NCERT Class 12 History Themes in Indian History-II: Chapter 2 — Bhakti-Sufi Traditions
This chapter, 'Bhakti-Sufi Traditions,' from NCERT's Class 12 History textbook 'Themes in Indian History-II,' explores the evolution of religious beliefs and practices in India from the eighth to the eighteenth century. It highlights the increasing visibility of diverse deities like Vishnu, Shiva, and the Goddess, and discusses the integration of various cults. The chapter examines the role of poet-saints who composed devotional songs in regional languages and how these compositions were compiled. It also delves into the concept of 'great' and 'little' traditions, explaining how Brahmanical ideas disseminated and how local practices were integrated into a broader religious framework. The text emphasizes the dynamic and diverse nature of religious traditions during this period, providing insights into the lives of devotees and the evolution of worship through textual and visual records, ultimately aiding students in understanding the rich tapestry of Indian religious history.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 12 |
| Subject | History |
| Book | Themes in Indian History-II |
| Chapter | Chapter 2 — Bhakti-Sufi Traditions |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 4 minutes |
| Word count | 746 |
Learning outcomes
- Identify the key deities and their forms worshipped during the Bhakti-Sufi traditions.
- Understand the role of poet-saints and their compositions in spreading devotional ideas.
- Analyze the interaction between 'great' and 'little' traditions in shaping religious practices.
- Recognize the challenges historians face when interpreting textual and visual sources.
- Appreciate the diversity and dynamism of religious beliefs in medieval India.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Stupas | Mound-like structures containing relics, typically Buddhist. |
| Monasteries | Communities of monks or nuns living under religious vows. |
| Puranas | Ancient Indian religious texts containing stories about deities, cosmology, and rituals. |
| Hagiographies | Biographies of saints or religious figures. |
| Brahmanical | Relating to or characteristic of Brahmins, the priestly class in Hinduism. |
| Shudras | The fourth and lowest of the four varnas (social classes) in Hinduism. |
| Sanskritic | Relating to or derived from Sanskrit. |
| Jagannatha | A form of Vishnu, meaning 'Lord of the World,' worshipped in Puri, Orissa. |
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Practice questions
- What types of religious structures are mentioned in the introduction to the chapter? Answer: Stupas, monasteries, and temples are mentioned.
- What kind of sources do historians use to understand Bhakti-Sufi traditions? Answer: Historians use compositions attributed to poet-saints, Puranic texts, and hagiographies (biographies of saints).
- Who were generally excluded from Vedic learning, according to the text? Answer: Women and Shudras were generally excluded from Vedic learning.
- What does the term 'Jagannatha' mean? Answer: Jagannatha literally means 'Lord of the World'.
Practice MCQs
Q1. Which deities were increasingly visible in sculpture and texts during this period?
Explanation: The text explicitly mentions the continued and extended worship of Vishnu, Shiva, and the Goddess as major deities during this phase.
Q2. The compositions of poet-saints were often expressed in:
Explanation: The chapter states that poet-saints expressed themselves orally in regional languages used by ordinary people.
Q3. Hagiographies are biographies of:
Explanation: The text defines hagiographies as biographies of saints written by their followers.
Q4. The term 'great tradition' was coined by sociologist:
Explanation: The text mentions that the terms 'great' and 'little traditions' were coined by sociologist Robert Redfield.
Q5. The principal deity at Puri, identified as Jagannatha by the twelfth century, is a form of:
Explanation: The text states that the principal deity at Puri was identified as Jagannatha, a form of Vishnu.
Frequently asked questions
What is the time period covered by the Bhakti-Sufi Traditions chapter?
The chapter covers the period from the eighth to the eighteenth century.
What are the main deities discussed in this phase of religious history?
The main deities discussed are Vishnu, Shiva, and the Goddess.
What kind of sources do historians use to study these traditions?
Historians use textual sources like Puranas and compositions of poet-saints, as well as visual records and hagiographies.
What does the term 'little tradition' refer to in the context of religious practices?
Little traditions refer to local practices followed by people that do not necessarily correspond with the dominant 'great tradition'.
How did Brahmanical ideas spread during this period?
Brahmanical ideas spread through the compilation of Puranic texts in simple Sanskrit verse, making them accessible to women and Shudras.
What is the significance of Jagannatha in the context of religious integration?
Jagannatha, a form of Vishnu worshipped in Puri, exemplifies the integration of local deities and practices into the broader Brahmanical framework.
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NCERT Class 12 History — Themes in Indian History-II — Chapter 2 — Bhakti-Sufi Traditions. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.