It is needless to ask of a saint by Kabir | It is needless to ask of a saint | Kabir | Explanation | Summary | Key Points | Word Meaning | Critical Appreciation | Questions Answers | Free PDF Download – Easy Literary Lessons
It is Needless to Ask of a Saint
It is needless to ask of a saint the caste to which he belongs;
For the priest, the warrior. the tradesman, and all the
thirty-six castes, alike are seeking for God.
It is but folly to ask what the caste of a saint may be;
The barber has sought God, the washerwoman, and the carpenter-
Even Raidas was a seeker after God.
The Rishi Swapacha was a tanner by caste.
Hindus and Moslems alike have achieved that End, where remains no mark of distinction.
line-by-line explanation of the poem
Line 1: It is needless to ask of a saint the caste to which he belongs;
Explanation: Kabir is saying that caste is irrelevant when it comes to spirituality. All people are equal in the eyes of God, regardless of their caste.
Line 2: For the priest, the warrior, the tradesman, and all the
Line 3: thirty-six castes, alike are seeking for God.
Explanation: Kabir is emphasizing that spirituality is not limited to any particular caste. People of all castes can achieve spiritual liberation.
Line 4: It is but folly to ask what the caste of a saint may be;
Explanation: Kabir is repeating his point from the first line. He is saying that caste is irrelevant in the spiritual realm.
Line 5: The barber has sought God, the washerwoman, and the carpenter-
Explanation: Kabir is giving more examples of people from different castes who have achieved spiritual liberation.
Line 6: Even Raidas was a seeker after God.
Explanation: Raidas was a famous saint from the 15th century. He was born into a low-caste family, but he achieved spiritual liberation through his devotion to God.
Line 7: The Rishi Swapacha was a tanner by caste.
Explanation: Swapacha was another famous saint from the 15th century. He was born into a low-caste family, but he achieved spiritual liberation through his devotion to God.
Line 8: Hindus and Moslems alike have achieved that End, where remains no mark of distinction.
Explanation: Kabir is saying that spiritual liberation is open to all people, regardless of their religion or caste.
Overall message
Kabir’s poem is a powerful critique of the caste system and its harmful effects on society. It is also a reminder that we are all human beings, regardless of our caste, religion, or any other social label.
Word Meaning
| Line | Word | Meaning | Meaning in Hindi |
| 1 | Needless | Unnecessary | अनावश्यक |
| 1 | Saint | A holy person or spiritual teacher | साधु |
| 1 | Caste | A social division based on birth | जाति |
| 2 | priest | pujari | पुरोहित |
| 2 | Warrior | fighter | योद्धा |
| 3 | Tradesman | A person who buys and sells goods. | व्यापारी |
| 3 | Alike | Similar | एक जैसे |
| 3 | Seeking | Searching for | खोज रहे हैं |
| 4 | Folly | Stupidity | मूर्खता |
| 5 | Barber | A person who cuts hair | नाई |
| 5 | Washerwoman | A woman who washes clothes | धोबी |
| 5 | Carpenter | A person who makes things from wood | बढ़ई |
| 6 | Seeker | A person who is searching for something | साधक |
| 7 | Rishi | A Hindu sage | ऋषि |
| 7 | Tanner | A person who prepares leather | चमड़ा बनाने वाला |
| 8 | End | Aim or goal | लक्ष्य |
| 8 | mark of distinction | Sign of difference | भेद का चिह्न |
Summary
Saint Kabir’s poem “It is Needless to Ask of a Saint” is a powerful critique of the caste system and its emphasis on social divisions. Kabir argues that it is pointless to ask a saint’s caste, because all saints are seeking God, regardless of their birth or social status.
Kabir begins the poem by stating that it is pointless to ask about the caste of a saint. He then goes on to say that people of all castes, including priests, warriors, and tradesmen, are all seeking God. He also points out that barbers, washerwomen, and carpenters have all sought God.
Kabir then gives two specific examples of saints from low-caste backgrounds: Raidas and Rishi Swapacha (a tanner). He also points out that Hindus and Muslims alike have achieved spiritual liberation.
Kabir’s message is clear: caste is irrelevant in the spiritual realm. All people are equal in the eyes of God, and all have the potential to achieve liberation.
The poem is a reminder that we should focus on the inner qualities of a person, rather than their external appearance or social status. If someone is truly seeking God, then they are a saint, regardless of their caste or religion.
Kabir’s poem is still relevant today, as we continue to struggle with issues of caste and discrimination. His message is a call for us to transcend our differences and see each other as equals in the eyes of God.
Key Points
Author: The poem is written by Sant Kabir, a 15th-century Indian mystic poet and saint. His writings significantly influenced the Bhakti movement in India.
