The correct option is (a) 1, 2 and 3 only.
Explanation
Kabir (c. 14th–15th century) was a prominent figure in the Bhakti movement in North India. He belonged to the Nirguna school, which advocated devotion to a formless God, standing in contrast to the Saguna school that worshipped specific deities with attributes.
Statement-wise Analysis:
- Statement 1 is Correct: Kabir’s teachings were based on a complete and vehement rejection of the major religious traditions of his time. He openly criticized external worship, priestly classes, and the caste system found in Brahmanical Hinduism, as well as orthodox practices in Islam.
- Statement 2 is Correct: He believed in a formless Supreme God. He emphasized that the Ultimate Reality is beyond physical form and attributes (Nirguna), rejecting idol worship.
- Statement 3 is Correct: Kabir preached that the only path to salvation was through Bhakti or devotion. He stressed that liberation is achieved through personal devotion and the chanting of God's name, rather than through rituals or asceticism.
- Statement 4 is Incorrect: While a significant portion of Kabir’s verses is preserved in the Guru Granth Sahib, they are not exclusively found there. His compositions are preserved in three distinct traditions: the Guru Granth Sahib (Punjab), the Bijak (preserved by the Kabirpanth in Varanasi), and the Panch Vani (preserved by the Dadupanth in Rajasthan).
Key Takeaway:
Kabir was a Nirguna Bhakti saint who rejected religious orthodoxy, rituals, and caste. His literary works are preserved in the Bijak, Guru Granth Sahib, and Panch Vani.