From supplementary reader: 4 questions, attempt any 3 (1 mark each) MCQs Quiz | Class 9
This quiz tests your understanding of the Supplementary Reader, specifically ‘Thulvachan’ focusing on One Sentence Answers. It covers key concepts, prominent figures, and the core teachings of the Vachana movement. Attempt these 10 multiple-choice questions for Class 9. Upon completion, submit your answers to see your score and download a detailed PDF of your responses and correct answers for revision.
Understanding Thulvachan (Vachana Literature)
The Vachana movement, often associated with the term ‘Thulvachan’ (referring to the sayings), represents a profound literary and social reform movement that emerged in 12th-century Karnataka, India. It utilized the Kannada language to convey deep philosophical and spiritual truths in simple, lucid prose poems called Vachanas. These literary pieces were not merely religious texts but also powerful tools for social change, advocating for equality, ethical living, and a direct, personal experience of the divine.
Key Concepts and Figures:
- Basavanna: Considered the chief architect and pioneer of the Vachana movement. His teachings emphasized social justice, equality, and the dignity of labor.
- Kāyakavē Kailāsa: A core philosophy meaning ‘Work is Worship’ or ‘Labor is Heaven’. It elevated manual labor and productivity to a spiritual practice, challenging the traditional hierarchy that devalued physical work.
- Anubhava Mantapa: Often referred to as the ‘Hall of Spiritual Experience’, it was an academy of mystics, saints, and philosophers established by Basavanna. It served as a platform for open discourse on spiritual, social, and economic issues, fostering an egalitarian society where people from all backgrounds could participate.
- Istalinga: A personal, portable Shiva linga worn by Lingayat devotees. It symbolizes the presence of the divine within oneself and promotes a form of worship that is not dependent on temples or external rituals.
- Sharana: A devotee or seeker who has surrendered to the divine. The Vachana movement is also known as the Sharana movement, emphasizing the collective spiritual journey.
- Akka Mahadevi: One of the earliest female saints of the Vachana movement, known for her intense devotion to Lord Chennamallikarjuna (a form of Shiva) and her lyrical, poignant Vachanas that express profound spiritual longing and detachment from worldly illusions.
- Allama Prabhu: A mystical saint and central figure at the Anubhava Mantapa, known for his philosophical depth and challenging Vachanas that explored the nature of ultimate reality.
Impact and Legacy:
The Vachana movement significantly impacted Karnataka’s cultural and social landscape. It:
- Challenged the caste system and promoted social equality, allowing people from all strata of society to participate in spiritual life.
- Elevated the status of women, who actively composed Vachanas and participated in spiritual discourse.
- Fostered a democratic approach to religion, making spiritual knowledge accessible through the vernacular language.
- Emphasized ethical conduct, compassion, and a life of integrity as pathways to liberation.
Key Figures and Their Ankita Nama (Signature):
| Sharana (Saint) | Ankita Nama (Signature) | Theme/Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Basavanna | Koodalasangama Deva | Social reform, Work is Worship |
| Akka Mahadevi | Chennamallikarjuna | Devotion, Renunciation |
| Allama Prabhu | Guheshwara | Mysticism, Philosophical inquiry |
| Siddharama | Kapilasiddhamallinatha | Service, Collective effort |
Quick Revision Points:
- Vachanas are short prose poems in Kannada.
- Basavanna pioneered the movement.
- ‘Kāyakavē Kailāsa’ means work is worship.
- Anubhava Mantapa was a spiritual academy.
- Istalinga is a personal Shiva linga.
- Movement advocated against caste and for equality.
- Akka Mahadevi was a prominent female saint.
Practice Questions:
- What was the primary language used for Vachana compositions?
- Name the spiritual assembly that promoted egalitarian discourse during the Vachana movement.
- Who composed Vachanas addressing Chennamallikarjuna?
- Explain the significance of ‘Istalinga’ in Lingayat philosophy.
- Which social hierarchy did the Vachana movement strongly oppose?
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