Tukaram
Explanation
The term 'Abhang' refers to a specific form of devotional poetry sung in praise of the Hindu god Vithoba (also known as Vitthal). It is an integral part of the Varkari tradition within the Bhakti movement of Maharashtra. Unlike other forms of Bhakti literature which were often introspective, Abhangs were community-oriented and aimed at expressing devotion in the vernacular Marathi language.
Analysis of Options:
- Basavanna: Incorrect. Basavanna was a 12th-century philosopher and social reformer from Karnataka. He is associated with the Virashaiva movement (Lingayats) and composed devotional poetry known as 'Vachanas' in the Kannada language.
- Tukaram: Correct. Sant Tukaram was a prominent 17th-century poet-saint of the Bhakti movement in Maharashtra. He is best known for his devotional poetry called 'Abhangs' dedicated to Lord Vithoba of Pandharpur. His work is central to the Varkari sect.
- Kabir: Incorrect. Kabir was a 15th-century mystic poet and saint associated with the Nirguna school of Bhakti in North India. His writings include 'Dohas' (couplets) and are compiled in the 'Bijak' and the Guru Granth Sahib.
- Shankara: Incorrect. Adi Shankaracharya was an 8th-century philosopher and theologian who consolidated the doctrine of Advaita Vedanta. He wrote commentaries (Bhashyas) on the Upanishads, Brahma Sutras, and Bhagavad Gita in Sanskrit, not vernacular Abhangs.
Key Takeaway:
Abhangs are Marathi devotional poems associated with the Varkari saints of Maharashtra, primarily Tukaram, Namdev, and Eknath. Vachanas are associated with Basavanna (Karnataka), and Dohas are associated with Kabir (North India).