With reference to the Alvars, consider the following statements: 1. There were 63 Alvars. 2. They came from divergent backgrounds. 3. Andal was a prominent woman Alvar. 4. Their songs were compiled in the Tevaram.

Correct Option The correct option is (b). Explanation The Alvars were Tamil poet-saints of South India who espoused devotion (Bhakti) to Lord Vishnu or his avatars. Flourishing between the 6th and 9th centuries CE, they, along with the Nayanars (devotees of Shiva), spearheaded the early Bhakti movement in the region. Statement-wise Analysis - Statement 1 is Incorrect. There were 12 Alvars. The figure of 63 refers to the Nayanars, the Shaivite saints who lived during a similar period. - Statement 2 is Correct. The Alvars came from divergent social backgrounds, ranging from Brahmins to peasants and artisans. For example, Nammalvar was a Vellala (peasant), while Tiruppan Alvar belonged to a community considered "untouchable" at the time. This inclusivity was a hallmark of the Bhakti movement. - Statement 3 is Correct. Andal was the only woman among the 12 Alvars. She is renowned for her intense devotion to Lord Vishnu (specifically Ranganatha) and is often compared to Mirabai of the North Indian Bhakti tradition. - Statement 4 is Incorrect. The hymns of the Alvars were compiled in the Nalayira Divya Prabandham (Four Thousand Divine Compositions). The Tevaram is a compilation of the hymns of the prominent Nayanars (Appar, Sambandar, and Sundarar). Key Takeaway Alvars were 12 Vaishnavite saints whose works are collected in the Nalayira Divya Prabandham. Nayanars were 63 Shaivite saints whose primary hymns are collected in the Tevaram.

With reference to the Alvars, consider the… - NCERT Class 7 History MCQ

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

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With reference to the Alvars, consider the following statements:

There were 63 Alvars.
They came from divergent backgrounds.
Andal was a prominent woman Alvar.
Their songs were compiled in the Tevaram.

NCERT textbook question

From NCERT Our Past -2 · Page 63

Options

A1 and 2 only
B2 and 3 only
C3 and 4 only
D1, 2, 3 and 4

Did you get this right?

Solution

Correct Option

The correct option is (b).

Explanation

The Alvars were Tamil poet-saints of South India who espoused devotion (Bhakti) to Lord Vishnu or his avatars. Flourishing between the 6th and 9th centuries CE, they, along with the Nayanars (devotees of Shiva), spearheaded the early Bhakti movement in the region.

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1 is Incorrect. There were 12 Alvars. The figure of 63 refers to the Nayanars, the Shaivite saints who lived during a similar period.
Statement 2 is Correct. The Alvars came from divergent social backgrounds, ranging from Brahmins to peasants and artisans. For example, Nammalvar was a Vellala (peasant), while Tiruppan Alvar belonged to a community considered "untouchable" at the time. This inclusivity was a hallmark of the Bhakti movement.
Statement 3 is Correct. Andal was the only woman among the 12 Alvars. She is renowned for her intense devotion to Lord Vishnu (specifically Ranganatha) and is often compared to Mirabai of the North Indian Bhakti tradition.
Statement 4 is Incorrect. The hymns of the Alvars were compiled in the Nalayira Divya Prabandham (Four Thousand Divine Compositions). The Tevaram is a compilation of the hymns of the prominent Nayanars (Appar, Sambandar, and Sundarar).

Key Takeaway

Alvars were 12 Vaishnavite saints whose works are collected in the Nalayira Divya Prabandham. Nayanars were 63 Shaivite saints whose primary hymns are collected in the Tevaram.

Your note

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