11. Delhi Sultanate

11. DELHI SULTANATE MAHMOOD GHAZNI • Until the rise of west, India and possibly the richest country in the world, such a country presented an irresistible target for the ravening Mongols and their descendents who settled in present day Afghanistan, Uzbekistan Tajikistan, all within comparatively easy reach of north-western India. • The North West was, at this time, a mish-mash of warring kingdoms, more interested in settling scores with their neighbors than in unifying against the Mongols. It is then unsurprising that Mahmood Ghazni’s armies so easily defeated those of Indian kings. • His first expedition was directed against the frontier towns in 1000 AD. • His second expedition was against Jaipala, the Hindustani King of Punjab whom he defeated in the first Battle of Waihind. • In his 6th expedition was against Anandpala, the successor of Jaipala, Mahmood defeated Anandpala in IInd Battle of Waihind in 1008 AD. • His 16th expedition was the plunder of Somnath temple (dedicated to Shiva) in 1025, situated on the sea coast of Kathiawar. • His last invasion was against Jats bcz Jats had attacked his army when he was going back to Ghazni. • Objectives of Mahmood’s expeditions were to plunder the riches of temples and palaces and were not interested in expanding his empire to India. However he later annexed Punjab and made it a part of his kingdom just to have easy access. • FIRDUSI (Persian Poet, known as Homer of the east) who wrote Shahnama. • ALBERUNI (a brilliant scholar from Central Asia) who wrote TAHQIQ-i-HIND. • UTBI (court historian) who wrote Kitab-udyamni. • Died in 1030. MUHAMMAD GHORI • First person who concerned India. • The real founder of the Muslim Empire in India was SHIHAB-UD-DIN Muhammad of Ghur. But 28 it is true that Muhammad bin Qasim was the first Muslim invader of India but he failed due to his premature death. • His first invasion was directed against Multan in 1175 AD, which was successful. • Prithviraj Chauhan, who was the king of Delhi at that time, received contingents from other Rajput kings and defeated him in the first Battle of Tarain (1181) but he defeated Prithviraj in the second Battle of Tarain in 1182. • Captured Delhi and Ajmer and thus laid the foundation of Muslim Rule in India. • Also defeated Jaichandra (ruler of Kannauj) at the Battle of Chhandwar in 1184. • Died in 1206, leaving Qutub-Ud-Din Aibak the charge. The Sultanate of Delhi (1206-1526) had 5 ruling dynasties. 1. The slave Mamlek/Ilbari Dynasty (1206-1290) 2. The Khalji (1290-1320) 3. The Tughlaq (1320-1413) 4. The Sayyid (1414-1415) 5. The Lodhis (1451-1526) MAMLUK DYNASTY(1206-90) QUTUB-UD-DIN AIBAK (1206-1210) • He is called the founder of Slave Dynasty. He was a Turk of the Aibak tribe which in Turkish language means ‘LORD OF MOON’. • Md. Ghori could not name his successor because of his sudden death. Aibak assumed reigns of govt. as independent ruler at Lahore on 25 June 1206. • He did not strike coins nor got the Khutba (read after Namaj) read in his name. • Lahore and later Delhi were his capital. • For his generosity he was known as “LAKH BAKSH” or giver of Lakhs. • Laid the foundation of Qutub Minar after the name of famous Sufi saint, Khwaja Qutubuddin Bakhtiyar Kaki. • Died of a horse fall at Lahore, while playing Chaugan (Polo). • Built the first mosque in India – “QUWWAT-ULISLAM” (at Delhi) and “Adhai Din Ka Jhopra (at Ajmer). • He was a great person of learning and patronized writers like “Hasan Nizami” who wrote Taj-ulMassir, and Fakhr-Ud-Din, writer of Tarikh-iMubarakshahi. • Aibak was succeeded by Aram shah who ruled at Lahore for 8 months before being