Which of the following pairs is correctly matched? 1. Manikkavasagar : Nayanar 2. Nammalvar : Alvar 3. Periyalvar : Nayanar 4. Sundarar : Alvar Select the correct answer using the code given below:

The correct option is 1 and 2 only Explanation The Bhakti movement in South India (roughly 6th to 9th centuries CE) was led by two distinct groups of saints: the Nayanars, who were devotees of Shiva, and the Alvars, who were devotees of Vishnu. These saints composed devotional hymns in Tamil. Statement-wise Analysis: - Pair 1 is Correct: Manikkavasagar was a prominent Tamil poet-saint and a devotee of Shiva. He is counted among the four foremost Nayanars (Nalvar) and authored the Tiruvasagam. - Pair 2 is Correct: Nammalvar is considered one of the greatest among the twelve Alvars (Vaishnavite saints). His hymns form a significant part of the Nalayira Divya Prabandham. - Pair 3 is Incorrect: Periyalvar was a devotee of Vishnu and one of the twelve Alvars. He is also known as the father of Andal, the only female Alvar. He is not a Nayanar. - Pair 4 is Incorrect: Sundarar (Sundaramurti) was a devotee of Shiva and is one of the most celebrated Nayanars. His hymns are collected in the Tevaram. He is not an Alvar. Key Takeaway: The Alvars (12 saints) were Vaishnavites (e.g., Nammalvar, Periyalvar, Andal), while the Nayanars (63 saints) were Shaivites (e.g., Appar, Sambandar, Sundarar, Manikkavasagar).

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

mcqmedium

Which of the following pairs is correctly matched?

Manikkavasagar : Nayanar
Nammalvar : Alvar
Periyalvar : Nayanar
Sundarar : Alvar

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A1 and 4 only
B3 and 4 only
C1 and 2 only
D2 and 3 only

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is

1 and 2 only

Explanation

The Bhakti movement in South India (roughly 6th to 9th centuries CE) was led by two distinct groups of saints: the Nayanars, who were devotees of Shiva, and the Alvars, who were devotees of Vishnu. These saints composed devotional hymns in Tamil.

Statement-wise Analysis:

Pair 1 is Correct: Manikkavasagar was a prominent Tamil poet-saint and a devotee of Shiva. He is counted among the four foremost Nayanars (Nalvar) and authored the Tiruvasagam.
Pair 2 is Correct: Nammalvar is considered one of the greatest among the twelve Alvars (Vaishnavite saints). His hymns form a significant part of the Nalayira Divya Prabandham.
Pair 3 is Incorrect: Periyalvar was a devotee of Vishnu and one of the twelve Alvars. He is also known as the father of Andal, the only female Alvar. He is not a Nayanar.
Pair 4 is Incorrect: Sundarar (Sundaramurti) was a devotee of Shiva and is one of the most celebrated Nayanars. His hymns are collected in the Tevaram. He is not an Alvar.

Key Takeaway:

The Alvars (12 saints) were Vaishnavites (e.g., Nammalvar, Periyalvar, Andal), while the Nayanars (63 saints) were Shaivites (e.g., Appar, Sambandar, Sundarar, Manikkavasagar).

Your note

More from Chapter 6: Devotional Paths to the Divine

Consider the following statements regarding the Nayanars and Alvars of South India: 1. The Nayanars were devotees of Vishnu, while the Alvars were devotees of Shiva. 2. They drew upon the ideals of love and heroism found in Sangam literature and blended them with the values of bhakti. 3. They were critical of the caste system and included people from all backgrounds. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

medium

Which of the following pairs of texts and their associated traditions is correctly matched? 1. Tevaram : Alvars 2. Tiruvacakam : Nayanars 3. Divya Prabandham : Alvars 4. Bijak : Virashaivas Select the correct answer using the code given below:

medium

In the context of the Bhakti tradition, what does the term 'hagiography' refer to?

easy

With reference to the Bhakti tradition in Maharashtra, consider the following statements: 1. It focused on the worship of Goddess Durga in the Tuljapur temple. 2. The saint-poets of this tradition rejected the idea of renunciation and preferred to live with their families. 3. They accepted all social differences based on birth as divine will. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

medium

Who among the following saints is associated with the composition of 'Abhangs'?

easy

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The correct option is

1 and 2 only

Explanation

Statement-wise Analysis:

Pair 1 is Correct: Manikkavasagar was a prominent Tamil poet-saint and a devotee of Shiva. He is counted among the four foremost Nayanars (Nalvar) and authored the Tiruvasagam.
Pair 2 is Correct: Nammalvar is considered one of the greatest among the twelve Alvars (Vaishnavite saints). His hymns form a significant part of the Nalayira Divya Prabandham.
Pair 3 is Incorrect: Periyalvar was a devotee of Vishnu and one of the twelve Alvars. He is also known as the father of Andal, the only female Alvar. He is not a Nayanar.
Pair 4 is Incorrect: Sundarar (Sundaramurti) was a devotee of Shiva and is one of the most celebrated Nayanars. His hymns are collected in the Tevaram. He is not an Alvar.

Key Takeaway:

The Alvars (12 saints) were Vaishnavites (e.g., Nammalvar, Periyalvar, Andal), while the Nayanars (63 saints) were Shaivites (e.g., Appar, Sambandar, Sundarar, Manikkavasagar).