Class 9 Medieval India: Composite Culture Mock Test (ICSE)

Topics in Medieval India: Composite Culture

• Factors leading to composite culture
• Bhakti movement
• Sufi movement
• Impact of Christian missionaries

Medieval India: Composite Culture practice questions with answers

1. Q1Multiple choice·1 mark
   What was the term used for the residential hospices where Sufi saints lived, interacted with disciples, and preached their message of universal brotherhood?

   1. (a)Dargahs
   2. (b)Khanqahs
   3. (c)Maktabs
   4. (d)Madrasas
   Show answer and step marks

   1. Correct option: (b) Khanqahs+1

   Answer: (b)
2. Q2Multiple choice·1 mark
   Besides spreading religious teachings, what significant contribution did Christian missionaries make to Indian society during the medieval and colonial periods?

   1. (a)Establishment of military cantonments
   2. (b)Introduction of Western education and printing presses
   3. (c)Codification of civil and criminal laws
   4. (d)Promotion of the Bhakti literature
   Show answer and step marks

   1. Correct option: (b) Introduction of Western education and printing presses+1

   Answer: (b)
3. Q3Multiple choice·1 mark
   Which of the following Bhakti saints belonged to the Nirguna tradition and strongly denounced idol worship and the caste system?

   1. (a)Mirabai
   2. (b)Tulsidas
   3. (c)Kabir
   4. (d)Surdas
   Show answer and step marks

   1. Correct option: (c) Kabir+1

   Answer: (c)
4. Q4Short answer·2 marks
   Mention any two main teachings of the Bhakti movement that helped promote social equality and harmony in medieval India.
   Show answer and step marks

   1. First teaching, any one of: devotion (bhakti) to one personal God as the path to salvation, open to all regardless of caste or sex; rejection of the caste system and belief in the equality of all; universal brotherhood of man; religious tolerance and unity of Hindus and Muslims; rejection of empty rituals and of the need for priests; preaching in the local languages of the people; or any other valid teaching.+1
   2. Second teaching, a different one from the same list.+1

   Answer: Any two of: devotion to one God open to all, rejection of caste and equality of all, universal brotherhood, religious tolerance and Hindu-Muslim unity, rejection of rituals and priests, use of local languages.
5. Q5Short answer·2 marks
   State two main teachings of the Bhakti movement that promoted social harmony in medieval India.
   Show answer and step marks

   1. First teaching, any one of: rejection of the caste system and equality of all human beings; universal brotherhood of man; personal devotion (bhakti) to one God, open to everyone; religious tolerance and unity of Hindus and Muslims; rejection of empty rituals and of the need for priests; preaching in the local languages of the people; or any other valid teaching.+1
   2. Second teaching, a different one from the same list.+1

   Answer: Any two of: rejection of caste and equality of all, universal brotherhood, devotion to one God open to all, religious tolerance, rejection of rituals and priests, use of local languages.
6. Q6Long answer·4 marks
   The Sufi movement played a significant role in promoting communal harmony and bridging the gap between different religious communities in medieval India. In this context, explain any four main teachings or features of the Sufi movement.
   Show answer and step marks

   1. First teaching or feature, explained, any one of: belief in one God (the unity of God) and love and devotion as the way to reach Him; rejection of mechanical rituals and orthodoxy; universal brotherhood and equality, rejecting caste and social distinctions; the need for a spiritual guide (pir or murshid); use of music, devotional songs (qawwali, sama) and local languages to reach common people; a simple life of renunciation and service of humanity; respect and tolerance for all religions; or any other valid teaching or feature.+1
   2. Second teaching or feature, a different one from the same list.+1
   3. Third teaching or feature, a different one from the same list.+1
   4. Fourth teaching or feature, a different one from the same list.+1

   Answer: Any four of: unity of God and love as the way to Him; rejection of rituals and orthodoxy; universal brotherhood and equality; need for a pir (spiritual guide); music (qawwali) and local languages; simple life and service of humanity; tolerance of all religions.

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