Quiz on Tantric Practices and Bhakti Tradition

Which of the following best explains why Tantric practices were often viewed critically by the proponents of the Vedic tradition?

• They denied the authority of the Upanishads

• They involved the worship of minor deities only

• They challenged caste hierarchies openly

• They bypassed traditional Vedic rituals and mantras

How did the worship practices at the Jagannatha temple in Puri reflect the integration of local traditions into Brahmanical religion?

• The deity was made of metal following tribal customs

• The temple rituals were performed only by tribal priests

• A tribal deity was identified as a form of Vishnu

• Local rulers were deified alongside traditional gods

What feature distinguished the Nalayira Divyaprabandham from traditional Vedic texts?

• It was written in Sanskrit but for a royal audience

• It was a collection of Buddhist teachings

• It was compiled in Tamil and equated with the Vedas

• It was inscribed only on temple walls

Which of the following reflects the anti-ritualistic stance of Basavanna's vachanas?

• They glorify the performance of elaborate fire sacrifices

• They ridicule the worship of stone images while ignoring real beings

• They advocate for Vedic recitations in temples

• They prohibit women from participating in worship

What aspect of Sufi khanqahs made them accessible to people from different social backgrounds?

• Strict observance of the shari‘a

• Free meals and open access regardless of social class

• Exclusive use of Arabic and Persian languages

• Political connections with the Sultanate

Which statement best explains why rulers patronised Bhakti and Sufi saints?

• To ensure control over temple finances

• To derive political legitimacy and mass appeal

• To abolish religious institutions altogether

• To encourage only monotheistic beliefs

Which term best describes the Sufi spiritual genealogy linking disciple to Prophet Muhammad?

• Zikr

• Sama

• Silisila

• Shari‘a

The teachings of Kabir drew from which of the following traditions?

• Only Islamic teachings

• Only Vedantic traditions

• Both Islamic and Hindu mystical ideas

• Purely Vedic rituals

What distinguishes the poetry of the Virashaivas?

• Use of Arabic and Persian meters

• Strict adherence to Brahmanical Sanskrit traditions

• Composition in Kannada focusing on social reform

• Compilation into Tamil Vedas by royal patrons

Why did some Bhakti saints, such as Mirabai, reject social and gender norms?

• To promote Jain ideals

• As a form of protest against male-only ascetic orders

• To affirm loyalty to her in-laws

• To gain political office in the kingdom