Kabir was a 15th-century Bhakti saint, poet, and social reformer who played a crucial role in Hindu-Muslim unity. He criticized ritualism, caste discrimination, and religious hypocrisy, emphasizing devotion (Bhakti) to a formless God (Nirguna Bhakti).
Basic Information on Kabir
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Kabir Das |
| Born | 1440 CE (Approximate) |
| Birthplace | Varanasi (Banaras), Uttar Pradesh, India |
| Philosophy | Nirguna Bhakti, Social Equality, Hindu-Muslim Unity |
| Religious Tradition | Bhakti Movement, Sufism Influence |
| Guru | Ramananda |
| Famous Followers | Kabir Panth, Sikh Gurus (Guru Nanak was influenced) |
| Major Works | Kabir Ke Dohe, Bijak, Granthavali, Anurag Sagar |
| Death | 1518 CE (Approximate) |
Birth & Early Life
- Kabir’s origins are unclear. Some believe he was born into a Muslim weaver (Julaha) family, while others claim he was found as a baby near a river by a Muslim couple.
- He was deeply influenced by Ramananda, a Vaishnavite saint, and adopted the Bhakti path.
- Lived as a weaver (Julaha), rejecting priestly authority.
Philosophy and Teachings of Kabir
- Nirguna Bhakti (Devotion to a Formless God)
- Rejected idol worship, temples, and rituals.
- Believed in a formless, omnipresent God (known as Ram, Hari, or Allah).
- Opposition to Religious Ritualism
- Criticized both Hindu and Muslim priests for exploiting people.
- Rejected blind faith, fasts, pilgrimages, and sacrifices.
- Social Equality & Anti-Caste Ideology
- Opposed Brahmanical dominance and caste discrimination.
- Preached that all humans are equal in the eyes of God.
- Unity of Hindus and Muslims
- Believed in “Hindu-Muslim unity”, rejecting communal divisions.
- Stated that Ram and Rahim (Allah) are the same.
- Simple Living & Inner Purity
- Encouraged a simple life of hard work and devotion.
- Urged followers to find God within themselves (Antaryami Bhakti).
- Use of Vernacular Language (Hindi & Avadhi)
- Wrote in simple Hindi, Avadhi, and Bhojpuri, making his teachings accessible to all.
- Famous for Kabir Ke Dohe (two-line couplets), filled with deep spiritual wisdom.
Famous Teachings – Kabir Ke Dohe (Couplets)
- “बड़ा हुआ तो क्या हुआ, जैसे पेड़ खजूर। पंछी को छाया नहीं, फल लागे अति दूर।।”
- Meaning: Being big or powerful is useless if one cannot help others.
- “मन के हारे हार है, मन के जीते जीत।”
- Meaning: Victory and defeat are determined by the mind.
- “कंकर-पत्थर जोड़ के, मस्जिद लई बनाय। ता चढ़ि मुल्ला बांग दे, क्या बहरा हुआ खुदाय।।”
- Meaning: Why build mosques and call God loudly? Is God deaf?
- “चलती चक्की देख के, दिया कबीरा रोय। दो पाटन के बीच में, साबुत बचा न कोय।।”
- Meaning: The world is like a grinding stone, crushing everyone caught in between.
Major Works of Kabir
| Work | Description |
|---|---|
| Kabir Ke Dohe | Two-line verses with deep spiritual meanings |
| Bijak | Compilation of Kabir’s teachings, popular in Kabir Panth |
| Granthavali | Collection of Kabir’s hymns |
| Anurag Sagar | Philosophical discussion on creation and divine truth |
Influence of Kabir on Bhakti and Sikhism
- Inspiration to Sikhism
- Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, was influenced by Kabir’s teachings.
- Many Kabir verses are included in the Guru Granth Sahib.
- Formation of Kabir Panth (Sect of Kabir Followers)
- Followers of Kabir are called Kabirpanthis, who reject rituals and caste divisions.
- Kabir Panth is strong in Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan.
- Influence on Later Bhakti Saints
- Tulsidas, Guru Nanak, and Ravidas were inspired by Kabir’s philosophy.
- Promoted social reform and religious harmony.
Comparison: Kabir vs Ramananda
| Feature | Kabir | Ramananda |
|---|---|---|
| Time Period | 15th Century CE | 14th–15th Century CE |
| Philosophy | Nirguna Bhakti (Formless God) | Saguna Bhakti (Rama Bhakti) |
| Major Influence | Hindu-Muslim Unity | Vaishnavism |
| Language | Simple Hindi, Avadhi | Hindi, Sanskrit |
| Social Reform | Rejected caste and all religious rituals | Opposed caste but accepted Rama Bhakti |
Death of Kabir – The Hindu-Muslim Dispute
- According to legend, when Kabir died in Maghar (Uttar Pradesh), both Hindus and Muslims claimed his body.
- Hindus wanted to cremate him, while Muslims wanted to bury him.
- It is believed that when they lifted the cloth covering his body, they found only flowers, which were then divided between both groups.
- This story symbolizes Kabir’s teachings of religious unity.
Key Facts for Quick Revision
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Born In | Varanasi (Banaras), Uttar Pradesh |
| Philosophy | Nirguna Bhakti, Hindu-Muslim Unity |
| Main Teachings | One Formless God, Social Equality, No Rituals |
| Major Works | Kabir Ke Dohe, Bijak, Granthavali |
| Influenced | Guru Nanak, Sikhism, Bhakti Saints |
| Sect Founded | Kabir Panth |
| Death Place | Maghar, Uttar Pradesh |
MCQs on Kabir
1. Kabir was a follower of which Bhakti tradition?
A) Vaishnavism
B) Nirguna Bhakti
C) Shaivism
D) Jainism
Answer: B) Nirguna Bhakti
2. Who was Kabir’s guru?
A) Basavanna
B) Ramananda
C) Shankaracharya
D) Tulsidas
Answer: B) Ramananda
3. Which religious text contains Kabir’s hymns?
A) Bhagavad Gita
B) Guru Granth Sahib
C) Tevaram
D) Ramcharitmanas
Answer: B) Guru Granth Sahib
4. Where did Kabir die?
A) Varanasi
B) Ayodhya
C) Maghar
D) Haridwar
Answer: C) Maghar
5. Which sect follows Kabir’s teachings?
A) Lingayatism
B) Kabir Panth
C) Nath Sampradaya
D) Sufism
Answer: B) Kabir Panth
Subjective Questions for Further Revision
Short Answer Questions (2-5 Marks)
- Who was Kabir, and what were his main teachings?
- What is the meaning of Nirguna Bhakti in Kabir’s philosophy?
- Name two famous works of Kabir.
- How did Kabir influence Sikhism?
- What were Kabir’s views on caste and rituals?
Long Answer Questions (8-15 Marks)
- Discuss the contributions of Kabir to the Bhakti movement.
- Explain the social reforms introduced by Kabir.
- Compare Kabir’s teachings with those of Ramananda.
- How did Kabir’s teachings contribute to religious harmony in medieval India?
- What was the role of Kabir Panth in spreading Kabir’s ideas?
These notes are essential for UPSC, SSC, State PSCs, NDA, CDS, and other competitive exams covering Hinduism, Bhakti Movement, and Religious History. Revise thoroughly and practice the MCQs and subjective questions to strengthen your preparation! 🚀