SOURCE: Saraswati, Baidyanath. “Notes on Kabir: A Non-literate Intellectual.” In Dissent, Protest and Reform in Indian Civilization, edited by S. C. Malik, pp. 167-84. Simla, India: Indian Institute of Advanced Study, 1977.

In the following essay, Saraswati explores Kabīr's poetry and describes the poet as a non-literate genius who criticized institutional religion and religious and intellectual elitism, while making spirituality accessible to common people. The critic goes on to point out the irony of the attempt by scholars and some of Kabīr's followers to make his ideas acceptable and in line with orthodox philosophy and religion.

The first historical event of protest in Indian civilization occurred in the sixth century bc when Jainism and Buddhism repudiated the authority of an elitist culture called Brahminism.

The Tradition of Non-conformity

In denying the authority of the Vedas, Jainism is perhaps the oldest form of non-conformity in India. It revolted...