Out of the following, which were the earliest Bhakti Movements in the Indian subcontinent?

A. Virashaivas
B. Kabir Panthis
C. Alvars
D. Lingayats
E. Nayanars

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

C and E only

The correct answer is Option (4) → C and E only

Some of the earliest bhakti movements (c. sixth century) were led by the Alvars (literally, those who are “immersed” in devotion to Vishnu) and Nayanars (literally, leaders who were devotees of Shiva). They travelled from place to place singing hymns in Tamil in praise of their gods.

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. 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.