A regional tradition of bhakti in Maharashtra focusing on Vitthala
Explanation
The Varkari tradition (Varkari Sampradaya) is a major Vaishnava Bhakti movement that originated and flourished in Maharashtra. The term "Varkari" translates to "one who performs the Wari" (pilgrimage), referring to the annual pilgrimage to the town of Pandharpur.
Option Analysis
- A tradition of martial arts in Punjab is incorrect: The martial art tradition associated with Punjab is known as Gatka. The Varkari tradition is purely devotional and not martial in nature.
- A regional tradition of bhakti in Maharashtra focusing on Vitthala is correct: The Varkari sect focuses on the worship of Vitthala (also known as Vithoba), who is considered a form of Lord Vishnu or Krishna. The movement is characterized by the annual pilgrimage (Wari) to the Vithoba temple in Pandharpur. Prominent saints of this tradition include Dnyaneshwar, Namdev, Eknath, and Tukaram. They composed devotional poetry known as Abhangs in Marathi, making spiritual ideas accessible to the common masses.
- A school of Islamic law in the Deccan is incorrect: The Varkari tradition is a Hindu Bhakti movement, not a school of Islamic law. Islamic law schools (Madhabs) in the Deccan would relate to Hanafi or Shafi'i jurisprudence under the various Sultanates.
- A sect of Buddhism in Eastern India is incorrect: While Buddhism has a history in Eastern India (e.g., Pala dynasty), the Varkari tradition is distinct from Buddhism and is rooted in the Bhakti movement of medieval Maharashtra.
Key Takeaway: The Varkari tradition is a Maharashtra-based Bhakti sect devoted to Lord Vitthala of Pandharpur, popularized by saints like Dnyaneshwar and Tukaram through Marathi Abhangs.