Ep 4. Bhakti Movement: Beyond Religion & Rituals Ft. Prof. Purushottam Agrawal | Akhyan Diaries

Bhakti was never meant to remain private. It questioned authority, challenged sacred hierarchies, and spoke directly in the language of the people. In Episode 4 of Akhyan Diaries, Nikhil Sir is joined by Prof. Purushottam Agrawal, a former UPSC member, scholar, and one of the most influential voices on the Bhakti tradition. From Kabir and Dadu to Akbar’s court, the conversation explores Bhakti as vernacular modernity, individuality, and social agency. The episode also examines the Sagun–Nirgun divide, the idea of whether “Hinduism” was a 19th-century invention, and why Bhakti cannot be read through modern ideological lenses. This is not just about devotion. It is about ideas, language, power, identity, and how societies actually change. Prof. Purushottam Agrawal is a former UPSC member, noted scholar, writer, and public intellectual. Widely respected for his deep understanding of Indian society, culture, and intellectual traditions, he brings rare insight into how ideas, literature, and ethics shape civil service thinking. His experience inside UPSC and his academic work make his perspectives especially valuable for aspirants seeking depth beyond standard preparation. Ajab Shahar Documentary Series: https://ajabshahar.com/films/all Watch the previous episodes of Akhyan Diaries:    • Akhyan Diaries   00:00-Teaser 01:46-Introduction 03:34-Vernacular Modernity 19:30-Origin of Bhakti Movement 25:35-'So Says Jan Gopal' 27:41-Akbar and Bhakti Movement 35:32-Dadu vs Kabir 37:41-Hindu Identity 40:38-Caste and Bhakti 48:50-Women and Bhakti 51:40-Bhakti Public Sphere YouTube has introduced a new 'Hype' feature, limited to just 3 per week. If you found this video insightful, consider using one to hype it. 👉Join GS History Telegram Channel: https://t.me/nikhilhistoryculture 👉Join History Optional Telegram: https://t.me/nikhilhistoryoptional ⚡️Enroll in History Optional Daily Answer Writing and Mentorship Program (DAMP) 2025-26: https://shorturl.at/WdRI7 ⚡️Get the History Optional Mapping Book here: https://shorturl.at/7H3P8 ⚡️Enroll here for History Optional Mapping Module: https://shorturl.at/CVSPE ⚡️HOT 500 2.0, History Optional Through 500+ Questions - https://tinyurl.com/3mk5k9dw ⚡️Enroll here in the Sunday Live Mentorship Program 3.0: https://shorturl.at/AEb1n Contact here for details: 8826496658 - Email your query to: [email protected] 📩 📍Location: LevelUp IAS, Karol Bagh Centre (https://maps.app.goo.gl/NvPyzytSwDQYE...) 2nd Floor, 45 Pusa Road, Opp. Metro Pillar 128, Karol Bagh - Watch all the History Optional Foundation Lectures here for FREE: World History -    • World History (UPSC History Optional 2023-24)   Ancient History -    • Ancient India (UPSC History Optional 2023-24)   Early Medieval History -    • Early Medieval (UPSC History Optional 2023...   Medieval History -    • Medieval India (UPSC History Optional 2023...   Modern India History -    • Modern India (UPSC History Optional 2023-24)   Post Independence India History -    • Post-Independence India (UPSC History Opti...   ---------------------------------------- #akhyandiaries #levelupias #historyoptional #upsc #podcast #nikhilsir #nikhilsheth #indianhistory #history #historypodcast #historylovers #historybuff #historygeeks #ancientindia #medievalindia #podcastindia #bookdiscussion #historyofindia #indianhistoryfacts #india #upscboard #bhakti #kabir #kabirbhajan #kabirvani #kabirkedohe #kabirisrealgod #medievalindia #spirituality #philosopher #culture #religion #bhakti #kabirdohe #kabirdas #kabirdasji #kabirdasbhajan #kabirdasjikedohe #kabirdasquotes #historyofindia #kabirpanth #medievalindia #vernacularhistory #hindipoetry #santkabirdas #bhaktiliterature #kabirvani #religion #hindu #hinduism #islam #christian #buddhism #akbar #tulsidas #Sagunbhakti #nirgunbhakti #bhaktimovement #purushottamagarwal #dadurambhajan #akbar #mirabai #tulsidas #hinduism