CBSE Class 7 Social Science: Devotional Paths - NCERT Solutions

Here is the correct matching of the terms:

• The Buddha - Questioned social differences
• Shankaradava - Namghar
• Nizamuddin Auliya - Sufi saint
• Nayanars - Worship of Shiva
• Alvars - Worship of Vishnu

This exercise helps in associating key figures and concepts with their respective roles or beliefs within the devotional traditions discussed.

Here are the completed sentences:

1. Shankara was an advocate of advaita. This philosophy emphasizes the oneness of the individual soul and the supreme reality, God.
2. Ramanuja was influenced by the Alvars. The Alvars were Tamil poet-saints who were devoted to Vishnu and their devotional hymns greatly inspired Ramanuja's philosophy of Vishishtadvaita.
3. Basavanna, Allama Prabhu and Akkamahadevi were advocates of Virashaivism. This movement, originating in Karnataka, emphasized devotion to Shiva and questioned caste distinctions and ritualism.
4. The Vitthala temple was an important centre of the Bhakti tradition in Maharashtra. It was associated with the Varkari tradition and the devotion to Lord Vitthala.

The Nathpanthis, Siddhas, and Yogis were a group of religious individuals who held distinct beliefs and followed specific practices:

• Belief in Renunciation: They believed that the world was an illusion and advocated for renunciation as a path to spiritual realization.
• Critique of Conventional Religion: They were critical of the elaborate rituals, the caste system, and other aspects of the established religious and social order prevalent at the time.
• Path to Salvation: They believed that the ultimate reality is formless and that achieving oneness with this reality was the path to salvation.
• Intense Training: To achieve this oneness, they stressed the importance of rigorous training of both the mind and the body. This involved practices such as yogasanas (postures), breathing exercises, and deep meditation.

Their practices aimed at transcending the physical and mental limitations to achieve a higher spiritual state.

Kabir, a prominent mystic poet and saint, expressed several significant ideas through his teachings and verses:

• Rejection of Religious Traditions: Kabir strongly rejected the major religious traditions of his time, including both Hinduism and Islam, viewing them as divisive and superficial.
• Belief in a Formless God: He believed in one Supreme God who was formless and universal, transcending all religious boundaries and idol worship.
• Path of Devotion (Bhakti): For Kabir, the most direct and effective path to salvation was through intense love and devotion (Bhakti) to this Supreme God.
• Critique of Social and Religious Practices: He openly criticized and often satirized the external rituals, superstitions, the caste system, and the privileges of priestly classes in both religions. He advocated for a simple, heartfelt devotion.
• Expression of Ideas: Kabir primarily expressed his profound ideas through simple, powerful verses. These were commonly known as 'sakhis' (wise sayings) and 'pads' (songs). His language was often colloquial, making his message accessible to the common people.

Through his poetry, Kabir aimed to foster a sense of unity and direct spiritual experience, urging people to look beyond dogma and ritual.