Form: This poem is a Doha, a form of self-contained rhyming couplet in poetry. Dohas are often used in Hindi literature and have a simple rhythmic structure.
Speaker: The speaker in the poem is Sant Kabir himself, expressing his views on spirituality and caste system.
Setting: The poem doesn’t specify a physical setting. It’s more focused on the social and spiritual context of India during Kabir’s time, particularly the caste system.
Theme: The main theme of the poem is the critique of the caste system and the assertion that spiritual attainment is not confined to any particular caste or social status.
Tone: The tone of the poem is didactic and critical. Kabir instructs his readers about the irrelevance of caste in spiritual pursuits and criticizes societal norms that suggest otherwise.
Style: Kabir’s style in this poem is direct and unambiguous. He uses simple language to convey profound spiritual and social messages.
Message: The message of the poem is clear: Caste or social status has no bearing on one’s ability to seek God or attain spiritual enlightenment. Everyone, regardless of their caste or profession, has an equal right to seek divinity.
Kabir Das
Birth and Early Life: Sant Kabir was born in the year 1398 in Banaras, present-day Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India. He was brought up in a Muslim weaver’s family by Niru and Nima.
Name: The name ‘Kabir’ means ‘great’ in Arabic. It is said he was named by a Qazi who opened the Qur’an several times to find a suitable name for the child and each time ended up on Kabir.
Spiritual Influence: Kabir was a mystic poet and a musician, and he was one of the important saints of Hinduism. He is also considered a Sufi by Muslims. His writings significantly influenced Hinduism’s Bhakti movement.
Teachings: Kabir’s teachings were based on a complete, inward-looking devotion to God. His teachings are expressed in a simple and direct manner, devoid of any scholarly jargon.
Works: Kabir’s verses are found in Sikhism’s scripture Guru Granth Sahib, the Satguru Granth Sahib of Saint Garib Das, and Kabir Sagar of Dharamdas. His poems are not only sung by Hindus and Sikhs but also by people of other faiths.
Kabir Panth: Kabir Panth is a religious community that identifies Kabir as the originator of the Sant Mat sects. The followers of Kabir Panth are known as Kabir Panthis.
Death: Sant Kabir passed away in 1518. His teachings continue to have a significant impact on Indian society and culture.
Legacy: Today, Sant Kabir is revered by millions of people across India and the world for his teachings promoting inner peace, unity, and love among all.
Very Short Answer Questions
1. Why is it needless to ask of a saint the caste to which he belongs?
Because all saints are seeking God, regardless of their caste.
2. What is the folly of asking what the caste of a saint may be?
It is foolish to ask about the caste of a saint because caste is irrelevant in the spiritual realm.
3. What is the main theme of the poem?
The main theme of the poem is the equality of all people in the spiritual realm.
4. What is the tone of the poem?
The tone of the poem is didactic, or instructive. Kabir is trying to teach his readers about the importance of equality and tolerance.
5. What is the mood of the poem?
The mood of the poem is hopeful and uplifting.
6. What is the poetic form of the poem?
The poem is written in free verse, meaning that it does not follow any specific meter or rhyme scheme.
7. What is the significance of the poem’s use of repetition?
The poem’s use of repetition emphasizes Kabir’s key message: caste is irrelevant in the spiritual realm.
8. Who is the author of the poem?
Sant Kabir
9. Which saint was mentioned as a seeker after God?
Raidas.
10. What was Rishi Swapacha’s caste?
Tanner.
11. What do Hindus and Muslims achieve in the end, according to the poem?
A state where distinctions no longer matter.
12. How many castes are mentioned in the poem?
Thirty-six.
13. Who are the individuals mentioned in the poem who sought God despite their caste?
Raidas, Rishi Swapacha.
14. Which two religious groups are mentioned in the poem?
Hindus and Muslims.
Short Answer Questions
1. What is the significance of Kabir mentioning Raidas and Swapacha in the poem?
Answer: Kabir mentions Raidas and Swapacha as examples of saints from low-caste backgrounds who achieved spiritual liberation. This is to emphasize that caste is irrelevant in the spiritual realm.
2. What is the significance of Kabir mentioning Hindus and Muslims in the poem?
Answer: Kabir mentions Hindus and Muslims to emphasize that spiritual liberation is open to all people, regardless of their religion.
3. What is the overall message of Kabir’s poem?
Answer: The overall message of Kabir’s poem is that caste and other social divisions are irrelevant in the spiritual realm. All people are equal in the eyes of God, and all have the potential to achieve liberation.
4. What is the significance of the title of the poem?
Answer: The title of the poem emphasizes Kabir’s point that it is pointless to ask about the caste of a saint. Caste is irrelevant in the spiritual realm.
5. What is the significance of the poem’s use of simple language?
Answer: The poem’s use of simple language makes it accessible to a wide audience. Kabir wants to communicate his message to all people, regardless of their social status or educational background.
