Question 2 from UPSC CSE 2019 - Medieval History

Question

Consider the following statements:
1. Saint Nimbarka was a contemporary of Akbar.
2. Saint Kabir was greatly influenced by Shaikh Ahmad Sirhindi.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: D. Neither 1 nor 2

Strategy: Analyze the timeline for both saints and their supposed contemporaries. Nimbarka is historically associated with a period much before Akbar, highlighting a chronological mismatch. Similarly, Kabir predates Shaikh Ahmad Sirhindi, making influence impossible. Both statements are factually incorrect based on historical chronology.

Key Info: **Nimbarka**

- **Dates:** 11th–12th centuries CE
- **Context:** A prominent philosopher and founder of the Dvaitadvaita (dualistic non-dualism) school of Vedanta, considered a younger contemporary of Ramanuja.
- **Focus:** Emphasized devotion (bhakti) to Radha-Krishna.
- **Chronological Mismatch:** Lived several centuries before the Mughal emperor Akbar (r. 1556–1605 CE), making any direct contemporaneity impossible.

**Kabir**

- **Dates:** Circa 1440–1518 CE
- **Context:** A 15th-century poet-saint central to the Bhakti movement.
- **Teachings:** Preached the oneness of God, denounced orthodox rituals, and championed Nirguna Bhakti, emphasizing a formless God.
- **Chronological Mismatch:** Lived before Shaikh Ahmad Sirhindi (1564–1624 CE), a prominent Naqshbandi Sufi. Their teachings reflected distinct traditions, and there is no historical evidence of Kabir being influenced by Sirhindi.

Answer

Option A: 1 only

Answer

Option B: 2 only

Answer

Option C: Both 1 and 2

Consider the following statements: Saint Nimbarka was a contemporary of Akbar. Saint Kabir was greatly influenced by Shaikh Ahmad Sirhindi. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Consider the following statements:

Saint Nimbarka was a contemporary of Akbar.

Saint Kabir was greatly influenced by Shaikh Ahmad Sirhindi.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?