The correct option is (c) 2 and 3 only.
Explanation
The Nayanars and Alvars were the pioneers of the Bhakti movement in South India (Tamil region) between the 7th and 9th centuries. They led a religious upsurge characterized by intense devotion to a personal deity, expressed through vernacular poetry.
Statement 1 is Incorrect:
The religious affiliations of the two groups are distinct:
- Nayanars: They were devotees of Shiva. There were 63 Nayanars from diverse backgrounds.
- Alvars: They were devotees of Vishnu. There were 12 Alvars.
Statement 2 is Correct:
These saints drew upon the ideals of love and heroism found in the earlier Sangam literature (the earliest example of Tamil literature). They blended these secular themes with the values of bhakti (devotion), creating a tradition of emotional and ecstatic poetry dedicated to their respective deities.
Statement 3 is Correct:
The movement was socially inclusive and often critical of the rigid caste system and the dominance of Brahmanas. The saints came from all castes, including those considered "untouchable" at the time, such as the Pulaiyar and the Panars. Their compositions were accessible to common people, unlike Sanskrit texts.
Key Takeaway:
The Nayanars worshipped Shiva, while the Alvars worshipped Vishnu. Both groups utilized Tamil vernacular and Sangam literary traditions to propagate Bhakti, challenging social hierarchies.