6. How does the poem challenge the caste system?
Answer: The poem challenges the caste system by arguing that it is irrelevant in the spiritual realm. Kabir asserts that all people are equal in the eyes of God, regardless of their caste.
7. How does the poem promote religious tolerance?
Answer: The poem promotes religious tolerance by asserting that Hindus and Muslims alike can achieve spiritual liberation. Kabir’s message is that all religions are valid paths to God.
8. How does the poem remain relevant today?
Answer: The poem remains relevant today because it addresses issues that are still prevalent in society, such as caste discrimination and religious intolerance. Kabir’s message of equality and tolerance is one that we can all benefit from.
9. Why does Kabir say that it is needless to ask of a saint the caste to which he belongs?
Kabir says that it is needless to ask of a saint the caste to which he belongs because caste is irrelevant in the spiritual realm. All people are equal in the eyes of God, regardless of their caste.
Essay Type Questions
Q. Write the critical appreciation of the poem?
Introduction
Saint Kabir was a 15th-century Indian mystic poet who is revered by Hindus and Muslims alike. His poems are known for their simple language, profound insights, and universal message of love and tolerance.
The poem “It is Needless to Ask of a Saint” is one of Kabir’s most famous poems. It is a powerful critique of the caste system and its emphasis on social divisions. Kabir argues that caste is irrelevant in the spiritual realm, and that all people are equal in the eyes of God.
Structure & Form
The poem is written in free verse, meaning that it does not follow any specific meter or rhyme scheme. This allows Kabir to focus on the content of his message rather than the form of his poem.
The poem is written in the form of Dohas, a type of self-contained rhyming couplet. The language used is simple and direct, making it accessible to people from all walks of life.
Theme
The main theme of the poem is the equality of all people in the spiritual realm. Kabir argues that caste, religion, and other social divisions are irrelevant in the eyes of God. He also promotes religious tolerance by asserting that Hindus and Muslims alike can achieve spiritual liberation.
Poetic Devices
Anaphora: Kabir repeats the phrase “It is needless to ask of a saint the caste to which he belongs” three times to emphasize his key message.
Metaphor: Kabir uses the metaphor of “the End” to refer to spiritual liberation.
Imagery: Kabir uses the image of a barber, a washerwoman, and a carpenter to represent people from all walks of life.
Symbolism: Kabir uses the symbols of Hinduism and Islam to represent religious tolerance.
Historical Significance
The poem is significant because it challenges the caste system, which has been a major source of social inequality in India for centuries. Kabir’s message of equality and tolerance is still relevant today, as we continue to struggle with issues of discrimination and intolerance.
Conclusion
“It is Needless to Ask of a Saint” is a powerful and moving poem that challenges us to think about the ways in which we divide ourselves from others. Kabir’s message of equality and tolerance is one that we can all benefit from.
In addition to its historical significance, the poem is also significant for its literary merit. Kabir’s use of simple language, profound insights, and poetic devices makes the poem both accessible and thought-provoking.
Overall, “It is Needless to Ask of a Saint” is a masterpiece of Indian poetry that continues to resonate with readers today.
Q: Discuss the relevance of Sant Kabir’s poem “It is needless to ask of a saint the caste to which he belongs” in the contemporary world.
Introduction: Sant Kabir, a 15th-century Indian mystic poet and saint, penned the poem “It is needless to ask of a saint the caste to which he belongs”. The poem criticizes the caste system and emphasizes that spiritual attainment is not confined to any particular caste or social status.
Relevance in Contemporary Society: Despite significant social and economic progress, caste-based discrimination continues to persist in many parts of the world, including India. Kabir’s poem remains relevant as it challenges these deep-rooted social hierarchies and advocates for equality and universality in the pursuit of spirituality.
Spirituality Beyond Social Constructs: The poem underscores that spirituality transcends social constructs like caste. It suggests that divinity is accessible to all who seek it, irrespective of their social standing or profession. This message is particularly pertinent in today’s world where individuals are often judged based on their social, economic, or professional status.
Promotion of Equality: Kabir’s poem promotes equality by asserting that everyone, regardless of their caste or profession, has an equal right to seek and experience divinity. This message aligns with contemporary movements advocating for social justice and equality.
Critique of Discriminatory Practices: The poem serves as a critique of discriminatory practices based on caste. It calls for societal change by challenging these norms and advocating for spiritual equality. This critique remains relevant as societies worldwide strive to eliminate discrimination and promote equality.
Conclusion: In conclusion, Sant Kabir’s poem “It is needless to ask of a saint the caste to which he belongs” holds significant relevance in the contemporary world. Its message of spiritual equality and critique of the caste system serves as a timeless reminder of the need for societal change and the pursuit of equality.
