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.
