HistoryMedieval India: Bhakti Sufi Traditions

Which of the following religious leaders did not function within the…

Which of the following religious leaders did not function within the orthodox Brahmanical framework?

Answer & explanation

Correct answer: option 4

The correct answer is Option (4) → All of the above

Option (1) Naths — Did not function within the orthodox Brahmanical framework. The Naths were among the new religious leaders of north India who worked outside it. Many questioned the authority of the Vedas.

Option (2) Jogis — Did not function within the orthodox Brahmanical framework. The Jogis were part of the same group. Many such leaders came from artisanal groups such as weavers.

Option (3) Siddhas — Did not function within the orthodox Brahmanical framework. The Siddhas too worked outside it and spoke in the languages of ordinary people.

NCERT (2026-27): “4. Religious Ferment in North India …
At the same time other religious leaders, who did not function within the orthodox Brahmanical framework, were gaining ground. These included the Naths, Jogis and Siddhas. Many of them came from artisanal groups, including weavers, who were becoming increasingly important with the development of organised craft production. Demand for such production grew with the emergence of new urban centres, and long-distance trade with Central Asia and West Asia. Many of these new religious leaders questioned the authority of the Vedas, and expressed themselves in languages spoken by ordinary people, which developed over centuries into the ones used today. …”