Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti was a renowned Sufi saint and the founder of the Chishti Order in India. He is also known as Gharib Nawaz (“Benefactor of the Poor”) for his compassion and service to humanity. His teachings promoted love, peace, tolerance, and unity among different communities. 1. Early Life of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti ✔ Born: […]
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The Chishti Order is one of the most influential Sufi orders in India. It was founded in Central Asia. Later, it spread to India. There, it played a key role in spreading Sufism and Islamic teachings through love, peace, and social harmony. 1. Origin of the Chishti Order ✔ Founded in Chisht (Afghanistan) in the […]
The Bhakti Movement was a significant religious reform in India, emphasizing devotion to a personal god, social equality, and rejection of caste discrimination. Originating in South India, it spread across the country, featuring influential saints who promoted simple worship and social harmony, ultimately impacting Indian society, literature, and spirituality.
Sufism significantly influenced India’s culture and society during the medieval period through its emphasis on love, devotion, and social harmony. Key orders like Chishti, Suhrawardi, Qadiri, and Naqshbandi promoted peaceful Islam, unity between Hindus and Muslims, and education, while opposing social discrimination and political power.
Afanasy Nikitin, a 15th-century Russian merchant, is renowned for his travel account “Voyage Beyond Three Seas.” He visited India from 1469 to 1472 during the Bahmani Sultanate, observing its trade, economy, and cultural practices. His work serves as one of the earliest European perspectives on medieval India’s society and commercial significance.
Marco Polo, a Venetian traveler and merchant, visited India in 1292 CE during his return from China. His accounts highlight India’s prosperous trade, diverse society, and regional kingdoms like the Pandyas. His book, “The Travels of Marco Polo,” serves as one of the earliest European descriptions of medieval India’s economy and customs.
Ibn Battuta, a 14th-century Moroccan scholar and traveler, visited India between 1333 and 1347 during Muhammad bin Tughlaq’s reign. His writings, particularly “Rihla,” provide significant historical insights into India’s political, economic, and social conditions, including trade, architecture, and the justice system under Tughlaq’s unpredictable rule.
The Ellora Caves, located in Maharashtra, India, are one of the greatest rock-cut monastic-temple complexes in the world. Unlike Ajanta, which is exclusively Buddhist, Ellora embodies Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain religious traditions. These caves are an important part of Indian history and art. They are frequently asked about in UPSC, State PSCs, SSC, and other […]
The Ajanta Caves are one of the most significant Buddhist rock-cut cave monuments in India. They are renowned for their beautiful paintings, sculptures, and architectural designs. Builders primarily constructed them during the Satavahana and Vakataka periods. These structures reflect the growth of Buddhism and Buddhist art in ancient India. 1. Location 2. Timeline of Construction […]
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Hinduism for Competitive Exams
Hinduism is one of the oldest religions in the world, with its origins dating back to the Vedic period (1500 BCE – 600 BCE). It is a complex, diverse, and evolving religious tradition with no single founder and a vast body of scriptures. 1. Origin and Development of Hinduism 2. Sacred Texts of Hinduism A. […]