- Sufi and Bhakti saints brought the liberal ideas about social structure and religious thoughts. They propagated equality, humanity and brotherhood among all classes of people (Sant Kabir and Guru Nanak had preached a non-sectarian religion based on universal love)
- These saints maintained close relations with locals and common man. This helped them to gain the authority on their ideas and thoughts. Lack of political association brought them closer to reformism.
- These saints propagated their thoughts and belief system in the local languages. As their popularity grew, so grew the local languages such as Awadhi, Punjabi, Marwari, Marathi, Kannada etc.
- These saints also laid down the culture of sacrifice and charity to all the needy people irrespective of their class or caste (e.g., concept of Langar among Sikhism).
- Bhakti and Sufi movements were supported by the local music and songs (Bhajans and Qawwali). This not only helped them to spread their ideas but also popularize the music, songs and dance forms (e.g., Manipuri Dance, Kathak dance, songs from Gita Govinda).
- Bhakti saints called to end the orthodox practise in the Hindu religion such as idol worship, sati system, use of priest to connect to the God etc.
- Because of the Bhakti saints, people belonging to the backward caste could follow the path of devotion and worship god of their choice (e.g., Warkari Sect in Maharashtra)