deposited by Iltutmish. SHAMS-UD-DIN ILTUTMISH (AD 1211-1230) • He was son-in-law of Aibak. He is considered the greatest of the slave kings and the real consolidator of the Turkish conquest in India. • Prevented Chengiz khan’s attack by refusing to give refuge to an enemy of Khan, JALALUDDIN MANGABARANI. • He got his authority (Sultanate of Delhi) recognized by the Caliph of Baghdad (Khalifa) as a member of world fraternity of Islamic states. • Divided his empire into IQTAS, an assignment of land in lieu of salary, which he distributed to his officers, IQTAS were transferable. • He introduced the silver tanks and the copper Jital, 2 basic coins of the sultanate. • He writer Mihraj-ul-siraj, the author of Tabaqqati-Nasiri. • He is called the Father of tomb Building. • Central Minister 1. Wazir –> Prime Minister 2. Sadr-i-Jahan -> Head of religious affairs. 3. Chief-Qazi -> Head of Judicial affairs • Created TURKAN-i-CHAHALGANI BANDGAN-i-SHAMSHI • RUKNUDDIN FIROZE (Apr-Nov 1236) • Son of Iltutmish • After 7 months died in confident • Shah Turkan began to meddle (Title of Ruknuddin) • RAZIA BEGUM (1236-40 AD) • She was the first and the last Muslim woman ruler of medieval India. • She disregarded Purdah, began to adorn make attire and rode out in public on elephant back. • She promoted Jamaluddin Yakut, an Abyssinian to the important office of superintendent of the 29 stables. She had affair with Jalaluddin Yakut. She gave the Title of AMIR-i-AKHUR to Yakut (Master of royal stables). • There was a serious rebellion in Bhatinda, Malik IKHTIYARUDDIN ALTUNIA, Governor of Bhatinda, refused to acknowledge the suzerainty of Raziya, accompanied by Yakut she marched against Altunia, on the way, the Turkish followers of Altunia murdered Yakut and imprisoned Raziya. She had the marey Alturia to get out of this situation. • But she was killed, along with her husband, by BAHRAM SHAH, a son of Iltutmish, near Kaithal (Haryana). BAHRAM SHAH (1240-42) • “The forty” became disorderly and constantly bickered among each other. It was during this period of unrest that the Mongols invaded Multan but repelled by the governor. • The Chahalgani besieged him and put him to death in 1242 AD. Nasiruddin Mahmood (1246-65) • He was the grandson of Iltutmish. He was the posthumous son of Prince Nasiruddin eldest son of Iltutmish. • From Bahraich, he was rushed to the capital disguised as a woman along with his mother and placed on the throne by the conspirators. Balban was one of the Patron of Nasiruddin who happened to be his son-in-law. Balban was appointed for the past of NAIB-i-MAMALIKAT: Ghiasuddin Balban (1266-1286 AD) • He belonged to Ilberi tribe of his master Iltutmish. His original name was Bahauddin and was purchased by Iltutmish. • He ordered the separation of military department from the finance department (DIWAN-iWIZARAT) and the former was placed under a ministry for military affairs (DIWAN-i-ARIZ) headed by ARIZ-i-MAMALIK. • Theory of Kingship • ZIL-i-ILAHI • Descendent of Afrasiab • Purity of blood • Sijda and Paibos • Liquidation of the “THE FORTY” • Nauroj (New Year) • Jharokha Darshan Kaiqubad (AD 1287-1290) • Balban was succeeded by his grandson Kaikubad, the son of Bughra Knan, Governor of Bengal. • He was very indolent and Luxury-loving. In 1290, Firoz Shah the governor of Punjab gor him killed and became king under the title of Jalal-ud-din Khilji. Thus, the Khilji dynasty began in Delhi. KHILJI DYNASTY • The Khilji were one of the sixty four clans of the turks. Jalaluddin Khilji (1290-96 AD) • Mongol leader Abdullah attacked in 1292. These Mongols embraced Islam and settled down near Delhi. These converts