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?

Correct Option The correct option is (b). Explanation The Bhakti tradition in Maharashtra, prominent from the 13th to the 17th centuries, is primarily identified with the Varkari sect. This movement centered around the shrine of Lord Vitthala (a form of Vishnu) in Pandharpur and emphasized a personal connection with the divine through vernacular poetry (Abhangs). Statement-wise Analysis - Statement 1 is Incorrect. The Maharashtra Bhakti tradition (Varkari sect) focused on the worship of Vitthala at the Pandharpur temple, not Goddess Durga at Tuljapur. While the worship of Goddess Durga is prevalent in Maharashtra, the specific "saint-poet" tradition referred to in this context is Vaishnavite in nature. - Statement 2 is Correct. The saint-poets of this tradition, such as Eknath and Tukaram, rejected the idea of renunciation (sannyasa). They preferred to live with their families, earning their livelihood like ordinary people, while humbly serving fellow human beings. They emphasized that true devotion lies in sharing the pain of others. - Statement 3 is Incorrect. These saint-poets explicitly rejected all social differences based on birth. They criticized the caste system and ritualism. The movement included saints from various social backgrounds, including Chokhamela and his family, who belonged to a caste considered "untouchable" at the time. Key Takeaway: The Maharashtra Bhakti tradition (Varkari) was a Vaishnavite movement centered on Vitthala that advocated for humanism, rejected caste hierarchies, and promoted devotion within the householder life rather than asceticism.

With reference to the Bhakti tradition in… - NCERT Class 7 History MCQ

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

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With reference to the Bhakti tradition in Maharashtra, consider the following statements:

It focused on the worship of Goddess Durga in the Tuljapur temple.
The saint-poets of this tradition rejected the idea of renunciation and preferred to live with their families.
They accepted all social differences based on birth as divine will.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

NCERT textbook question

From NCERT Our Past -2 · Page 65

Options

A1 only
B2 only
C1 and 3 only
D1, 2 and 3

Did you get this right?

Solution

Correct Option

The correct option is (b).

Explanation

The Bhakti tradition in Maharashtra, prominent from the 13th to the 17th centuries, is primarily identified with the Varkari sect. This movement centered around the shrine of Lord Vitthala (a form of Vishnu) in Pandharpur and emphasized a personal connection with the divine through vernacular poetry (Abhangs).

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1 is Incorrect. The Maharashtra Bhakti tradition (Varkari sect) focused on the worship of Vitthala at the Pandharpur temple, not Goddess Durga at Tuljapur. While the worship of Goddess Durga is prevalent in Maharashtra, the specific "saint-poet" tradition referred to in this context is Vaishnavite in nature.
Statement 2 is Correct. The saint-poets of this tradition, such as Eknath and Tukaram, rejected the idea of renunciation (sannyasa). They preferred to live with their families, earning their livelihood like ordinary people, while humbly serving fellow human beings. They emphasized that true devotion lies in sharing the pain of others.
Statement 3 is Incorrect. These saint-poets explicitly rejected all social differences based on birth. They criticized the caste system and ritualism. The movement included saints from various social backgrounds, including Chokhamela and his family, who belonged to a caste considered "untouchable" at the time.

Key Takeaway: The Maharashtra Bhakti tradition (Varkari) was a Vaishnavite movement centered on Vitthala that advocated for humanism, rejected caste hierarchies, and promoted devotion within the householder life rather than asceticism.

Your note

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