Prelims 2012 · Medieval History · Question 69
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:
Answer
1, 2 and 3
1. Meditation and control of breath — Correct. Many Sufi silsilas practiced zikr, meditation, and even breath-control techniques; some were influenced by yogic practices in India.
2. Severe ascetic exercises in a lonely place — Correct. Early and medieval Sufis often emphasized austerity, seclusion (chilla), fasting, and ascetic discipline.
3. Recitation of holy songs to arouse ecstasy — Correct. Sufis, especially the Chishtis, used sama/qawwali to induce spiritual ecstasy among disciples and listeners.
Hence, all three statements are correct.