came to be known as NEOMUSALMANS. • He sent his nephew Alauddin invaded Deogiri in 1294 AD. • But Alauddin killed Jalaluddin after robbery at Kara (Allahabad). • He was first Sultan of Delhi who clearly put forward the view that state should be based on the willing support of the governed. • First king who gave the job of Indian he married his daughter to Ulugh khan. Alauddin Khilji (1296-1316 AD) • Killed his uncle after he came Devgiri. He brought • • • • • • • • • (Ruler) Kam Baghela Hammir Deo Ratan Singh Mohkol Dev 1299 Gujrat 1301 Ranthambhor 1303 Chittor 1305 Malwa South India (only conquered) 1307 1309 1311 1311 • • himself lot of gold, silver and wealth. When his uncle called him he refused to cross the Ganga, then Jaluluddin gone after crossed river and he killed his uncle. Killed his uncle treacherously and won over most of the nobles to his side by use of gold. Declared sultan of Delhi immediately after the murder of Jalaluddin at Kara near Allahabad in 1296. Theory of Kingship • ZIL-i-ILAHI • I am the state • Kingship known no kinship • Chehra and Dagh Secular state Policy • Separated Religion from the state for the first time in the Delhi sultanate. First sultan have permanent army. His wild aims. • Founding a new religion. • Launching a conquest like Alexander and called himself “Sikander-i-Saani” and second Alexander. But fissile out later on by the suggestion of ALAUL-MULK (The Kotwal of Delhi) Also built Hauz khas, Mahal Hazaar Satoon and Jamait Khana Mosque in Delhi. His imperialism (conquered and annexed) (Ruler) Ramchandra Rao Prataprudra Deo Vir Ballal Vir Pandya, Sudar Pandya Deogiri Kakatiyas of Warangal Hoysala of Dwarsamudra Pandyas of Madhurai His Reforms • Abolished the Zamindari system in crown lands. • Stopped the practices of issuing grants of land in lieu of state services. 30 • • Abolished pensions and endowments. Local chieftains (Khut, Muqaddam, Mukhiya choudhary) were taxed for cattle, pastures ground and houses. Pasture Tax- known as Chari House Tax- known as Ghari • Estb. Separate Department called DIWAN-iMUSTKARAT for the collection of arrears of revenue. • Price control and Market regulation. • Appointed Malik Qabul to be controller of all the grain markets. • Department of SHAHNA-i-MANDI and DIWAN-i-RIYASAT was made responsible for the successful implementation of the economic regulation. • Land Reforms • First sultan who insisted that DOAB land revenue would be charged on the basis of measuring the Land under cultivation. • BISWA was declared to be the standard unit of measurement. • Though Alauddin was illiterate, he was a patron of learning and Art. There were many great poets in his court. Both Amir Khusrau and Mir Hasan Dehlvi enjoyed his patronage. MUBARAK KHILJI (1316-1320) • His name was Qutubuddin Mudarak shah. • He was one of the sons of Alauddin, who somehow, escaped the praying eyes of Malik Kafur. After the death of Kajur be became the king. • After seating himself on the throne, he tried to win over the goodwill of the people. He cancelled all harsh regulation started by his father. TUGHLAQ DYNASTY Ghiasuddin Tughlaq (1320-25 AD) • Original name – Ghazi Malik • First Ghazi Raza • Sultan recovered a part of the royal treasure which had been distributed by Khusrao khan led to the estrangement of his relations with SHEIKH NIZAMUDDIN AULIA – (sufi saint of Delhi). • Reduced land tax and insisted that the rate should not be increased 1/10 or 1/11. • Took interest in the construction of canal for irrigation. • Died fall from wooden pavilion. Mohammad-Bin-Tughlaq (1325-1351) • Original name – Prince Jauna (son of Ghiasuddin). 