Ramananda : Medieval Indian History

Ramananda was born at Allahabad. He was originally a follower of Ramanuja. Later he founded his own sect and preached his principles in Hindi at Banaras and Agra. The faith of Ramanandis is known as the Radhasoami Faith. He opposed the caste system and chose his disciples from all sections of society disregarding caste.

He was a worshipper of Rama. He was the first to employ the vernacular medium to propagate his ideas. Simplification of worship and emancipation of people from the traditional caste rules were his two important contributions to the Bhakti movement.

His disciples were:

• Kabir, a Muslim weaver
• Raidasa, a cobbler
• Sena, a barber
• Sadhana, a butcher
• Dhanna, a Jat farmer
• Naraharai, a goldsmith and
• Pipa, a Rajput prince.