Question 8. Analyse, with illustrations, why bhakti and sufi thinkers adopted a variety of languages in which to express their opinions.
The Bhakti and Sufi movements, which emerged in different regions of South Asia and the Islamic world, were marked by spiritual reform and inclusive religious expression. These movements sought to make religious teachings accessible to the common people, bridge gaps between different communities, and challenge established religious orthodoxy. One key feature that distinguished both Bhakti and Sufi traditions was their use of a variety of languages—local dialects, regional languages, and even vernacular tongues. This adoption of multiple languages served crucial purposes, such as reaching a broader audience, empowering marginalized communities, fostering inclusivity, and strengthening cultural identity. In this analysis, we will explore why Bhakti and Sufi thinkers adopted multiple languages, supported by illustrative examples.
- The Need to Reach a Broader Audience
Both Bhakti and Sufi movements were spiritual revolutions aimed at reaching the masses who were often excluded from formal religious education and orthodox teachings. The Brahmanical and Islamic elite typically used Sanskrit or Persian in religious discourse, which left common people and local communities unable to access spiritual teachings. The Bhakti and Sufi saints recognized the need to express their ideas in languages that people could understand, and therefore adopted vernacular languages such as Tamil, Marathi, Hindi, Punjabi, and other regional tongues to spread their message widely.
Example: Saint Kabir, one of the most revered figures in the Bhakti movement, used Hindi, Avadhi, and Braj Bhasha to compose his dohas (couplets) that addressed common people’s issues such as poverty, social injustice, and the futility of rituals. His use of vernacular Hindi helped bridge the gap between elite knowledge and common people’s understanding.
Example: Sufi poets like Rumi and Hafiz also used Persian (a language of cultural prestige), but they mixed it with local dialects such as Turkish and Arabic to ensure local populations could relate to their spiritual teachings.
- Breaking Down the Barriers of Caste and Social Hierarchies
One of the most significant contributions of Bhakti and Sufi thinkers was their rejection of rigid caste systems and social hierarchies. These movements emphasized the spiritual equality of all individuals, regardless of caste, race, or social status. To reach everyone equally, Bhakti and Sufi thinkers adopted languages that avoided complex theological jargon and were understandable to all levels of society.
Example: Saint Meera Bai, a prominent Bhakti poet and devotee of Lord Krishna, wrote songs in Rajasthani and Marwari—languages spoken by common people in Rajasthan—to convey her devotion to God, rejecting caste distinctions, and embracing spiritual love as the path to salvation.
Example: Sufi saint Bulleh Shah, from Punjab, used Punjabi to convey his spiritual messages. His poetry challenged the orthodoxy of the Mullahs and Brahmins by emphasizing inner spirituality and compassion over ritualistic practices, thus making Sufism accessible to all, regardless of class or caste.
- Empowering Marginalized Communities
Both Bhakti and Sufi traditions were social movements that empowered marginalized communities. These movements often attracted lower-caste individuals, tribal groups, and women who were previously excluded from mainstream religious practices. By adopting local languages, the saints and thinkers made spiritual knowledge available to these communities, helping them gain self-respect and spiritual empowerment.
Example: Saint Tulsidas, a Hindu poet-saint, wrote his epic Ramcharitmanas in Avadhi, a language understood by commoners in North India. His devotion to Lord Ram helped lower-caste devotees connect with spirituality and find dignity in their faith.
Example: Sufi saint Moinuddin Chishti, who settled in Ajmer, encouraged local people—including peasants, weavers, and merchants—to join his spiritual gatherings in Rajasthani and local dialects, making Sufi teachings accessible to ordinary people.
- Bridging Communities and Promoting Religious Tolerance
Another key objective of Bhakti and Sufi thinkers was to create bridges between different religious and cultural communities. These movements crossed religious boundaries and united people of various backgrounds through shared spiritual values. The adoption of multiple languages helped foster inter-community dialogue and cultural exchange.
Example: Saint Kabir often engaged with followers of both Hinduism and Islam. He used Hindustani and local dialects to write poems that challenged communal divisions and focused on God’s universal essence, thus bringing together Hindus and Muslims.
Example: Sufi mystics like Sheikh Salim Chishti and Nizamuddin Auliya used Hindavi (a blend of Persian and local languages) to create common ground among Hindus and Muslims. They emphasized spiritual love and compassion as shared values, helping to break down religious barriers.
- Strengthening Local Identity
While Bhakti and Sufi traditions were spiritual in nature, they also sought to promote cultural identity and celebrate local heritage. By using local languages, these thinkers highlighted regional cultures and dialects, fostering a sense of pride and cultural expression among the people.
Example: Sant Tukaram, a Maratha saint, wrote his abhangs (devotional songs) in Marathi to express his devotion to Lord Vitthal. His poetry not only conveyed spiritual teachings but also celebrated Marathi culture and local customs.
Example: Rumi, though writing primarily in Persian, often used Turkish and Arabic idioms, blending Persian literary traditions with local cultural expressions in regions such as Anatolia (modern-day Turkey), helping preserve local heritage alongside Sufi teachings.
Conclusion
The Bhakti and Sufi movements were revolutionary spiritual paths that embraced inclusivity, equality, and devotion. Their adoption of multiple languages was not merely a pragmatic decision but a deliberate effort to reach diverse audiences—from marginalized communities to inter-faith followers. By using local dialects, vernacular languages, and regional tongues, these thinkers made spiritual knowledge accessible, empowered communities, fostered unity, and celebrated local identities. The diversity of languages used by Bhakti and Sufi poets and saints remains a testament to their vision of spiritual democratization and cultural harmony.