History2012
With reference to the religious history of medieval India, the Sufi mystics were known to pursue which of the following practices?
- Meditation and control of breath.
- Severe ascetic exercises in a lonely place.
- Recitation of holy songs to arouse a state of ecstasy in
their audience. Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
Explanation
The correct option is 1, 2, and 3 because Sufi mystics in medieval India practiced various spiritual techniques aimed at achieving a personal connection with the divine. They engaged in meditation and breath control to attain spiritual insight (1), often withdrew to solitary places for intense ascetic practices (2), and used the recitation of hymns (often referred to as qawwalis) to create a communal sense of ecstasy and facilitate the experience of divine presence (3). This multifaceted approach underscores Sufism’s inclusive spiritual philosophy, which combined personal devotion with communal worship, reflecting its significant role in the socio-religious landscape of medieval India.