31 • Most highly educated of all the preceding sultan of Delhi. • Good Calligraphist. • Contempary was China King Kub - Lai – Khan of Bin Tughlaq. • Isami (Historians) called him WISEST FOOL OF EASTERN WORLD. • His Reforms:• Transfer of the capital from Delhi to Daulatabad (Devgiri) but not successful. • He named Daultabad as Qubbat-Ul-Islam. • Introduction of Token currency of bronze/ copper but failure. • The proposed Khurasan expedition but failed because MBT could not be maintenance and equipment caused a heavy drainage of wealth of army organized by him. • Introduced Gold Dinar and silver Adali. • For all of these Edward Thomas called him “PRINCE OF MONEYERS”. • Karachi expedition but failed because of snowfall and his mostly soldiers were died. • Taxation in the Duab:For this purpose he created a department of agriculture styled DIWAN-I-KOHI. The experiment failed by the corrupt officials and old traditional pattern of cultivation. The department was wound up after three years. • Rebellion and General upsurge 1335 -> Maduari became independent under the leadership of Jalaluddin Ahsan shah. 1336-> Foundation of Vijayanagar by Harihar and Bukka. 1341-47 -> Revolts of Sada Amirs and foundation of Bahmani in 1347 by Hasan Gangu. • He died at Thatta. Firoze Shah Tughlaq (1351-1386) • Cousin of Mohammad-Bin-Tughlaq. • First person to introduce Jajiya. • His father Rajab and mather, Bhatti Rajput. • Strengthened his legal position by obtaining investiture from the Khalifa and assumed the title of NAIB-i-AMIR-UL-MOMININ and inscribed Khalifa’s name on the coins. • Jamindar system started again. • • • • • • • • • • • Appoint Khan-i-Jahan Maqbul as his wazir or prime minister. Ikta became hereditary. Theocratic tinge to the taxation by abolishing as many as 23 cesses and only four taxes were retained: 1. Kharaj -> land tax imposed on Non-Muslims 2. Khams -> warboty 1/5 (MBT,AK – 415) 3. Jajiya -> levying it on Brahmans also for the first time. In lieu of exemption for military service. 4. Zakat -> on Muslims 1/40 part of total income. Revived Zagir system Welfare Activities • Estb. DIWAN-i-KHAIRAT (Donation) • DIWAN-i-BANDGAN (slaves) • Granting old age Pension • Opened DARUL SHIFA (Hospital) • Estb. Madras • Destroyed Mathura temple Construction Activities. • Founded new cities like Ferozabad, Fatehbad, Jaunpur Hissar etc. • Construction of canal for irrigation and imposed taxes on it. • Uses known as HAQ-i-SHARB (1/10 of total produces) Brought two Ashoka pillar to Delhi From Topra From Meerut Estb. 36 state owned factories for manufacture of various accessories managed by DIWAN-iWIZARAT. Muhmad shah Tughlaz last king of Tughlaq Dynasty. TIMUR’S INVASION He was a great Mongol leader of Central Asia. He became the head of the Chaghtai Turks at the age of 33. Before reaching India, he had already conquered Mesopotamia and Afghanistan. He reached Delhi in December 1398. At that time, Nasiruddin Mahmud was the ruler. Timur ordered general massacre in Delhi and robbed people mercilessly. 32 • He is said to have inflicted on India more misery than had ever before been inflicted by any conqueror in single invasion. The Tughlaq Empire could never recover from such a terrible blow and came to an end. THE SAYYID DYNASTY (1414-51) Khizr khan (1414-1421) • Founded the dynasty and claimed to have descended from the prophet of Islam. • He helped Timur in his invasion, so he was given the governorship of Lahore, very weak and he didn’t take up the title of king and contended himself with that of Rayat-i-Ala. The coins were struck and Khutba was read in the name of Timur and after his death in the name of his successor, Shah