Bhakti and Sufi Movements: Socio-cultural Synthesis & Devotional Literature

The Bhakti and Sufi movements, flourishing across the medieval period, were parallel spiritual revolutions emphasizing personal, unmediated devotion (Bhakti) over formal ritual and caste or class distinctions. They profoundly impacted Indian society by fostering a unique syncretic culture and generating a massive corpus of vernacular devotional literature.

Evolution of Devotional Movements

Era

Key Development and Focus

Socio-Cultural Impact and Literature

Early Medieval

Tamil Alvars (Vaishnavite) and Nayanars (Shaivite) initiated the devotional trend, travelling widely and using local hymns (Divya Prabandham) to challenge the established, exclusive practices of orthodox temples.

Sufi orders (e.g. Chishtis, Suhrawardis) established themselves in North Indian urban centres, utilizing Khanqahs (hospices) ....

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