With reference to the social background of the Nayanars and Alvars, consider the following statements: 1. They were exclusively from the priestly class. 2. Some of them belonged to castes considered "untouchable". 3. Brahmanas were strictly excluded from these groups. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

The correct option is (b). Explanation The Nayanars (devotees of Shiva) and Alvars (devotees of Vishnu) initiated the Bhakti movement in South India between the 6th and 9th centuries. A distinguishing feature of these movements was their social inclusivity, as they welcomed devotees from diverse strata of society, emphasizing devotion over ritualistic hierarchy. Statement-wise Analysis: - Statement 1 is Incorrect. The saints were not exclusively from the priestly class. They came from varied backgrounds, including kings, cultivators, artisans, soldiers, and hunters. - Statement 2 is Correct. The groups included individuals from castes considered "untouchable" at the time, such as the Pulaiyar and the Panars. Notable examples include Nandanar (a Nayanar) and Tiruppan (an Alvar). - Statement 3 is Incorrect. Brahmanas were not excluded from these groups; rather, they formed a significant part of the leadership. Prominent saints like Sambandar, Sundarar, and Manikkavachakar were Brahmanas. The movement was a convergence of various social groups rather than an exclusion of any specific class. Key Takeaway: The Nayanar and Alvar movements were socially radical for their time because they integrated saints from the entire social spectrum-including Brahmanas, Shudras, and "untouchables"-united by the ideology of personal devotion (Bhakti).

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

mcqmedium

With reference to the social background of the Nayanars and Alvars, consider the following statements:

They were exclusively from the priestly class.
Some of them belonged to castes considered "untouchable".
Brahmanas were strictly excluded from these groups.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

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

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is (b).

Explanation

The Nayanars (devotees of Shiva) and Alvars (devotees of Vishnu) initiated the Bhakti movement in South India between the 6th and 9th centuries. A distinguishing feature of these movements was their social inclusivity, as they welcomed devotees from diverse strata of society, emphasizing devotion over ritualistic hierarchy.

Statement-wise Analysis:

Statement 1 is Incorrect. The saints were not exclusively from the priestly class. They came from varied backgrounds, including kings, cultivators, artisans, soldiers, and hunters.
Statement 2 is Correct. The groups included individuals from castes considered "untouchable" at the time, such as the Pulaiyar and the Panars. Notable examples include Nandanar (a Nayanar) and Tiruppan (an Alvar).
Statement 3 is Incorrect. Brahmanas were not excluded from these groups; rather, they formed a significant part of the leadership. Prominent saints like Sambandar, Sundarar, and Manikkavachakar were Brahmanas. The movement was a convergence of various social groups rather than an exclusion of any specific class.

Key Takeaway:
The Nayanar and Alvar movements were socially radical for their time because they integrated saints from the entire social spectrum-including Brahmanas, Shudras, and "untouchables"-united by the ideology of personal devotion (Bhakti).

Your note

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Consider the following statements regarding the Nayanars and Alvars of South India: 1. The Nayanars were devotees of Vishnu, while the Alvars were devotees of Shiva. 2. They drew upon the ideals of love and heroism found in Sangam literature and blended them with the values of bhakti. 3. They were critical of the caste system and included people from all backgrounds. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Which of the following pairs of texts and their associated traditions is correctly matched? 1. Tevaram : Alvars 2. Tiruvacakam : Nayanars 3. Divya Prabandham : Alvars 4. Bijak : Virashaivas Select the correct answer using the code given below:

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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?

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Who among the following saints is associated with the composition of 'Abhangs'?

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The correct option is (b).

Explanation

Statement-wise Analysis:

Statement 1 is Incorrect. The saints were not exclusively from the priestly class. They came from varied backgrounds, including kings, cultivators, artisans, soldiers, and hunters.
Statement 2 is Correct. The groups included individuals from castes considered "untouchable" at the time, such as the Pulaiyar and the Panars. Notable examples include Nandanar (a Nayanar) and Tiruppan (an Alvar).
Statement 3 is Incorrect. Brahmanas were not excluded from these groups; rather, they formed a significant part of the leadership. Prominent saints like Sambandar, Sundarar, and Manikkavachakar were Brahmanas. The movement was a convergence of various social groups rather than an exclusion of any specific class.