Question

Who among the following was the first Bhakti saint to use Hindi for the propagation of his message?
A. Dadu
B. Kabir
C. Ramananda
D. Tulsidas

Answer 1

Hint Bhakti flourished in South India through the methodologies of great Vaishnava saints known as the twelve Alvars in the 6th–9th centuries. They expressed their sentiments and religious beliefs through song, poetry, and music, attracting thousands of other followers.

Complete step by step solution
The bhakti saints rejected the hereditary caste system in the society and its emphasis on prescribed rituals, instead of stressing the importance of morality, purity of heart, and an attitude of selfless service in a person. They preferred and supported the spirit of the law rather than its letter which enabled many followers of apparently lower birth who were generally neglected by society to participate. These include a number of famous women saints. The influence of the bhakti saints prevails even up to the present time.
Ramananda was a Bhakti saint who used the Hindi language for the propagation of his principles and sentiments.

Thus, the correct answer is C.

Note Ramananda accepted disciples without discrimination among anyone based on their gender, class, caste, or religion. Many of his disciples were Muslims as well. Traditional scholarship tells that his disciples included the poet-saints involved in the later Bhakti movement namely, Kabir, Ravidas, Bhagat Pipa, and many others. However, some modern scholars question some of his spiritual lineages while others support this lineage with historical evidence. His verses are also mentioned in the Sikh scripture Adi Granth.
Ramananda was generally known for composing his works and discussing the spiritual themes of vernacular Hindi, thus, as a result, making his knowledge accessible to a larger number of people.