Question Q.13GS1GS1

Explain why Sufism, a liberal reform movement in Islam could deepen its roots in the Indian sub-continent, despite Islam being a foreign religion? Also, bring out the impacts of Sufism on Indian society.

Main Body

Sufism was a sect of Islam that originated in Iran. It originated as a impulse to reform materialism in two-sects muslim empires and promoted devotion and simple living. In India sufism sprayed during the reign of Delhi Sultanates under the patron of Delhi sultans and due to popular sufi saints like Mizzamudin Auliya, founding Ganji-Shaiker etc. Sufis were arranged in various Silsilahs and influenced a lot of people from all religions with their inclusive and tolerant approach.

Reason for popularity if sufism:

1Loss orthodoxy in home - compared to other sects of Islam and accepted a range

2Devotional nature of Sufism with the features - Dilers dargah and songs had parallels in traditional prayers at hindudom and attracted hinds to the sutism.

3Influenced saints like Nizzamdin Auliya were very people friendly and influenced to people from all religions and closed hierarchy, the populara it sufism amongst masses.

4Backed by powerful rulers like Tughlugs and Ilyas they had political leverage and it resulted in their steady along with spread of sufism across empire.

5Preaching in the form of music and songs in local languages helped sufism to teach norms

6Silsilahs like formed a centre of cities with their fir, murids and lodges

Due to all this, it looked too India despite being a foreign religion.

Important sufism:

1Rise of synthetic synthetic culture in cities where sufi saints resided. All people from all religions came to sufi saints for their teachings and advise, e.g. Amir dargah, Nizamuddn dargah in Delhi.

2Bhakti movement Saints like Kabirs, Nanak were also influenced by the teachings of sufi and implied the one god concept and universal of religion though their songs.

3Sufi saints were helpful in giving legitimacy to the rule of outsiders rule of majarity at hindu masses might their tolerant attitude.

4Many lower caste and untouchables got attracted to sufism due to its teachings of equality and devotion.

Sufism has a large influence in Indian culture and it has resulted in enrichment of Indian tradition, architecture, Literature and Music

345 words14 paragraphs

Identifies origins in Iran
Mentions specific religious orders (Silsilahs)
Connects to institutional framework
Comprehensive coverage of reasons for popularity
Mentions specific saints and their impact
Connects to Bhakti movement
Explains social inclusivity aspects

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Page 29

Topper

BEHERE SHUBHAM SHARAD

AIR 2262025

Subject & Paper

GS1GS1

Topic

Salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times

Bhakti Sufi

Sufism in India

Writing Stats

345

Total words

Paragraphs

descriptive

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