Bhakti Movement Timelines

Guru Nanak and the Fall of Lodi Dynasty: Historical Context

Guru Nanak was the saint preaching when the Lodi dynasty fell and Babur established the Mughal Empire in 1526. Dadu Dayal and Tyagaraja belonged to later periods.

Primary Reference: NCERT Class XII - Themes in Indian History Part II

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Consider the following Bhakti Saints:
1. Dadu Dayal
2. Guru Nanak
3. Tyagaraja
Who among the above was/were preaching when the Lodi dynasty fell and Babur took over?

[UPSC CSE Prelims 2013]

Detailed Solution & Historical Context

Concept


Synchronizing the lives of religious reformers with the political transitions of the Delhi Sultanate and Mughal Empire is a common UPSC theme.

Authentic Source Evidence


The Lodi dynasty fell in 1526 AD. Guru Nanak Dev (1469–1539) was an adult preaching in the Punjab during this exact period. Dadu Dayal (1544–1603) and Tyagaraja (1767–1847) lived in later centuries.

Analytical Breakdown


  • Logic 1: Option 2 is correct. Guru Nanak witnessed the Babur-Lodi conflict (noted in his 'Babur-vani' verses).

  • Logic 2: Statement 1 is incorrect because Dadu Dayal was born nearly two decades after Babur's invasion. Statement 3 is incorrect as Tyagaraja was an 18th-19th century Carnatic composer.
  • Conceptual Deep Dive & Logic

    "What was Guru Nanak's reaction to Babur's invasion?"

    In his compositions, Guru Nanak expressed deep sorrow over the suffering caused by the invasion, calling Babur's army a 'marriage party of sin'.

    Examiner's Mindset & Pro-Tip

    "Guru Nanak's life spanned the rule of Five Delhi Sultans and the first two Mughal Emperors, placing him at a unique historical crossroads."

    Topic Clusters (click to see related topic questions)

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