UPSC Prelims 2014 Q90: Art & Culture – Philosophy & Religion
Consider the following statements:
1. ‘Bijak’ is a composition of the teachings of Saint Dadu Dayal.
2. The Philosophy of Pushti Marg was propounded by Madhvacharya.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 2 only
- (c) Both 1 and 2
- (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Explanation
Bijak and Pushti Marg
| Statement | Verdict | Fact |
|---|---|---|
| 1. 'Bijak' is a composition of the teachings of Saint Dadu Dayal | Incorrect | Bijak contains the teachings of Kabir |
| 2. The Philosophy of Pushti Marg was propounded by Madhvacharya | Incorrect | Pushti Marg was founded by Vallabhacharya |
Saints and their works or schools:
| Saint | Work or school |
|---|---|
| Kabir | Bijak; also verses in the Guru Granth Sahib |
| Dadu Dayal | Dadu Vani; the Dadu Panth of Rajasthan |
| Vallabhacharya | Pushti Marg; philosophy of Shuddhadvaita |
| Madhvacharya | Dvaita (dualism) |
| Ramanuja | Vishishtadvaita |
| Shankaracharya | Advaita |
Answer: (d) Neither 1 nor 2.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Bijak belongs to Kabir, not Dadu Dayal.
- (b) Incorrect. Pushti Marg was founded by Vallabhacharya, not Madhvacharya.
- (c) Incorrect. Both statements are false.
- (d) CORRECT. Bijak is Kabir's, and Pushti Marg is Vallabhacharya's.
Key point
Bijak - Kabir. Pushti Marg (Shuddhadvaita) - Vallabhacharya. Madhvacharya - Dvaita. Dadu Dayal - Dadu Vani.
Remember
Bijak = Kabir; Pushti Marg = Vallabhacharya.
Common mistakes
- Confusing Madhvacharya with Vallabhacharya.
- Giving Bijak to a later nirguna saint.
- Mixing up the Vedanta schools: Advaita, Vishishtadvaita, Dvaita, Shuddhadvaita.
Exam tip
Vallabha = Pushti. Madhva = Dvaita. Two different acharyas.
Sources
- NCERT Class XII — Themes in Indian History Part II, Ch 6 (Bhakti-Sufi Traditions)
- Satish Chandra — History of Medieval India (Religious Movements)