“I searched for the crooked, met none. When I searched myself, the crooked one was there none.” – Kabir
Introduction
In the rich tapestry of Indian history, Kabir emerges as a luminous thread, a fifteenth-century (Period of Sikander Lodhi) mystic poet, philosopher, and saint. His profound writings not only shaped his era but continue to resonate in the corridors of time. Kabir’s influence extends beyond the realms of literature, touching the very core of the Bhakti Movement in India. A weaver by birth and a Julaha by caste, Kabir’s political thought and poetry have left an indelible mark on generations.
Table of Contents
Works of Kabir
Kabir’s literary legacy comprises 72 books, primarily a collection of ‘Dohas’ or couplets, reflecting his spiritual insights. Kabir in his writing uses Sadhukkadi language.
Notable among his works are ‘Rekhtas,’ ‘Suknidhan,’ ‘Mangal Vasant,’ ‘Sakhis,’ ‘Kabir Bijak,’ and ‘Holy Agams.’ These verses find a revered place in the Sikh Scripture, the ‘Guru Granth Sahib.’
His comprehensive works are compiled in texts:
- Adi Granth
- Panchvani
- Sarvangi
- Bijak (consisting of three parts – Ramaini (Philosophical Ideas), Sabda (Singing love for god) and Saakhi (Teachings Principles)
- Granthavali
Influences on Kabir
Ramananda
The 14th-century poet-saint Ramananda played a pivotal role in shaping the spiritual landscape of India. His influence on the Bhakti movement, particularly in popularizing the worship of Ram and Sita, left an indelible mark on Kabir. Ramananda’s broad religious outlook, aiming to reconcile the mysticism of Islam with Hindu and Christian theology, resonated deeply with Kabir. Under this influence, Kabir skillfully fused elements of Islam, Hinduism, and Christianity in his philosophy.
Jain Philosophy
Kabir’s commitment to the ideals of Truth, Non-violence, Asteya, Brahmacharya, and Aparigraha reflects the influence of Jain philosophy. His doctrine of Non-violence finds roots in Jain principles, evident in his vision of Begumpura – India’s Utopia, a land free from violence, greed, and crime.
Context of Kabir’s Ideas
In the bustling 15th-century Benaras, where Kabir spent the majority of his life, trade and opportunities flourished, connecting towns and villages. This economic transformation challenged existing caste rules and hierarchical feudal orders, fostering a culture of universal humanism. Social mobility became apparent, causing discomfort among the elite class that sought to maintain the status quo. Kabir, belonging to a lower caste, criticized the discrimination faced by the poor, earning the ire of Brahmins. Despite ideological clashes, Kabir’s popularity soared among the common people, whom he endeared with his transformative couplets.
Criticism of the King and his Administration
Kabir did not limit his critique to societal norms; he also scrutinized the prevailing systems of taxation and zamindari. His sharp criticism targeted the burden placed on the poor and weaker sections of society by the taxation system. Kabir vocalized his dissent against the decision to shift the capital from Delhi to Daulatabad, highlighting the ensuing economic and social repercussions on the populace.
Syncretism in the Bhakti Movement: Kabir’s Vision of Communal Harmony
The Bhakti movement, a significant religious and social transformation in India, originated in the 15th century with influential saints like Mirabai and Ravidas challenging prevailing social oppressions. Kabir, a prominent figure in this movement, played a pivotal role in shaping its trajectory. His writings reflect a unique synthesis, combining principles from both Hinduism and Islam, a phenomenon known as Syncretism.
Kabir’s contribution to the Bhakti movement extended beyond regional and religious boundaries. His advocacy for social harmony bridged gaps between Hinduism, Islam, and non-Hindu religions, emphasizing unity over division. In Kabir’s view, Allah and Rama were different names for the same divine entity, existing not in temples or mosques but in the hearts of devotees. This inclusive perspective marked him as a father of syncretism in North India.
