CBSE Class 9 English – Saint Kabir

Chapter Overview

“Saint Kabir” introduces Kabir, the mystic poet born in Varanasi (c. 1398–1518), raised by weavers, and influenced by guru Ramananda. Rejecting religious dogma, caste and ritual, Kabir used his simple couplets (dohas) to awaken people to inner truth, communal harmony and direct devotion. His verses transcend Hinduism, Islam and are included in the Sikh scripture. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

Important Keywords

• Dohas: Two-line couplets in matrika metre, expressing spiritual truths. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
• Bhakti movement: Devotional revival rejecting priests and rituals. Kabir was a central voice. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
• Casteism: Social hierarchy Kabir denounced—“Orthodox priests and maulavis hated him.” :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
• Syncretism: Fusion of Hindu and Muslim ideas with emphasis on divine unity. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
• Bijak: Kabir’s main canonical collection of verses, forming core of Kabir Panth. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}