NCERT Solutions Class 7 Social Science (History)
The NCERT Solutions in English Language for Class 7 Social Science (History) Chapter – 8 (Devotional Paths To The Divine) has been provided here to help the students in solving the questions from this exercise.
Chapter – 8 (Devotional Paths To The Divine)
Let’s Recall
1. Match the following:
| The Buddha | Namghar |
| Shankaradeva | Worship of Vishnu |
| Nizamuddin Auliya | questioned social differences |
| Nayanars | Sufi saint |
| Alvars | Worship of Shiva |
Answer –
| The Buddha | questioned social differences |
| Shankaradeva | Namghar |
| Nizamuddin Auliya | Sufi saint |
| Nayanars | Worship of Shiva |
| Alvars | Worship of Vishnu |
2. Fill in the blanks:
(a) Shankara was an advocate of ______ .
(b) Ramanuja was influenced by the ______.
(c) ______ , ______ and ______ were advocates of Virashaivism.
(d) ______was an important centre of the Bhakti tradition in Maharashtra.
Answer –
(a) Shankara was an advocate of Advaita.
(b) Ramanuja was influenced by the Alvars.
(c) Basavanna, Allama Prabhu and Akkamahadevi were advocates of Virashaivism.
(d) Vitthala temple was an important centre of the Bhakti tradition in Maharashtra.
3. Describe the beliefs and practices of the Nathpanthis, Siddhas and Yogis.
Answer – The Nathpanthis, Siddhas and Yogis believed in the renunciation of the world. For them, the path of salvation lay in meditating on the formless ultimate reality. They stressed on intense training of the mind and body through yoga asanas, breathing exercises and meditation.
4. What were the major ideas expressed by Kabir? How did he express these?
Answer – The major ideas expressed by Kabir were a rejection of the major religious traditions and belief in a formless Supreme God. For Kabir, the path of salvation was through bhakti or devotion. He expressed his ideas through verses called sakhis and pads.
Let’s Understand
5. What were the major beliefs and practices of the Sufis?
Answer – The Sufis believed in union with God as a lover seeking his beloved. They also believed that the heart could be trained to look at the world in a different way. They rejected the elaborate rituals and codes of behavior demanded by Muslim religious scholars. The Sufis developed various methods of raining using Zikr (chanting of a name or sacred formula), contemplation, singing and dancing.
6. Why do you think many teachers rejected prevalent religious beliefs and practices?
Answer – Yes, many teachers rejected prevalent religious beliefs and practices because they had numerous shortcomings and they promoted division in society.
7. What were the major teachings of Baba Guru Nanak?
Answer – Baba Guru Nanak emphasized on the worship of one God. According to him, caste, creed or gender was irrelevant for attaining liberation. Liberation for him was the pursuit of an active life with social commitment. He gave the motto of nam, dan and isnan, which meant right worship, welfare of others and purity of conduct.
Let’s Discuss
8. For either the Virashaivas or the saints of Maharashtra, discuss their attitude towards caste.
Answer – The saints of Maharashtra focused on the Vitthala form of Vishnu and on a personal god residing inside the hearts of all people:
- Their songs in simple Marathi language inspired people.
- They rejected all forms of ritualism, outward display of piety and social differences based on birth and treatment to women.
- They even rejected the idea of renunciation and preferred to live with their families and earning a livelihood.
- They believed in serving fellow beings and sharing the pain of others.
9. Why do you think ordinary people preserved the memory of Mirabai?
Answer – Ordinary people preserved the memories of Mirabai because of the following reasons:
- She was devoted to Krishna.
- Composition of innumerable bhajans expressing her intense devotion.
- Challenged norms of upper castes.
Let’s Do
10. Find out whether in your neighbourhood there are any dargahs, gurudwaras or temples associated with saints of the Bhakti tradition in your neighbourhood. Visit any one of these and describe what you see and hear.
Answer – Gurudwara is the religious place for the Sikhs. It is true that people of different faith are welcomed to gurudwaras even if they do not practice any faith. A Darbar Sahib is always present in every single gurudwara. Each of the gurdwara also has a langar hall where people can come and eat whoever has visited the gurdwara. The most renowned gurudwara is the Golden Temple in Amritsar.
11. For any of the saint-poets whose compositions have been included in this chapter, find out more about their works, noting down other poems. Find out whether these are sung, how they are sung, and what the poets wrote about
Answer – Mainly Guru Nanak. Read the chapter and write down.
12. There are severed saint-poets whose names have been mentioned but their works have not been included in the chapter. Find out more about the language in which they composed, whether their compositions were sung and what their compositions were about.
Answer – For self attempt.
