CDS 2018 (I)

Bhakti Literature

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

Verses ascribed to poet-saint Kabir have been compiled in which of the following traditions? 1. Bijak in Varanasi 2. Kabir Granthawali in Rajasthan 3. Adi Granth Sahib Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

Solution & Analysis

Answer: B

Concept Kabir's legacy survived through oral traditions and subsequent textual compilations by different communities (Panths) across India, reflecting his widespread influence.

Explanation
Bijak: Preserved by the Kabir Panth in Varanasi and Bihar; it is the most well-known collection.
Kabir Granthawali: Associated with the Dadu Panth in Rajasthan.
Adi Granth Sahib: The Guru Granth Sahib of the Sikhs includes 541 hymns (Shabads and Saloks) by Kabir, recognizing him as a 'Bhagat'.

Logical Breakup
Logic 1: All three traditions are correct. They sometimes preserve different variations of the same verses, offering a rich linguistic record of the time.
Logic 2: Kabir’s rejection of caste and external rituals made his poetry universally appealing to diverse groups across the subcontinent.

Active Recall

Question

What is the primary difference between the Bijak and Kabir Granthawali?

Answer

The Bijak is generally more aggressive in its critique of established religions, while the Granthawali reflects a more meditative and devotional tone.

Core Insight

The inclusion of Kabir in the Guru Granth Sahib highlights the spiritual ecumenicalism that defined the medieval Indian devotional landscape.