RAS question
Lal Dasji, a saint of Rajasthan, founded which sect?
Correct answer: (D) Lal Dasi sect.
Lal Dasji of Rajasthan founded the Lal Dasi, or Laldas, sect.
Explanation
Lal Dasji is linked with the Lal Dasi sect, also called the Laldas sect in Rajasthan saints material. He was the founder of this sect, was born at Dholidoob village in Alwar, and preached Nirguna, or formless, devotion. In the standard RAS framing, he is remembered as a Rajasthan saint whose teaching centred on devotion to a formless God, supported by devotional composition and a following mainly associated with eastern Rajasthan. The point is not simply to recognise a saint's name, but to connect him with the specific sect tradition attached to his teachings rather than with broader Bhakti labels.
Why the other options are wrong
- (A) Dadu Panth belongs to Dadu Dayal, so choosing it confuses two different Nirguna Bhakti traditions of Rajasthan.
- (B) The Bishnoi sect is associated with Jambhoji, whereas Lal Dasji belongs to the Laldas or Lal Dasi sect.
- (C) Vaishnav sect is too broad and points to devotion centred on Vishnu, while Lal Dasji is specifically tied to a Nirguna Lal Dasi tradition.
Concept
This tests the Rajasthan History, Art and Culture theme of saints, sects and Bhakti traditions. It recurs in RAS because exam questions often ask candidates to match regional saints with their sects, teachings and areas of influence.