UPSC Prelims 2013 · Question 2 of 99
UPSC Prelims 2013 question on Bhakti Saints Babur Era
- ExamUPSC CSE
- Year2013
- PaperGeneral Studies Paper I
- SubjectArt and Culture
- TopicIndian Culture
- DifficultyHard
- TypeDirect
Consider the following Bhakti Saints:
1. Dadu Dayal
2. Guru Nanak
3. Tyagaraja
Who among the above was/were preaching when the Lodi dynasty fell and Babur took over?
Show answer
Answer: B. 2 only
Verdict
Correct Answer: 2 only
Analysis
This question tests the chronological correlation between Bhakti saints and major political events in medieval India. The key event is the First Battle of Panipat in 1526, which marked the beginning of Mughal rule in India.
Statement by statement
1. Dadu Dayal — Incorrect
Dadu Dayal lived from 1544 to 1603 CE.
He was active after Babur’s invasion of India in 1526 and was a contemporary of Akbar.
Therefore, he was not preaching when the Lodi dynasty fell and the Mughal Empire began.
2. Guru Nanak — Correct
Guru Nanak lived from 1469 to 1539 CE.
His lifetime covered the transition from the Lodi dynasty to the Mughal Empire.
He was active during Babur’s invasion and the First Battle of Panipat in 1526.
3. Tyagaraja — Incorrect
Tyagaraja lived from 1767 to 1847 CE.
He belonged to the 18th–19th century and lived much later than the Lodi-Mughal transition.
Therefore, he cannot be linked with the period of Babur’s invasion or the fall of the Lodi dynasty.
Extra UPSC info
* The First Battle of Panipat was fought in 1526 between Babur and Ibrahim Lodi.
* Babur’s victory established the Mughal Empire in India.
* Guru Nanak is associated with Nirguna Bhakti and the foundation of Sikhism.
* Guru Nanak emphasized Sangat, Langar, equality and devotion to one God.
* Dadu Dayal was a Nirguna Bhakti saint and founder of the Dadu Panth.
* Tyagaraja was a Carnatic music saint and devotee of Lord Rama, known for Pancharatna Kritis.
How to crack it
Only Guru Nanak was active during the 1526 Lodi-Mughal transition, so the correct answer is 2 only.