Page 1 - LN-sub topic 1-The Idea of a Supreme God
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SAI INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL


                                                  SUB – HISTORY

                                                        STD VII


                                     Module: 25 (NOTES) (page 104 - 108)

                                   CH- 8: Devotional Paths To The Divine

                       The Idea of a Supreme God
                      Before large kingdoms – idea was about small kingdoms and individual gods
                        and goddesses
                      Focus on birth and rebirth …
                      All human beings are not equal at birth
                      Social privilege came from birth in noble family and high caste
                      Some turned to Buddha & Jaina teachings
                      Others bonded to bhakti (Shiva, Vishnu or Durga) or Bhagavad Gita…
                      Methods of worship recommended in Puranas were introduced into the local
                        cults
                      Bhakti was adopted by Buddhist and Jains …


                        New Kind of Bhakti in South India- Nayanars and Alvars
                      7th-9th Century: Nayanars (saints devoted to Shiva) and Alvars (saints
                        devoted to Vishnu) who came from all castes including “untouchable” like
                        Pulaiyar & Panars …
                      They were critics of Buddhist and Jainas …
                      Based on ideals of love and heroism in Sangam literature (earliest example
                        of Tamil literature) …
                      63 Nayanars – untouchables and different castes - Appar, Sambandar,
                        Sundarar and Manikkavasagar.
                      12 Alvars from equally divergent backgrounds. Best were Periyalvar, his

                        daughter Andal, Tondaradippo Alvar and Nammalvar …

                       Philosophy and Bhakti:
                       SHANKARA
                      Philosophers of Kerala in 8th century …

                      Advocate of Advaita or doctrine of oneness of the individual soul and the
                        Supreme God which is Ultimate reality

                      Considered world as illusion or maya …
                      Preached renunciation of world or adoption of path of knowledge to
                        understand Brahman & attain salvation …

                        RAMANUJA
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