“The Alvars and Nayanars initiated a Bhakti and Social movement with the support of state.

Question :“The Alvars and Nayanars initiated a Bhakti and Social movement with the support of state.

The correct answer is -The Alvars and Nayanars were two prominent groups of poet-saints who lived in South India between the 6th and 9th centuries CE. They were instrumental in initiating a Bhakti movement, which emphasized personal devotion to a particular deity as a means of achieving salvation.

The Alvars were devotees of Lord Vishnu, while the Nayanars were devotees of Lord Shiva. These poet-saints composed devotional poetry in Tamil, which was accessible to the common people and helped to spread the Bhakti message throughout South India.

The Bhakti movement led by the Alvars and Nayanars was not just a religious movement but also a social one. They challenged the caste system and social inequalities that were prevalent in Indian society at the time. The Alvars and Nayanars were often from lower castes themselves, and their message of personal devotion to a deity without regard for caste or social status helped to break down these barriers.

The Bhakti movement gained significant support from the state, particularly under the rule of the Pallava and Chola dynasties. These dynasties were patrons of the arts, and they supported the Alvars and Nayanars by building temples, sponsoring festivals, and providing them with patronage.

The Bhakti movement initiated by the Alvars and Nayanars had a significant impact on Indian society and culture. It helped to promote a more inclusive and egalitarian form of Hinduism and played a role in the growth of Tamil literature and culture. The movement also inspired later Bhakti and reform movements, such as those led by Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and Ramanuja, and influenced the development of Indian philosophy and spirituality.