Question

Which statement about the Bhakti movement is true?
A.Bhakti movement spoiled Hindu religion
B.It tried to end the caste system.
C.It propagated Islamic religious ideas
D.It raised violence

Answer 1

Hint:The Bhakti movement was commenced by the Shaivism and Vaishnavism sects of South India. It initially emerged as a reaction to ritualism and division based on caste. This movement spread to North and East India by the fifteenth century.

Complete answer:
The earliest Bhakti movement was led by Alvars and Nayanars (c. sixth century). Alvars are those ‘immersed’ in their devotion to Vishnu, while Nayanars were the devotees of Lord Shiva. They travelled to different places and sang hymns of devotion in Tamil.
Theirs could be classified as a movement of protest against the Brahmanical dominance and caste system. This could be due to the fact that the disciples (Bhakts) hailed from diverse social backgrounds, including those called ‘untouchables.’
Their work includes Tevaram, a collection of first seven volumes of Thirumurai (Saiva Devotional poetry) which also includes the work of Appar, Sambandar, and Sundarar.
Women also played a significant role in the Bhakti movement. For example, Andal was the only female Alwar who wrote verses for her devotion to Vishnu. Karaikkal Ammaiyar was one of the three women of 63 Nayanars who adopted the path of asceticism.
The Bhakti movement didn’t attempt to spoil Hindu religion, but rather, reform it. It didn’t encourage Islamic ideas in its core or propagated violence as a means to attain one’s goals.

Hence, the correct answer is option (B).

Note:The Medieval Bhakti movement also comprises of Sufism (Islamic mysticism) which was a liberal reform movement inside the faith of Islam. It highlighted inner purity as opposed to Orthodox Muslims who believed in external code of conduct as well. According to the former, to attain salvation, love and devotion were required while the latter placed greater emphasis on rituals.