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Intro to Hinduism

The Sant tradition of North India emerged during medieval times, emphasizing devotion to a formless divine reality. It rejected religious rituals and caste distinctions, focusing on direct mystical experience through meditation and devotional singing.

Key figures like Kabir and Nanak composed poetry in vernacular languages, challenging social norms. The tradition blended Hindu and Islamic concepts, promoting religious harmony and social equality. Its influence on literature, music, and social reform continues to shape North Indian culture.

Sant Tradition in North India

Emergence and Key Teachings

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  • Emerged in North India during the medieval period
  • Emphasized devotion (bhakti) to a formless divine reality known as Satnam (True Name) or Hari
  • Rejected religious rituals, idol worship, and the authority of scriptures
  • Focused on direct mystical experience of the divine through meditation and singing of devotional hymns (kirtan)
  • Central concept of the divine Name (Nam)
    • Repetition of the Name (Nam Simran) purifies the mind and attains union with the divine
  • Taught the importance of having a living spiritual teacher (guru) to guide disciples on the path of devotion
    • Guru-disciple relationship based on complete surrender and service to the guru

Social Teachings and Key Figures

  • Promoted egalitarianism, rejecting caste distinctions and gender discrimination
    • Welcomed disciples from all social backgrounds, emphasizing the equality of all humans before the divine
  • Key figures include Ravidas, Kabir, Nanak, and Mirabai
    • Composed devotional poetry in vernacular languages (Hindi, Punjabi) that challenged social and religious norms of their time
    • Examples of their teachings:
      • Kabir: "The Hindu says Ram is the Beloved, the Muslim says Rahim. Then they kill each other, and no one finds the truth."
      • Nanak: "There is no Hindu, there is no Muslim. All are created by the One Creator."

Sant Tradition vs Bhakti Movements

Similarities with Bhakti Movements

  • Emphasizes devotion and a personal, loving relationship with the divine
  • Rejects ritual worship and intellectual knowledge of scriptures as means to spiritual realization
  • Uses vernacular languages to make teachings accessible to the masses

Distinctive Features of Sant Tradition

  • Drew upon both Hindu and Islamic concepts, using language of Sufism and Vedanta
    • Syncretic approach distinguishes them from more sectarian bhakti movements
  • Non-sectarian, emphasizing a formless, nameless divine reality that transcends religious boundaries
    • Contrasts with bhakti traditions focused on devotion to specific deities (Krishna, Shiva)
  • Strong emphasis on social equality and rejection of caste distinctions
    • More pronounced compared to some bhakti movements that remained within caste society framework
  • Compositions in vernacular languages like Hindi and Punjabi
    • Contrasts with Sanskrit-based compositions of some bhakti poets

Sant Tradition's Influence on Culture

Impact on Vernacular Literature

  • Played significant role in development and popularization of vernacular literature in North India (Hindi, Punjabi)
  • Sant poets (Kabir, Ravidas, Nanak) composed teachings in simple, colloquial language
    • Used metaphors and imagery drawn from daily life to make message accessible to common people
  • Use of vernacular languages challenged dominance of Sanskrit in religious discourse
    • Helped establish legitimacy of regional languages as vehicles of spiritual expression
  • Sant compositions (bani or vaani) cover wide range of genres
    • Hymns, couplets (dohas), longer narrative poems
    • Integral part of North Indian literary canon

Contributions to Devotional Music

  • Contributed to development of devotional music, particularly kirtan tradition of congregational singing
    • Sant hymns set to music and sung in community gatherings, fostering shared devotion and equality
  • Musical legacy influenced various North Indian musical traditions
    • Classical Hindustani music, Sikh devotional music (Gurbani Kirtan)
    • Popular genres like qawwali and bhajan

Sant Tradition and Social Change

Challenging Caste Hierarchy and Religious Orthodoxy

  • Emphasized equality of all humans before the divine, challenging rigid caste hierarchy of medieval Indian society
    • Taught that caste or social status was irrelevant in pursuit of spiritual realization
  • Sant poets from low-caste backgrounds (Ravidas) used compositions to assert dignity and worth of all individuals
    • Message of social equality attracted followers from marginalized communities
  • Rejected religious rituals, idol worship, and authority of scriptures
    • Challenged power and influence of Brahmin priestly class as mediators and interpreters of religious knowledge
  • Emphasized direct mystical experience and importance of guru-disciple relationship
    • Undermined role of Brahmins as sole performers of sacred rituals

Promoting Religious Harmony and Egalitarian Communities

  • Syncretic teachings drew upon both Hindu and Islamic concepts
    • Promoted religious harmony and challenged sectarian divisions
    • Kabir and Nanak sought to bridge gap between Hindus and Muslims, emphasizing common essence of all religions
  • Legacy of challenging social and religious orthodoxy seen in emergence of egalitarian religious communities
    • Sikhs trace origins to teachings of Guru Nanak
    • Ongoing influence of Sant poetry in promoting messages of equality and harmony

Term 1 of 19

Bhakti movement
See definition

The bhakti movement was a devotional trend in Hinduism that emerged around the 7th century and emphasized personal devotion to a personal god, often expressed through poetry, song, and communal worship. This movement sought to transcend caste divisions and promote a direct, emotional connection between the devotee and the divine, influencing various aspects of Hindu practice and culture.

Key Terms to Review (19)

Term 1 of 19

Bhakti movement
See definition

The bhakti movement was a devotional trend in Hinduism that emerged around the 7th century and emphasized personal devotion to a personal god, often expressed through poetry, song, and communal worship. This movement sought to transcend caste divisions and promote a direct, emotional connection between the devotee and the divine, influencing various aspects of Hindu practice and culture.

© 2025 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.
AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.

Term 1 of 19

Bhakti movement
See definition

The bhakti movement was a devotional trend in Hinduism that emerged around the 7th century and emphasized personal devotion to a personal god, often expressed through poetry, song, and communal worship. This movement sought to transcend caste divisions and promote a direct, emotional connection between the devotee and the divine, influencing various aspects of Hindu practice and culture.



© 2025 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.
AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.

© 2025 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.
AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.