HistoryMedieval India: Bhakti Sufi Traditions

Which group is described as having engaged in explicit and implicit d…

Which group is described as having engaged in explicit and implicit dialogue with the new social situations, ideas and institutions of the time?

Answer & explanation

Correct answer: option 1

The correct answer is Option (1) → Poet-saints

Option (1) Poet-saints — Correct. Many poet-saints answered the new social situations, ideas and institutions through their compositions, both openly and indirectly. Kabir is one of the most influential among them.

Option (2) The ulama — Incorrect. The ulama were scholars of Islamic law who guarded the sharia. Their role was legal and religious guidance.

Option (3) Sultans of Delhi — Incorrect. The Sultans of Delhi were rulers who gave grants to religious men and sought their blessings.

Option (4) Brahmana priests — Incorrect. Brahmana priests upheld the older ritual traditions that many poet-saints questioned.

NCERT (2026-27): “8. New Devotional Paths
Many poet-saints engaged in explicit and implicit dialogue with these new social situations, ideas and institutions. Let us now see how this dialogue found expression. We focus here on three of the most influential figures of the time.”