Rukh. • Khizr Khan’s 3 successors • Mubarak shah • Muhammad shah • Alauddin Alam shah • Provided opportunity to Bahlul lodhi. THE LODHI DYNASTY • They were Afghan by race considered the first Afghan dynasty of India. Bahlul Lodhi (1451-1489) • Conquered Jaunpur by ousting Sharqui Dynasty • Founder of Lodhi Dynasty Sikandar Lodhi (1489-1517 AD) • Nizam Khan, son of Hindu goldsmith’s daughter. • He shifted his capital in 1504 AD for Delhi to Agra which was developed as a town. • Renounced the idea of Sultan as 1st among equals. • Jaunpur was annexed to Agra to command areas of eastern Rajasthan • Founder of Agra city. • Introduced the Gaz-i-Sikandari 32 digits for measuring cultivated fields. • Was a poet himself and wrote verses in Persian under the Pen-name of Gurumukhi. • Repaired Qutub Minar. • He abolished Octroi duty on grains. • He reimposed the Jajiya on the Hindus. Ibrahim Lodhi (AD 1517-26) • He was the last king of Lodhi dynasty and last Sultan of Delhi sultanate. • Was defeated and killed by Babur in the First Battle of Panipat in 1526. • No Sultan of Delhi Sultanate except Ibrahim had been killed on the battlefield. • With this the sultanate of Delhi ended. CAUSES OF DECLINE OF DELHI SULTANATE • War of succession. • Incompetent ruler like Feroz shah Tughlaq and his successors. • Greed and incompetency of ruler. • Defective administrative system. • Financial of Timur. CULTURAL DEVELOPMENT (13TH-15TH CENTURY) Art and Architecture • The use of arch and the dome is the special feature of the Muslim architecture. As the arch and dome needed strong cement, finer quality of mortar became wide-spread in north India. • The Tughlaq built walls called batter combining the principles of arch and the lintel and beam (started first time). Music • New musical modes and instruments like rabab and sarangi were introduced. • Amir Khusrau introduced many Persian Arabic ragas. Also invented the sitar. • Kavvali, Ghazal, Sitar, Tabla was first time introduced. Painting • Paper was introduced by the Arabs in the 15th century and this patronized painting. Literature • Udayaraja wrote Rana Vinoda on Mahmud Begarha. • Merutanga’s Prabandha Chintamani. • A no. of Sanskrit works – Rajatarangani Mahabharata, Koka shastra – were translated into Persian. • Zai Nakshabi’s Tuti Nama (a translation of Sanskrit stories into Persian) was very popular. Provincial Kingdoms • Broke away from Delhi under the resign of Muhammad bin Tughlaq. 33 • • In 1342, Ilyas khan founded a new dynasty. Famous Sultan ws Ghiyas-ud-din Azam who established friendly relations with China and encouraged trade and commerce. • The celebrated poet, Maladhar Basu, compiler of Sri-Krishna Vijay, was patronized by the sultan and was given the title of “Gunaraja Khan”. Gujarat • Broke away from Delhi in 1397, under Zafar Khan who assumed the title of sultan Muzaffar shah. • His grandson Ahmed Shah-1 built a new city, Ahmedabad. He built Jama Masjid of Ahmedabad and Teen Darwaza. • The next prominent ruler was Mahmud Begarha. In his reign, Portugese set up a factory at Diu. His court poet was the Sanskrit Scholar, Udayraja. • In 1573, Akbar annexed Gujarat to his empire. Malwa • Malwa was annexed by Alauddin Khilji in 1305 and remained a part of Sultanate until its Governor, Dhiawan khan Ghuri asserted his independence in 1435. BUILDINGS OF DELHI SULTANATE Qutubuddin Aibak • Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque in Delhi. • Dhai-din-ka – Jhopra mosque in Ajmer. • Started construction of Qutub-Minar. Iltutmish • Shamshi Madarsa • Makbra of Iltutmish • Construction of Qutub Minar Alauddin Khalji • Alai Darwaja (Qutubminar Gateway) • Started