Question

‘Vishishtadvaita’ Philosophy was propounded by

• A. Madhwacharya
• B. Shankaracharya
• C. Basaveshwara
• D. Ramanujacharya

Hint:

Remember the three important Vedanta philosophies: Advaita – Shankaracharya, Vishishtadvaita – Ramanujacharya, and Dvaita – Madhwacharya.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding Vishishtadvaita philosophy.
Vishishtadvaita is a major school of Vedanta philosophy in Hinduism. The word Vishishtadvaita means “qualified non-dualism”. It explains that Brahman (the ultimate reality) is one but possesses attributes and qualities. The individual souls and the universe are real and exist as parts of Brahman.
Step 2: Contribution of Ramanujacharya.
The philosophy of Vishishtadvaita was systematized and propagated by Ramanujacharya, a great Indian philosopher and theologian of the 11th–12th century. He emphasized devotion (Bhakti) to Lord Vishnu and taught that the soul and the universe are dependent on Brahman.
Step 3: Comparison with other philosophers.

• (A) Madhwacharya: He propounded the Dvaita (dualism) philosophy which states that the soul and God are completely different.
• (B) Shankaracharya: He propounded Advaita (non-dualism), which states that Brahman alone is real and the world is an illusion.
• (C) Basaveshwara: He was a social reformer and founder of the Lingayat movement, not related to Vishishtadvaita.
• (D) Ramanujacharya: Correct. He established the Vishishtadvaita school of Vedanta.

Step 4: Conclusion.
Therefore, the philosopher who propounded the Vishishtadvaita philosophy is Ramanujacharya.
Final Answer: Ramanujacharya.