NCERT Class 7 History — Chapter 6: Devotional Paths to the Divine

mcqeasy

The term 'Gurmukhi' refers to:

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

AA script used for writing Punjabi
BA title given to the Sikh Guru
CA musical instrument used by Sikhs
DA ritual performed in the Gurdwara

Did you get this right?

Solution

Correct Option

The correct option is

A script used for writing Punjabi

Explanation

Gurmukhi is the script primarily used for writing the Punjabi language and is the script in which the Sikh holy scripture, the Guru Granth Sahib, is written.

Detailed Analysis

The term 'Gurmukhi' literally translates to "from the mouth of the Guru."
While the Punjabi language existed prior to this, the script was standardized by Guru Angad Dev, the second Sikh Guru, in the 16th century.
Guru Angad Dev modified and polished the existing lande/mahajani scripts of the region to create a distinct script that could accurately record the hymns (Gurbani) of Guru Nanak Dev and maintain their linguistic purity, distinct from the Sanskrit tradition.
It served as a medium for the vernacular literature of the Bhakti movement in Punjab, making spiritual knowledge accessible to the common masses.

Incorrect Options Analysis:

A musical instrument used by Sikhs: Instruments used in Sikh tradition include the Rabab (used by Bhai Mardana) and the Taus, but Gurmukhi is not an instrument.
A title given to the Sikh Guru: Titles for Gurus include terms like Sacha Padshah, but Gurmukhi refers strictly to the script.
A ritual performed in the Gurdwara: Rituals include Ardas or Langar, not Gurmukhi.

Key Takeaway

Gurmukhi is the script standardized by Guru Angad Dev for the Punjabi language, instrumental in preserving the Adi Granth and spreading the teachings of the Sikh Gurus in the vernacular.

Your note

More from Chapter 6: Devotional Paths to the Divine

Consider the following statements regarding the Nayanars and Alvars of South India: 1. The Nayanars were devotees of Vishnu, while the Alvars were devotees of Shiva. 2. They drew upon the ideals of love and heroism found in Sangam literature and blended them with the values of bhakti. 3. They were critical of the caste system and included people from all backgrounds. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

medium

Which of the following pairs of texts and their associated traditions is correctly matched? 1. Tevaram : Alvars 2. Tiruvacakam : Nayanars 3. Divya Prabandham : Alvars 4. Bijak : Virashaivas Select the correct answer using the code given below:

medium

In the context of the Bhakti tradition, what does the term 'hagiography' refer to?

easy

With reference to the Bhakti tradition in Maharashtra, consider the following statements: 1. It focused on the worship of Goddess Durga in the Tuljapur temple. 2. The saint-poets of this tradition rejected the idea of renunciation and preferred to live with their families. 3. They accepted all social differences based on birth as divine will. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

medium

Who among the following saints is associated with the composition of 'Abhangs'?

easy

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Correct Option

The correct option is

A script used for writing Punjabi

Explanation

Gurmukhi is the script primarily used for writing the Punjabi language and is the script in which the Sikh holy scripture, the Guru Granth Sahib, is written.

Detailed Analysis

The term 'Gurmukhi' literally translates to "from the mouth of the Guru."
While the Punjabi language existed prior to this, the script was standardized by Guru Angad Dev, the second Sikh Guru, in the 16th century.
Guru Angad Dev modified and polished the existing lande/mahajani scripts of the region to create a distinct script that could accurately record the hymns (Gurbani) of Guru Nanak Dev and maintain their linguistic purity, distinct from the Sanskrit tradition.
It served as a medium for the vernacular literature of the Bhakti movement in Punjab, making spiritual knowledge accessible to the common masses.

Incorrect Options Analysis:

A musical instrument used by Sikhs: Instruments used in Sikh tradition include the Rabab (used by Bhai Mardana) and the Taus, but Gurmukhi is not an instrument.
A title given to the Sikh Guru: Titles for Gurus include terms like Sacha Padshah, but Gurmukhi refers strictly to the script.
A ritual performed in the Gurdwara: Rituals include Ardas or Langar, not Gurmukhi.

Key Takeaway

Gurmukhi is the script standardized by Guru Angad Dev for the Punjabi language, instrumental in preserving the Adi Granth and spreading the teachings of the Sikh Gurus in the vernacular.