Examine how and why rulers tried to establish connections with the traditions of the Nayanars and the sufis.
Nayanars were the worshippers of Lord Shiva. It gained a shape of powerful Bhakti movement in South India in 6th Century onwards. Apart from being popular with the people, the movement got support and patronage of the rulers of the time. This is manifested by the following facts:
1. A major part of South India was ruled by Chola Kings during the period 9th to 13th Century. They gave great patronage to the Bhakti movement saints including Nayanars. Thus, they did by making grants of land and constructing temples of Shiva and Vishnu for the saints of Bhakti movement.
2. The most beautiful temples of Shiva of South India, namely, at Chidambaram, Tanjavur and Gangaikondacholpuram were constructed under the patronage of Chola rulers.
3. During the same period some of the most spectacular representation of Shiva in bronze sculpture were produced. All this was possible because the rulers
patronised the Nayanars.
4. Nayanars had considerable following among farmers. The rulers tried to establish connections with the Nayanars and this is explained by the aforesaid description. The reason why they did is not far to seek. One reason could be to bring sanctity to the their rule. By giving alms to the temple and the preachers of Nayanar sect the rulers also announced their wealth and might. Next such acts might have endeared the rulers to the masses. Sufi Tradition and the rulers of Delhi Sultnate and Mughals: In the 12th Century, Delhi and a considerable part of India fell to the rule of Muslim rulers. This rule is known as the period of Delhi Sultanate. The rulers of Delhi Sultanate claimed themselves under Khalifate of Kabul and tried to legitimize their rule. The next step could have been establishing the rule of Shari‘a laws. However, the rulers realised for the very beginning that it was impractical. Under the Delhi Sultanate most of the people were not Muslim. Shari’a laws were not feasible also because lacked flexibity which a ruler needed to govern. The rulers of Delhi Sultanate wanted to take a practical path of governance without renouncing Islam. Sufi tradition gave them this opportunity. The same idea prevailed during the rule of the great Mughals too. Hence the rulers of Delhi Sultanate and the Mughal empire adopted the tradition of sufism.
Write a note on the Kitab-ul-Hind.
How were the lives of forest dwellers transformed in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries?
Discuss the extent to which Bernier’s account enables historians to reconstruct contemporary rural society.
Discuss the ways in which panchayats and village headmen regulated rural society.
On an outline map of the world mark the countries visited by Ibn Battuta. What are the seas that he may have crossed?
Discuss Al-Biruni’s understanding of the caste system.
Examine the role played by zamindars in Mughal India.
What were the distinctive features of the Mughal nobility? How was their relationship with the emperor shaped?
Analyse the evidence for slavery provided by Ibn Battuta.
What do you think was the significance of the rituals associated with the mahanavami dibba?
Discuss the picture of urban centres that emerges from Bernier’s account.
Choose any two of the religious teachers/thinkers/saints mentioned in this chapter, and find out more about their lives and teachings. Prepare a report about the area and the times in which they lived, their major ideas, how we know about them, and why you think they are important.
Fig. 7.33 is an illustration of another pillar from the Virupaksha temple. Do you notice any floral motifs? What are the animals shown? Why do you think they are depicted? Describe the human figures shown.
What were the similarities and differences between the be-shari‘a and ba-shari‘a sufi traditions?
Examine the role played by zamindars in Mughal India.
Write a note on the Kitab-ul-Hind.
Discuss the extent to which Bernier’s account enables historians to reconstruct contemporary rural society.
Analyse the evidence for slavery provided by Ibn Battuta.
What are the architectural traditions that inspired the architects of Vijayanagara? How did they transform these traditions?
On an outline map of the world mark the countries visited by Ibn Battuta. What are the seas that he may have crossed?