The Bhakti tradition, as classified by Kabir, encompasses two categories: Saguna with attributes and Nirguna without attributes. Kabir, an advocate of Nirgun Bhakti, worshiped an abstract form of the divine, rejecting idol worship and emphasizing a connection beyond material representations. His critique extended beyond religious practices to societal structures, addressing issues of socio economic exploitation and various forms of deprivation.
Kabir’s writings exposed the exploitative practices embedded in the cultural and economic fabric of society. He criticized both Hindu and Islamic orthodoxy, challenging established norms and advocating for the marginalized. His focus on humanity, brotherhood, and emancipation underscored a commitment to the eternal development of society.
The legacy of Kabir endures through the Kabir Panth, a community known as Kabir Panthis. Central to his teachings is the idea that true divinity is found in those who tread the path of righteousness. Kabir advocates for an intimate, inward worship, asserting that the authentic God resides within the hearts of those dedicated to a life of virtue and moral integrity.
While Kabir’s contributions are widely celebrated, it’s essential to acknowledge a less commonly discussed aspect of his legacy. Critics point out his apparent silence on the existence of patriarchy, suggesting that the social conditions of his time may have limited the critique of such deeply ingrained structures. In understanding Kabir’s holistic impact, it is crucial to recognize both his transformative contributions and the contextual challenges he faced.
Amarpur and Prem Nagar: A Vision of Equality and Justice
Amarpur (Amar Deshwa), often referred to as the city of immortality, holds a unique designation as Prem Nagar, the city of Love. It is envisioned as a land free from discrimination and private property, where its inhabitants lead lives marked by liberty. This vision stems from the aspirations of Kabir, who yearned for a society that would transcend prevailing inequalities and offer a superior living environment grounded in equality. Within this utopian settlement,, fostering a sense of freedom for all. Amar Deshwa earned the moniker of India’s Utopia, representing an envisioned societal ideal based on Bhakti on lines of Thomas More’s work Utopia (1516).
Kabir’s desire for a society based on equality, devoid of injustices, is intricately linked with the principles of bhakti. In an era characterized by stark inequalities and discrimination, Kabir boldly rejected societal norms such as caste and religion, presenting a vision of governance idealized by subsequent scholars. His critique extended to the feudal order, challenging authoritarianism, elitism, and the domination of marginalized communities by the majority.
Interestingly, Kabir’s philosophical framework lacks a specific critique of patriarchy. While he vehemently opposed various forms of inequality, the absence of a direct commentary on patriarchal structures within his thought is noteworthy. In Kabir’s envisioned state, freedom is envisioned as being intricately tied to equality, emphasizing the interconnectedness of these principles.
The title, “Amarpur and Prem Nagar,” reflects the prevailing stress and discrimination that serve as the backdrop for imagining utopias. The objectives associated with these utopias are rooted in the eradication of these societal ills, envisioning a future where equality and justice reign supreme. As Kabir’s vision unfolds, the narrative emphasizes the imperative of dismantling oppressive structures, paving the way for a more inclusive and just society. His disciple Sant Raidas defined this ideal state as “Begumpura”.
Important Work – “Seeking Begumpura:The social visions of anti – cast Intellectual” (2008), Gail Omvedt
Important Comments on Kabir
- Rabindranath Tagore – Muktidoot of his and over times
- Raja Ram Mohan Roy – Agra Darshak
- B.R. Ambedkar – (3 Gems – Buddha, Kabir and Phule)
- Ram Vilas Sharma – Compare Kabir with Tulsi
- Hazari Prasad Dwivedi – Reclaims Kabir as people’s philosopher
Conclusion
Kabir, a revered saint amalgamating elements of the Nath tradition, Sufism, and Bhakti, forged a unique religious path. Through his poetic expressions, known as Dohas, he not only captivated the hearts of his contemporaries but also maintains enduring relevance in the contemporary era. His visionary pursuit of societal harmony and egalitarian values resonates through time, inspiring a multitude of thinkers and leaders. The torchbearers of Kabir’s ideals, drawn from his profound political philosophy, propelled his dream of a harmonious and equitable society into subsequent generations, fostering a legacy that persists in shaping the socio-political landscape.
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