The Indian culture and civilisation have undergone regormation and revitalisation many times throughout history of mankind. The Bhakti movements of 14th-16th century represented one such phase of revitalisation and reformation of Indian culture. This movement was lead by saints like Kabir, Guru Nanak, Ravidas, Dadu Dayal and Guru Ramdas.
Essential features of Bhakti movement are as follows:
- The bhakti movement was liberal and progressive. Bhakti saints fought with the existing threats and evils in the society. Their objective was to create liberal socio cultural religious system.
- Bhakti movement was non violent in nature. They used peaceful method to propagate ideas among masses.
- The doctrine of peaceful coexistence was dominant among bhakti saints from 14th-16th
- Tolerance was the most important message given by bhakti saints. They gave thrust to Hindu muslim unity
- Bhakti movement was based on the idea of humanism. The philosophy believes that every human being is good by nature and progress of mankind is the ultimate objective .
- It was pan India movement with egalitarian characteristics. It emphasise on rationality and logical reasoning. Superstition was strongly opposed.
- Bhakti movement was reformative in character and it was essentially the ethical moral movement.
