Consider the following statements about the Bhakti saints of Maharashtra: 1. Dnyaneshwar, Namdev, Eknath, and Tukaram were prominent saints of this tradition. 2. They wrote in Sanskrit, which was the language of the elite. 3. They focused on the notion of a personal god residing in the hearts of all people. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

The correct option is (c) 1 and 3 only. Explanation The Bhakti movement in Maharashtra, primarily known as the Varkari tradition, flourished between the 13th and 17th centuries. It centered around the worship of Lord Vitthala (a form of Vishnu) at Pandharpur and played a crucial role in democratizing religion by rejecting rigid caste hierarchies and ritualism. Statement-wise Analysis: - Statement 1 is Correct: The tradition produced a lineage of prominent saints who shaped the cultural and religious ethos of the region. Dnyaneshwar (13th century), Namdev (13th–14th century), Eknath (16th century), and Tukaram (17th century) are the most celebrated figures of this movement. - Statement 2 is Incorrect: A defining characteristic of the Maharashtra Bhakti saints was their rejection of Sanskrit as the exclusive medium of religious instruction. They composed their poetry and teachings in Marathi, the vernacular language, to make spiritual knowledge accessible to the common masses, irrespective of caste or education. - Statement 3 is Correct: These saints emphasized the notion of a personal God (Vitthala) and propagated the idea that God resides in the hearts of all people. They rejected outward displays of piety and ritualism, focusing instead on inner devotion, compassion, and the equality of all human beings. Key Takeaway: The Maharashtra Bhakti tradition (Varkari sect) is characterized by the use of the Marathi language (vernacular) instead of Sanskrit, the worship of Lord Vitthala, and a strong social message against caste discrimination and ritualism.

Consider the following statements about the Bhakti saints of… - NCERT Class 7 History MCQ

NCERT Class 7 History — Chapter 6: Devotional Paths to the Divine

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Consider the following statements about the Bhakti saints of Maharashtra:

Dnyaneshwar, Namdev, Eknath, and Tukaram were prominent saints of this tradition.
They wrote in Sanskrit, which was the language of the elite.
They focused on the notion of a personal god residing in the hearts of all people.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

NCERT textbook question

From NCERT Our Past -2 · Page 65

Options

A1 and 2 only
B2 only
C1 and 3 only
D1, 2 and 3

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is (c) 1 and 3 only.

Explanation

The Bhakti movement in Maharashtra, primarily known as the Varkari tradition, flourished between the 13th and 17th centuries. It centered around the worship of Lord Vitthala (a form of Vishnu) at Pandharpur and played a crucial role in democratizing religion by rejecting rigid caste hierarchies and ritualism.

Statement-wise Analysis:

Statement 1 is Correct: The tradition produced a lineage of prominent saints who shaped the cultural and religious ethos of the region. Dnyaneshwar (13th century), Namdev (13th–14th century), Eknath (16th century), and Tukaram (17th century) are the most celebrated figures of this movement.
Statement 2 is Incorrect: A defining characteristic of the Maharashtra Bhakti saints was their rejection of Sanskrit as the exclusive medium of religious instruction. They composed their poetry and teachings in Marathi, the vernacular language, to make spiritual knowledge accessible to the common masses, irrespective of caste or education.
Statement 3 is Correct: These saints emphasized the notion of a personal God (Vitthala) and propagated the idea that God resides in the hearts of all people. They rejected outward displays of piety and ritualism, focusing instead on inner devotion, compassion, and the equality of all human beings.

Key Takeaway:
The Maharashtra Bhakti tradition (Varkari sect) is characterized by the use of the Marathi language (vernacular) instead of Sanskrit, the worship of Lord Vitthala, and a strong social message against caste discrimination and ritualism.

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