Correct Option
The correct option is
2 and 3 only
Explanation
The Bhakti movement in South India (7th to 9th centuries) was led by the Nayanars (devotees of Shiva) and the Alvars (devotees of Vishnu). Their vernacular poetry laid the foundation for the Bhakti tradition. In later centuries, the movement spread to North India, producing texts like the Bijak.
Statement-wise Analysis
- Pair 1 is Incorrect: The Tevaram is a collection of hymns dedicated to Shiva, composed by the prominent Nayanars (Appar, Sambandar, and Sundarar). It is not associated with the Alvars, who were Vaishnavite saints.
- Pair 2 is Correct: The Tiruvacakam is a collection of Tamil hymns composed by Manikkavacakar, a celebrated Nayanar saint. It is a seminal text in the Shaiva Bhakti tradition.
- Pair 3 is Correct: The Nalayira Divya Prabandham is an anthology of 4,000 Tamil verses composed by the 12 Alvars. It is considered the "Dravida Veda" and is central to the Sri Vaishnava tradition.
- Pair 4 is Incorrect: The Bijak is the compilation of verses and teachings of Kabir, a saint of the Nirguna Bhakti school in North India. The Virashaiva tradition (Lingayats) is associated with Vachanas (sayings) composed by Basavanna in Kannada.
Key Takeaway
Tevaram and Tiruvacakam are Shaivite texts (Nayanars), whereas the Divya Prabandham is a Vaishnavite text (Alvars). Bijak is the primary scripture of the Kabirpanthis.