Guru Nanak (1469 - 1538) : - Born near Talwandi (now Nanabana in Pakistan). - Preached Casteless, universal, eithical, anti- ritualistic manotheistic & highly spiritual religion. - Started free community Kitchens called 'Guru ka langar' to inculcate the feeling of equality & brotherhood among his followers. - Laid stress on the purity of character conduct & also the need of a 'guru' to...

Kabir (1440 - 1510) : - Born hear Benaras & brought up by a Muslim Weaver, Niru. - Married to Loi & had 2 children. - believed to have been persecuted by Sikandar & died oat Maghar (UP). - His 'Dohas' & ' Sakhi' (poems) are found in the 'Bajak' & are very popular. - believed in Pantheism, i.e. God is every where. - Wanted inter - religious & intra-religious unity. - abandoned...

ramananda (1360 - 1470) - Born in Allahabad & settled in Varanasi. - Founded ramanandi sect. - Had 12 disciples form all castes, Some of whom are - Anantanands, Kabir, Pipa, Bhavananda, Narhari, Raidas, Dhanna, Sena Sursure & wife of Sursura. - His teachings gave rise to two schools of thought in the orthodox (saguna) represented by Nabhadas & Tulsidas, the author of Ramcharit Manas....

Bhakti Movements - The concept of 'Bhakti' was put forth right in the 6th C A.D. but became most popular during the medieval times all over India. - the 'Alvars' (Vaishnavaites) & Nayanars (Shaivites) popularized the cult in South India. Adhi Shankara Charya : - Born in Kaladi, Kerals in 788 A.D. - Propounded Advaita philosophy. - Wrote commentaries on 'Brahmasutra's 'Upanishands...

Sher Shah Suri's Dynasty (1540 - 1555) - Childood name - Farid - Entered the service of Bahar khan Lodi, the Afghan Governor of South Bhar. Who gave him the title 'Sher Khan'. - Sher Shah's last compaign was against kalinjar where he was victorious, but died due to an accidental explosion (1545). His Masouleum was constructed at Sikandara - He was the first rule to use silver 'Rupaiya'...