Context:
On 22nd June 2024, the Prime Minister commemorated the 647th birth anniversary of Sant Kabir Das.
Sant Kabir Das:
- A 15th-century Indian mystic poet and saint
- Born in – Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
- Some stories suggest he was born to a Muslim family but was raised by a Hindu weaver couple.
- Disciple of – Ramananda
- Followers are known as “Kabir Panthis.”
- Kabirdas Jayanti – Celebrated each year, on the full moon of Jyeshtha (May or June)
Contributions of Kabir Das:
- A notable figure in the Bhakti movement, which emphasised devotion and love for the divine.
- Bhakti movement – Started in the 7th century in South India and spread to North India during the 14th and 15th centuries.
- Popularised devotional songs in vernacular languages.
- Led to popularization of Brajbhasha and Awadhi dialects
- Popular literary works – Kabir Bijak (poems and verses), Kabir Parachai, and Kabir Granthawali
- His works are included in Adi Granth Sahib, the holy book of Sikhs
Bhakti Saints of Medieval India:
Source: The Indian Express
Previous Year Question
Consider the following statements:
1. Saint Nimbarka was a contemporary of Akbar.
2. Saint Kabir was greatly influenced by Shaikh Ahmad Sirhindi.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
[UPSC Civil Service Exam – 2019 Prelims]
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (d)
Explanation:
Statement 1 is not correct. Saint Nimbarka was not a contemporary of Akbar because the history of Akbar dates down to the 16th century AD (1556 to 1605 AD) whereas Nimbarka was a 13th century philosopher in South India.
Statement 2 is not correct. Sant Kabir Das was a 15th century philosopher and poet whereas Sirhindi lived in the 17th century.
