning the Class 7 History Chapter 6 Devotional Paths to the Divine

  • Focus on understanding the Bhakti and Sufi movements, as they are central to the chapter.

  • Learn key saints and poets, such as Kabir and Guru Nanak, who played a significant role in these devotional paths.

  • Understand how these movements influenced Indian society and culture, making connections with other historical events you've studied.

  • Create a timeline to remember when and where different devotional traditions emerged.

  • Relate the concepts to real-life examples or current events to make them easy and more understandable.


Conclusion

The Revision Notes for Class 7 History Ch 6 Notes on "Devotional Paths to the Divine" by Vedantu provide a clear and concise understanding of the various devotional movements in India. These notes highlight the significance of the Bhakti and Sufi traditions, along with their impact on Indian culture and society. By summarising key concepts and figures, the notes make it easier for students to grasp the essence of the chapter. Whether you're preparing for exams or revising key topics, these notes are a valuable resource to reinforce your learning and ensure a solid understanding of the chapter's content.


Related Study Materials for Class 7 History Chapter 6 Devotional Paths to the Divine



Chapter-wise Revision Notes Links for Class 7 History 

Important Study Materials for Class 7 Social Science

WhatsApp Banner

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.