Around 1450, Indian mystic poet Kabir began preaching a syncretic form of devotion that critiqued both Hindu and Muslim orthodoxies. His teachings emphasized a direct, formless experience of the divine, advocating for spiritual unity beyond religious boundaries. Kabir's poetry and philosophy played a crucial role in the Bhakti movement, promoting ideas of love, equality, and personal connection to God, which resonated across diverse communities in India.

Kabir's syncretic devotion in the 15th century forged a powerful vernacular tradition of bhakti poetry in North India. His use of simple, earthy metaphors to challenge caste hierarchies and promote spiritual unity continues to inspire contemporary South Asian poets, enriching the cultural landscape with themes of love and devotion.