Question

Describe the features of the Bhakti Movement led by the Alvars and Nayanars in medieval India.

Hint:

The Bhakti Movement democratized religious practices, providing a spiritual path for all, irrespective of caste or class.

Answer 1

The Bhakti Movement, which flourished in medieval India, emphasized personal devotion to God rather than rituals. The Alvars (devotees of Vishnu) and Nayanars (devotees of Shiva) were prominent figures in the early Bhakti Movement. They composed hymns that expressed love and devotion to their chosen deities, rejecting caste distinctions. The movement emphasized accessibility to the divine for all individuals, regardless of social status. It played a key role in shaping religious practices in South India.