1.

With reference to Alvars and Nayanars, consider the following statements:1. They used Tamil for promoting their messages and singing hymns in praise of God.2. They did not believe in caste-based discrimination then prevailing in the Hindu society.3. The women saints renounced their social obligations and became nuns.Which of the statements given above is/are correct?1. 1 and 2 only2. 2 and 3 only3. 1 and 3 only4. 1, 2 and 3

Answer» Correct Answer - Option 1 : 1 and 2 only
The Correct answer is 1 and 2 only.
  • Some of the earliest bhakti movements were led by the
  1. Alvars (literally, those who are -immersed in devotion to Vishnu)  
  2. Nayanars (literally, leaders who were devotees of Shiva).
  • They travelled from place to place singing hymns in Tamil in praise of their gods. Hence statement 1 is Correct.
  • During their travels, the Alvars and Nayanars identified certain shrines as abodes of their chosen deities. Very often large temples were later built at these sacred places.
  • Both sects did not believe in Caste-based discrimination and people from various backgrounds joined the sect. Hence statement 2 is Correct.
  • These developed as centres of pilgrimage. Singing compositions of these poet-saints became part of temple rituals in these shrines, as did worship of the saints‘ images. 
  • The most striking features of these traditions were the presence of women like Andal was a women Alvar and Karaikkkal Ammaiyar( Nayanar), a devotee of Shiva, adopted the path of extreme asceticism in order to attain her goal.
  • These women renounced their social obligations but did not join an alternative order or become nuns. Hence, statement 3 is Incorrect.


Discussion

No Comment Found

Related InterviewSolutions