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Prime Minister paid tribute on 11th June 2025 to Sant Kabir Das on his 648th birth anniversary, observed as Kabirdas Jayanti (Kabir Prakat Divas).

Who was Sant Kabirdas?

Feature	Details
Period	1440–1518
Birthplace	Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Identity	Weaver by caste (“julaha”), embraced lower-caste identity (“kori”)
Influences	Ramananda (Bhakti saint), Sheikh Taqi (Sufi teacher)
Tradition	Nirguna Bhakti – worship of formless, attribute-less God
Literary Style	Dohas, Bhajans, “Ulatbansis” in Brajbhasha, Awadhi, Sant Bhasha
Major Works	Kabir Bijak, Kabir Granthawali, Sakhi Granth, Anurag Sagar
Influence on Sikhism	Verses included in Guru Granth Sahib by Guru Arjan Dev
Spiritual Legacy	Founder of Kabir Panth – followers called Kabir Panthis
Philosophy	Truth, compassion, anti-ritualism, anti-caste, unity beyond religion

Key Contributions

Area	Contribution
Social Reform	Criticized casteism, idol worship, and orthodoxy
Bhakti Movement	Propagated Nirguna Bhakti and vernacular devotion with Ramananda
Literature	Elevated Hindi literature with simple, deep, reflective poetic forms
Interfaith Legacy	Bridged Hindu, Muslim, and Sikh traditions through universal spiritualism

In a nutshell

“Sadha Sahaj Kabira” – Kabir simplified spirituality for the soul, not the sect.

Prelims Practice Questions

1. Consider the following statements about Sant Kabir Das:
   1. He was associated with the Saguna Bhakti tradition.
   2. His works are included in the Guru Granth Sahib.
      Which of the statements is/are correct?
      a) 1 only
      b) 2 only
      c) Both 1 and 2
      d) Neither 1 nor 2
2. Which of the following literary forms is Sant Kabir most famous for?
   a) Doha
   b) Kavya
   c) Muktak
   d) Vachanamrita
   
   
3. Kabir’s teachings were primarily aimed at:
   a) Establishing a new religion
   b) Supporting Vedic orthodoxy
   c) Promoting equality and devotion to a formless god
   d) Institutionalizing caste-based rituals

Mains Questions

1. Kabir’s teachings reflect the spirit of social reform and spiritual universality. Discuss. (GS 1- Art & Culture)
2. Examine the role of Sant Kabir in shaping the Bhakti Movement in North India. (GS 1- Art & Culture)

Answer Key with Explanations

Qn	Answer	Explanation
1	b	He was a Nirguna Bhakti saint (not Saguna); his verses are in Guru Granth Sahib.
2	a	Kabir’s literary fame is rooted in his dohas—short, impactful couplets.
3	c	Kabir denounced rituals and casteism, advocating equality and Nirguna Bhakti.