Class 11 Hindi - ISC
Poetry: Hum Tau Ek Ek Kari Jaanna
Poetry chapter 'Hum Tau Ek Ek Kari Jaanna' is written by the legendary Bhakti movement saint-poet Kabir. In this verse, Kabir asserts the oneness of God and challenges orthodox religious divisions, rituals, and blind faith. He uses the metaphor of 'one' (ek) to explain that the Supreme Soul and individual souls are essentially the same, comparing God to elements like air and water that permeate the entire universe. For ISC Class 11 board exams, this chapter is crucial for testing critical appreciation, understanding of Kabir's philosophical ideology, and interpretation of medieval Hindi Sufi-Bhakti terminology.
Start Learning FreeKey Concepts
Advaitavada (Non-dualism)
Kabir emphasizes the philosophy of 'Advaita', stating that there is only one universal reality (Brahman) and rejecting the duality of creator and creation.
Critique of Religious Dogma
The poet openly condemns empty religious rituals, caste distinctions, and false pride of both Hindus and Muslims, urging them to seek inner truth.
Elements of Nature as Metaphors
Kabir uses common natural elements like wind, water, and fire to explain how the divine spirit pervades every living being without discrimination.
Sadhukadi Bhasha
The poem is composed in Kabir's characteristic 'Sadhukadi' or Panchmel Khichdi language, which incorporates vocabulary from Awadhi, Braj, Bhojpuri, and Persian.
Concept of Fearlessness (Abhay)
Kabir highlights that those who realize the ultimate truth become fearless (nirbhay) and no longer fear worldly illusions (maya) or death.
Important Formulas
Board Exam Info
In the ISC Class 11 Hindi elective/paper, poetry chapters by Kabir typically carry around 5 to 8 marks. Questions frequently include context-based explanations (Sandarbh sahit vyakhya), critical appreciation of the central theme, and short answer questions regarding Kabir's philosophy and use of metaphors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Kabir mean by 'Ek Ek Kari Jaanna'?
It means recognizing and understanding that God is one, unique, and absolute, and rejecting the concept of multiple gods or division between creatures.
How does Kabir use the example of air and water in the poem?
Kabir explains that just as wind and water are the same throughout the world regardless of where they flow, the divine light exists uniformly in all human beings.
Why does Kabir criticize religious scholars (Pandit and Mullah)?
He criticizes them for misleading people through superficial rituals, false scriptures, and promoting division based on religion and caste instead of true spiritual realization.
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