Home
NCERT Soltions
Class 12
History - Themes in Indian History - II
Bhakti-Sufi Traditions
Analyse, with illustrations, why bhakti and sufi thinkers adopted a va...

Analyse, with illustrations, why bhakti | Class 12 History - Themes in Indian History - II Chapter Bhakti-Sufi Traditions, Bhakti-Sufi Traditions NCERT Solutions

Welcome to the NCERT Solutions for Class 12 History - Themes in Indian History - II - Chapter Bhakti-Sufi Traditions. This page offers a step-by-step solution to the specific question from Exercise 1, Question 8: . With detailed answers and explanations for each chapter, students can strengthen their understanding and prepare confidently for exams. Ideal for CBSE and other board students, this resource will simplify your study experience.

Question 8:

Analyse, with illustrations, why bhakti and sufi thinkers adopted a variety of languages in which to express their opinions.

Answer:

In medieval India, though Sanskrit and Persian may be the language of the educated people or at the court, the vast number of people living in villages conversed in the local languages. It was, therefore, needed that the Bhakti and Sufi saints preached in the languages of the common people. This was in fact essential in order to make these movement truly popular. This is manifested in the following examples:

1. The traditional Bhakti saints composed the hymns in Sanskrit. Such hymns were sung on special occasions often within temples.

2. The Nayanars and the Alvars were wandering saints. They travelled far and wide, often walking on foot. They met people in different villages. These saints would sing the verses in praise of God all in the language of the local people only. The language was Tamil only. These travelling saints established temples where prayers took place in Tamil and the devotional songs were composed
by the Bhakti Saints.

3. In North India the language was different. Here too the saints took to the language of the common people. Guru Nanak created Shabad all in Punjabi. Baba Farid and Swami Raidas (Ravidas) all composed in Punjabi and Hindustani.

4. Kabirdas who lived in Benaras, wrote in local language which was closer to Hindustani. He used words there part of local dialect.

5. The Sufi tradition of singing on tombs carried on in the language of the local people only. The shrines were the place of Sama sung in Hindustani or Hindavi. Another Sufi Saint Baba Farid composed in Punjabi too that even became part of Guru Granth Sahib.

6. Some other saints wrote in Kannada, Tamil and other languages too. Thus, we are inclined to agree with the view that the Saints of Bhakti and Sufi Movement composed in many languages and the languages of the common people to connect with them.

Other Questions of Chapter Bhakti-Sufi Traditions

On an outline map of India, plot three major sufi shrines, and three places associated with temples (one each of a form of Vishnu, Shiva and the goddess).

Describe the major teachings of either Kabir or Baba Guru Nanak, and the ways in which these have been transmitted.

Read any five of the sources included in this chapter and discuss the social and religious ideas that are expressed in them.

Discuss the ways in which the Alvars, Nayanars and Virashaivas expressed critiques of the caste system.

What were the similarities and differences between the be-shari‘a and ba-shari‘a sufi traditions?

Discuss the major beliefs and practices that characterised Sufism.

Examine how and why rulers tried to establish connections with the traditions of the Nayanars and the sufis.

Explain with examples what historians mean by the integration of cults.

Choose any two of the religious teachers/thinkers/saints mentioned in this chapter, and find out more about their lives and teachings. Prepare a report about the area and the times in which they lived, their major ideas, how we know about them, and why you think they are important.

To what extent do you think the architecture of mosques in the subcontinent reflects a combination of universal ideals and local traditions?

Popular questions of class 12 History - Themes in Indian History - II

Write a note on the Kitab-ul-Hind.

How were the lives of forest dwellers transformed in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries?

Discuss the extent to which Bernier’s account enables historians to reconstruct contemporary rural society.

Discuss Al-Biruni’s understanding of the caste system.

On an outline map of the world mark the countries visited by Ibn Battuta. What are the seas that he may have crossed?

Discuss the ways in which panchayats and village headmen regulated rural society.

Analyse the evidence for slavery provided by Ibn Battuta.

On an outline map of the world, mark the areas which had economic links with the Mughal Empire, and trace out possible routes of communication.

Examine the role played by zamindars in Mughal India.

What do you think was the significance of the rituals associated with the mahanavami dibba?

Recently Viewed Questions of Class 12 History - Themes in Indian History - II

Discuss, with examples, the distinctive features of Mughal chronicles.

Write a note on the Kitab-ul-Hind.

How were the water requirements of Vijayanagara met?

Read this excerpt from Bernier:

Numerous are the instances of handsome pieces of workmanship made by persons destitute of tools, and who can scarcely be said to have received instruction from a master. Sometimes they imitate so perfectly articles of European manufacture that the difference between the original and copy can hardly be discerned. Among other things, the Indians make excellent muskets, and fowling- pieces, and such beautiful gold ornaments that it may be doubted if the exquisite workmanship of those articles can be exceeded by any European goldsmith. I have often admired the beauty, softness, and delicacy of their paintings.

List the crafts mentioned in the passage. Compare
these with the descriptions of artisanal activity in
the chapter.

Do you think Ibn Battuta’s account is useful in arriving at an understanding of life in contemporary urban centres? Give reasons for your answer.

Discuss the major features of Mughal provincial administration. How did the centre control the provinces?

On an outline map of the world, mark the areas which had economic links with the Mughal Empire, and trace out possible routes of communication.

What do you think was the significance of the rituals associated with the mahanavami dibba?

Examine the evidence that suggests that land revenue was important for the Mughal fiscal system.

What were the concerns that shaped Mughal policies and attitudes towards regions outside the subcontinent?

Study Tips for Answering NCERT Questions:

NCERT questions are designed to test your understanding of the concepts and theories discussed in the chapter. Here are some tips to help you answer NCERT questions effectively:

Read the question carefully and focus on the core concept being asked.
Reference examples and data from the chapter when answering questions about Bhakti-Sufi Traditions.
Review previous year question papers to get an idea of how such questions may be framed in exams.
Practice answering questions within the time limit to improve your speed and accuracy.
Discuss your answers with your teachers or peers to get feedback and improve your understanding.

Latest Blog Posts

Stay updated with our latest educational content and study tips

Government Jobs by Age Limit: Eligibility and Opportunities in 2026

Government jobs continue to be one of the most popular employment options in India because of their job security, regular salary, pension benefits, and promotion prospects. However, one of the most frequent doubts of aspirants is age eligibility. Countless candidates are discouraged from applying for Government positions – or even from preparing for them – … Read more

NEET & JEE Preparation Guide for State Board Students

After preparation for NEET and JEE, students inclined towards studying under state education boards find themselves a step behind the CBSE students. The syllabus, question pattern and level of idea of these national entrance exams varies widely from most state board syllabus. But with the correct approach, students taking the state board can hold their … Read more

Simple and Compound Interest Formulas with Questions

Interest is one of the most significant ideas in maths and financial calculations. It is very common in banking, loan applications, investments, saving account and competitive exams. Simple Interest and Compound Interest make it easier to find out how much more is earned and/or paid on a principal during the period of time. These Interest … Read more

Spoken English Course Topics for Beginners in 2026

In 2026, students, professionals, and job seekers must have a high level of spoken English. Spoken English is a beginner level course to enhance learners’ communication skills in English, their pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar structure and confidence in speaking English fluently. Today, the emphasis of spoken English courses is placed on actual conversations, everyday speech practice … Read more

View All Blog Posts