construction of a minor but failed to complete it beyond the 1st story. Ghiasuddin Tughlaq • Purana Qila Feroz S. Tughlaq • Kotla Feroz Shah Fortification. Lodhis • Tombs • Double dome 1st time in Sikandar Lodhi’s tomb. • After that in Humayun’s tomb Taj Mahal. Literature of Delhi Sultanate • • • • • • • • • • Alberuni Tarikh-i-Hind or Kitab-ul-Hind in Arabic. In 1018-19 AD he accompanied the invading hordes of Mahmud of Ghazni. He made extensive use of the Sanskrit literature. Utbi wrote Tarikh-i-yamini or Kitab-ul-yamini. He was attached to the personal staff of Mahmud of Ghazni and never accompanied Mahmud to India. His book is a fine example of Arabic. Hasan Nizami Taajul Maasir Minhaj wrote Tabaqat-i-Nasiri Amir Khusrao (poet can historian) Miftah-ul-futuh (Jalaludin Khalzi) Khajain-ul-futuh (Alauddin Khalzi) Kiran-us-Sadain Nuh Sipihr (Praises India) Tughlaqnama (a Ghiasuddin Tughlaq) • He adorned the courts of the Sultans from Balban to Ghiasuddin Tughlaq. He was the disciple of Nizamuddin Aulia. • For the first time Amir Khusrao used Hindi words into the Persian literature. He also introduced various ragas called Aiman Ghora of Badal etc. • He came to be called as parrot of India (Tutii-Hind) Ziauddin Barni wrote Tarikh-i-Firozshahi and Fatwa-i-Jahandari during the reign of Ferozshah Tughlaq. • Barni was the close associate of Amir Khusrao. Feroz Shah Tughlaq wrote his biography Futuhat-i-Feroz Shahi (Futuh = autobiography in Persian) Isami – Futuh-us-Salatain Ibn-Batuta – He was the inhabitant of Tangier, Morocco come to Delhi in 1336 during Md-binTughlaq and patronized by him He wrote his travelogue in Arabic named REHLA. VIJAYNAGAR KINGDOM Founded in 1336 as a result of the political and cultural movement against Tughlaq authority in the south THE SANGAMS (1336-1485) The Empire of Vijaynagar was founded by 34 Harihara-I and Bukka two of the five sons of Sangama. Deva Raya I • He constructed a dam across the river Tungabhadra to bring canal into city to relieve the shortage of water. • His court was adorned by the gifted Telegu poet Srinath, the author of Haravilasam. Deva Raya II • Was the greatest Sangama ruler, believed to be the incarnation of Indra • He wrote Mahanataka sudhaidhi and a commentary on the Brahma Sutras of Badaryana (Both in Sanskrit). • The inscription speak of his title “Gajabetekara”(The Elephant Hunter) • Sangama dynasty was replaced by Salva which lasted for 2 decades. Ultimately, a new dynasty called Tuluva Dynasty was founded by Vira Narsimha TULUVA DYNASTY • Founder was Vir Narsimha to avoid anarchy and to save kingdom. Krishandeva Raya (1509-1529 AD) • Most prominent and famous ruler of Vijay nagar. • His political ideas are contained in his Telegu work “AMUKTAMALYADA”. • As a great patron of literature he was known as Abhinava Bhoja, Andhra Pitamaha and Andhra bhoja. • Eight great poets of Telegu, known as Ashta Diggaja adorned his court. Pedanna wrote Manucharitam, while Tenalirama was author of Panduranga Mahamatyam. • Built a new city “Nagalapuram” and decorated it with hazura temple and Vithaswamy temple. • Sadasiva, the last ruler of the dynasty, was a puppet in the hands of his PM, Rama Raya, who was an able but arrogant man. • During the reign of Achyuta Raya (king after Krishandeva Raya) the power vested in Ramraya. He fought Battle of Rakshasa Tangodi (1565) with four powers of Muslim state excluding Bidar. Aravidu Dynasty(1570-1649AD) • Founded by Tirumal • Aravidu dynasty lingered on for almost 100 years, • 1. • 2. • • 3. • 1. • • 2. • • 3. • 4. • • but without any political influence. Admn. Military fief studded the whole length and