Chapter Notes and Summary
• In eighth century, two new religious movements emerged—Sufism and Bhakti.
• Devotion to God without discrimination on basis of caste was taught by Bhakti and Sufi saints.
• Sufism introduced many popular orders or silsilas of which most widespread were Shariat and Chisti Silsilas.
• Bhakti movement developed in South India under Nayanars and Alvars.
• Nayanars devoted to Shiva and Alvars devoted to Vishnu.
• Shankara was an advocate of Advaita or doctrine of oneness of individual soul and Supreme God.
• Bhakti saint-poets, such as Kabir and Baba Guru Nanak rejected all orthodox religions.
• Tulsidas, Surdas and Mira Bai promoted devotional singing and Bhakti.
• Both Sufism and Bhakti movements had several common traits and spread as popular movements at about same time.