You can observe this process of local myths and legends receiving wider acceptance even today. Can you find some examples around you?

3

(a)

Try and find out more about the ideas of Shankara or Ramanuja.

3

(a)

Describe the beliefs and practices of the Nathpanthis, Siddhas and Yogis.

3

(a)

What were the major belief and practices of Sufis?

3

(a)

What were the major teachings of Baba Guru Nanak?

3

(a)

Why do you think ordinary people preserved the memory of Mirabai?

3

(a)

There are several saint-poets whose names have been mentioned but their works have not been included in the chapter. Find out more about the language in which they were composed, whether their compositions were sung and what their compositions were about.

3

(a)

Who were the Nayanars and Alvars?

3

(a)

Who were the followers of Baba Guru Nanak?

3

(a)

How did miniature paintings develop under the Mughal patronage?

3

(a)

Read the following extract and answer the question that follows
Virashaiva vachanas
These are vachanas or sayings attributed to
Basavanna:
The rich,
Will make temples for Shiva.
What shall I,
A poor man,
Do?
My legs are pillars,
The body the shrine,
The head a cupola
Of gold.
Listen, a Lord of the meeting rivers,
Things standing shall fall,
But the moving ever shall stay.
What is the temple that Basavanna is offering to God?

3

(a)

Read the following extract and answer the question that follows
Beyond the Rana's palace
This is a song composed by Mirabai:
Ranaji, I have left your norms of shame,
and false decorum of the princely life.
I have left your town.
And yet Rana why have you kept up enmity against me?
Rana you gave me a cup of poison.
I drank it laughing.
Rana I will not be destroyed by you.
And yet Rana why have you kept up?
enmity against me?
Why do you think Mirabai left the Rana's palace?

3

(a)

Why do you think many teachers rejected prevalent religious beliefs and practices?

3

(a)

What were the major teachings of Baba Guru Nanak?

3

(a)

Why do you think ordinary people preserved the memory of Mirabai?

3

(a)