breadth of the empire, each under a Nayak or military leader authorized to collect revenue and to administer a specified area provided, he maintained an agreed number of beast of burden. This system was non transferrable and hereditary. RELIGIOUS MOVEMENT THE SUFIS There were 3 chief orders of Sufis in India. The Chisti, the Suharawadi and the Silsilah of Firdausi. The Chisti The Chisti order was established by Khwaja Muinuddin Chisti. His two main disciples were Bhaktiyar Kaki and Shaikh Hamiduddin Sufi Nizamuddin Auliya was also his disciple. Suharawadi It was popular in Punjab and Sindh. Popular saints were Shaikh Shihabuddin Suharawardi and Hamid-ud-din Nagory. The Firdausi It was a branch of Suhrawardi and its activities were confined to Bihar. It was popularized by Shaikh Sharfuddin Vahya who was disciple of Khwaja Nizamuddin Firdausi. THE BHAKTI MOVEMENT Ramanuja (12th Century) Earliest exponent of Bhakti movement. According to him, the way of Moksha lies through Karma gyan and Bhakti. He gone the concept of Vishishtadvaita Nimbarkara The next leader of Bhakti Movement was Nimbarkara a younger contemporary of Ramanuja. He was a worshipper of Radha and Krishna. Madhavacharya (1238-1317) He ranks with Ramanuja in the Vedanta system. He said that release from transmigration can be secured only by means of knowledge and devotion. Ramanand (15th Century) First great Bhakti saint of north India. Worshipper of Lord Ram. 35 • His followers were: Ravidas – cobbler Kabir – Weaver Sena – Barber Namdeva – Tailor Sadhana - Butcher 5. Guru Nanak Devji • Nanak was born in the village of Talwandi (Now called Nankana in present day Pakistan). • He laid great emphasis on the purity of character and conduct as the first condition of approaching God and the need of a Guru for guidance. • His concept of God was Nirguna and Nirankar. • He didn’t believe in the Vedas and the Quran. 6. Kabir: (1440-1518) • Kabir was not only concerned with religious reform but also wished to change the society. • He composed Bijak, Sabads and Akhis, Mangal, Basant, Holi, Rekhtal etc. 7. Chaitanya: (1485-1534) • Chaitanya of Bengal traveled throughout India and popularized Krishna cult. “Kirtan system” was given by Chaitanya only. 8. Meerabai(1498-1546) • Meerabai of Rajasthan was follower of lord Krishna. • Rathor princess of Merataand daughter in law of Rana Sanga of Mewar. • Wrote the verse Padavali. 9. Surdas (1497 to 1584) • Disciple of Vallabhacharya. • A blind poet of Agra. • Sang the glory of Krishna in his “Sursagar”. 10. Namdeva (AD 1270-1350) • He was tailor by caste, opposed caste distinction. • He founded Vakari sect or the cult of Vithoda. 11. Tukaram (1598-1650) • He was associated with Dharkari and Varkari sect. • He wrote devotional poems called Abhangas. • He was the teacher of Shivaji. 12. Tulsi Das (AD 1532-1623) • Contemporary to Akbar work-Ramcharitamanas, Kavitawali, Gitawali, Parvati Mangal, Janaki Mangal. 13. Dadu Dyal (AD 1554-1603) • Born in Ahmedabad to Muslim parents, brought by a Hindu. • Teachings collected in a book called “Bani”. • Disciple-sundaradasa, Rajjab, Bakham and Warid. 14. Vallabhacharya (1478-153) • Tailanga a Brahmana, advocated the worship of Krishna and dedication of everything of him alone. 15. Narsingh Mehta • He was a saint from Gujrat who wrote songs in Gujarati depiction the love of Radha Krishna. He is author of Mahatma Gandhi’s favorite Bhajan “Vishnava jan ko”. Philosophies of Various Bhakti 36 Saints Saints Advaitavad Vishishta Advaita Sudha Advaita Dvaitadvaita Achintya Bhedavedavad Dvaitavad Philosophies Sankracharya Ramanuja Ballabhacharya Nimbarka Chaitanya Madhavacharya