Question

"The Alvars and Nayanars initiated a Bhakti and Social movement with the support of State." Explain the statement.

Answer 1

The Alvars and Nayanars, two notable groups of poet-saints, lived in South India between the sixth and ninth centuries CE. They played a significant part in the founding of the Bhakti movement, which emphasised personal devotion to a particular deity as a means of atonement.

1. The Nayanars revered Lord Shiva, while the Alvars worshipped Lord Vishnu.
2. These poet-saints helped spread the Bhakti message throughout South India by penning devotional poetry in Tamil that was accessible to the general public.
3. The Alvars and Nayanars were in charge of the Bhakti movement, which had both a social and a theological component.
4. They fought against the caste system and other forms of social injustice that were prevalent at the time in Indian society.
5. The Alvars and Nayanars' message of devotion to a deity without regard for caste or social standing helped to break down these barriers because they frequently came from lower castes.
6. The state significantly supported the Bhakti movement, especially when the Pallava and Chola kingdoms were in charge. These dynasties supported the arts by building temples, contributing to festivals, and patronising the Alvars and Nayanars.
7. The Alvar and Nayanar families founded the Bhakti movement, significantly impacting Indian society and culture. It promoted a more equitable and inclusive form of Hinduism and helped to advance Tamil literature and culture.
8. The movement affected later Bhakti and reform movements, including those led by Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and Ramanuja, and it also affected how Indian philosophy and spirituality developed.