Bhakti literature: its nature and role in Indian culture

 UPSC CSE 2021 Main GS Paper 1

Question 1. 

Evaluate the nature of the Bhakti literature and its contribution to Indian culture. 

Answer
Bhakti literature has the following characteristics:

It is based on emotion and self experience: It does not rely on logic or doctrine, but on the devotees' emotions and experiences. It expresses the devotees' divine love and its various moods, such as joy, pain, longing, ecstasy, and bliss. It also explains the different levels and aspects of bhakti, such as faith, emotion, love, attachment, passion, etc. 

It is personal relation between god and devotee: It shows a personal and intimate relationship between the devotee and the deity. The devotee relates to the deity as a friend, lover, master, parent, child, or any other role that fits his or her temperament and mood. The devotee also shares his or her personal feelings, desires, complaints, praises, requests, etc. with the deity. 

All inclusive and egalitarian: It is open and equal to everyone who has a sincere devotion to the deity, regardless of their caste, class, gender, region, language, etc. It also challenges the orthodox traditions and institutions that impose authority and hierarchy. It offers a direct and simple way to salvation through love and grace. 

creative and diverse: It uses various literary forms such as poetry, songs, hymns, stories, biographies, etc. It also uses various literary techniques such as metaphors, similes, allegories, imagery, etc. It also draws inspiration from various sources such as epics, puranas, folktales, legends, etc. It also reflects the regional and cultural diversity of different bhakti movements and saints.

Bhakti literature has made immense and manifold contributions to Indian culture. Some of the major contributions are:

It developed languages: Bhakti literature helped to develop various regional languages and dialects in India. It enriched their words, grammar, style, and expression. It also made them popular among the masses by using simple and common words. It also translated some of the classical texts such as Ramayana , Mahabharata , etc. into regional languages.

It evolved music: Bhakti literature helped to evolve various musical forms and genres in India. It popularized devotional singing as a form of worship and expression. It also gave birth to various musical traditions such as kirtana , qawwali , bhajan , abhang , etc. It also influenced classical music by introducing new ragas , talas , compositions , etc.

It innovated art: Bhakti literature helped to innovate various artistic forms and genres in India. It inspired various forms of painting , sculpture , architecture , dance , drama , etc. that portrayed the themes and motifs of bhakti . It also created new icons , symbols , images , etc. that represented the deities and devotees.

It grew philosophy: Bhakti literature helped to grow various philosophical schools and systems in India. It explored various concepts such as monotheism , monism , dualism , non-dualism , qualified non-dualism , etc. It also synthesized various elements from different traditions such as Vedanta , Yoga , Tantra , Sufism , etc. 

It reformed society: Bhakti literature helped to reform various social evils and practices in India. It opposed caste discrimination , untouchability , ritualism , superstition , etc. It advocated social equality , human dignity , moral values , etc. It also empowered women , lower castes , outcastes , etc. by giving them voice and agency.

Therefore, Bhakti literature is a precious treasure of Indian culture that has enriched its linguistic, musical, artistic, philosophical, and social aspects. It has also shaped the spiritual and emotional identity of the Indian people.

nandosir

I am a civil services teacher. I teach online / offline for UPSC CSE / WBCS

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