Target Exam

CUET

Subject

History

Chapter

Medieval India: Bhakti Sufi Traditions

Question:

Read the passage and answer the questions:

Read the following verse composed by 'Appar', a Bhakti saint of South India and answer the question given below:

"O rogues who quote the law books, Of what use are your gotra and kula? Just bow to Marperu's lord as your sole refuge".

Andal was a saint of which Bhakti tradition?

Options:

Alvar

Nayanar

Virashaiva

Lingayat

Correct Answer:

Alvar

Explanation:

The correct answer is Option (1) → Alvar

Andal saw herself as the beloved of Vishnu and so was a ALVAR.

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.

Perhaps one of the most striking features of Alvar and Nayanar traditions in South India was the presence of women. For instance, the compositions of Andal, a woman Alvar, were widely sung (and continue to be sung to date). Andal saw herself as the beloved of Vishnu; her verses express her love for the deity. Another woman, Karaikkal Ammaiyar, a devotee of Shiva.