Q.7 Examine the significance of different schools of Vedanta philosophy—Vishishtadvaita, Dvaita, Dvaitadvaita, and Shuddhadvaita—in medieval India.
Ans: Philosophy in Medieval India
The major religious movements were brought about by the mystics. They contributed to
the religious ideas and beliefs. Bhakti saints like Vallabhacharya, Ramanuja, Nimbaraka
brought about new philosophical thinking which had its origin in Shankaracharya’s advaita
(non-dualism) philosophy.
- Vishistadvaita of Ramanujacharya: Vïshistadvaita means modified monism. The ultimate reality according to this philosophy is Brahman (God) and matter and soul are his qualities.
- Dvaita of Madhavacharya: The literal meaning of dvaita is dualism which stands in opposition to non-dualism and monism of Shankaracharya. He believed that the world is not an illusion (maya) but a reality full of differences.
- Dvaitadvaita of Nimbaraka: Dvaitadvaita means dualistic monism. According to this philosophy God transformed himself into world and soul. This world and soul are different from God (Brahman). They could survive with the support of God only. They are separate but dependent.
- Suddhadvaita of Vallabhacharya: Vallabhacharya wrote commentaries on Vedanta Sutra and Bhagavad Gita. For him. Brahman (God) was Sri Krishna who manifested himself as souls and matter. God and soul are not distinct, but one. The stress was on pure non-dualism. His philosophy came to be known as Pushtimarga (the path of grace) and the school was called Rudrasampradaya
| Source : Book NIOS: Chapter:9 Page Number: 136: PDF Link |
| Extra Info : The Suhrawardi Silsilah This Silsilah was founded by Sheikh Shihabuddin Suhrawardi. It was established in India by Sheikh Bahauddin Zakariya (1182-1262). He set up a leading khanqah in Multan, which was visited by rulers, high government officials and rich merchants. Sheikh Bahauddin Zakariya openly took Iltutmisht’s side in his struggle against Qabacha and received from him the title Shaikhul Islam (Leader of Islam). It must be noted that unlike the Chishti saints, the Suhrawardis maintained close contacts with the state. They accepted gifts, jagirs and even government posts in the ecclesiastical department. The Suhrawardi silsilah was firmly established in Punjab and Sind. Besides these two silsilahs there were others such as the Firdawsi Silsilah, Shattari Silsilah, Qadiri Silsilah, Naqshbandi Silsilah Sivadvaita of Srikanthacharya: According to this philosophy the ultimate Brahman is Shiva, endowed with Shakti. Shiva exists in this world as well as beyond it. |