The Bhakti Movement

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Contents
THE BHAKTI MOVEMENT ...................................................................................................................................... 6
A. South India (7th - 12th Centuries CE): ........................................................................................................ 6
Philosophers: .................................................................................................................................................... 8
B. North India (12th - 16th Centuries CE): ...................................................................................................... 8
Sant Tradition:................................................................................................................................................... 8
C. East India (15th - 16th Centuries CE): ........................................................................................................ 9
D. Central India (15th - 17th Centuries CE): ................................................................................................... 9
E. Legacy of the Bhakti Movement: .............................................................................................................. 10
A. Socio-Cultural Life: ..................................................................................................................................... 10
A. Schools of Bhakti: ...................................................................................................................................... 12
B. Regional Variations: ................................................................................................................................... 13
C. Interplay with Existing Traditions: ............................................................................................................. 13
D. The Question of Dissent: ........................................................................................................................... 13
E. The Power of Poetry and Music: ................................................................................................................ 13
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THE BHAKTI MOVEMENT
A Tapestry of Saints and Social Commentary (Due to character limitations, this is a concise
overview. Further research is recommended for a more exhaustive exploration)
The Bhakti movement, spanning roughly from the 7th to the 17th centuries CE, was a significant
socio-religious movement in India. It emphasized devotion (bhakti) to a personal God, challenging
rigid rituals and advocating social equality. Here's a glimpse into the lives and works of some
prominent Bhakti saints, categorized chronologically and regionally:
A. South India (7th - 12th Centuries CE):
Alvars (Tamil Nadu):
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Region: South
School: Saguna (worship with form)
Saints and their works:
i. Nayanmars (63 Nayanars): Poet-saints who composed devotional hymns called "Thevarams."
a. Appar: Criticized caste discrimination in his hymns.

b. Sundarar: Highlighted temple rituals and bhakti in his works.
c. Manikkavasagar: Authored "Tiruvasakam," reflecting intense
love for Shiva.
ii. Alvars (12 Alvars): Sang hymns called "Divya Prabandham,"

praising Vishnu.
a. Nammalvar: Advocated complete surrender to God (prapatti)
in his hymns.
b. Andal: Composed passionate verses expressing love for
Vishnu.
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c. Periyazhvar: Highlighted the importance of bhakti and social harmony.
Philosophers:
Region: South
School: Varied

i. Adi Shankara (8th Century CE): Established Advaita
Vedanta (non-dualism) philosophy.
a. Social Commentary: Traveled extensively, debated other
philosophies, and argued for a formless Brahman.
b. Economic References: Limited references, but his travels
suggest the existence of trade routes.
c. Political Climate: Coexisted with the Pallava dynasty, a
period of relative stability.
B. North India (12th - 16th Centuries CE):

Philosophers:
Region: North
School: Varied

i. Ramanuja
(11th-12th Century CE): Propounded Vishishtadvaita
(qualified non-dualism) philosophy.
a. Social Commentary: Criticized caste discrimination and
emphasized devotion as the path to salvation.
b. Economic
References:
Limited references, but his works suggest a thriving
agrarian society.
c. Political Climate:
Flourished during the Chola dynasty's decline and the rise
of regional powers.
ii. Madhvacharya (13th Century CE):

Founded Dvaita Vedanta (dualism) philosophy.
a. Social Commentary: Emphasized the importance of rituals and scriptures.
b. Economic References: His works offer glimpses into the existence of land grants and trade.
c. Political Climate: Witnessed the rise of the Delhi Sultanate and the weakening of Hindu
kingdoms.
Sant Tradition:
Region: North and West
School: Varied
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i. Kabir (15th Century CE):
Mystic poet known for his criticism of both Hinduism and Islam.
a. Social Commentary: Advocated for social equality, condemned caste discrimination, and
emphasized love for a formless God.
b. Economic References: His poems mention taxes, merchants, and the plight of common people.
c. Political Climate: Lived during the rule of the Lodhi dynasty, a period of instability.
ii. Ravidas (15th-16th Century CE):
A cobbler-saint who challenged the caste system.

a. Social Commentary: Emphasized the dignity of
labor and equality of all religions.
b. Economic References: His works offer insights into
the lives of artisans a nd the caste system's impact
on professions.
c. Political Climate: Coexisted with the Mughal
Empire's rise under Babur.
C. East India (15th - 16th Centuries CE):

Chaitanya Mahaprabhu (15th-16th Century CE):
Region: East
School: Saguna (worship with form - Krishna)
Works: Inspired the Gaudi Vaishnava movement in Bengal, emphasizing ecstatic devotion (bhakti)
through chanting and dance.
D. Central India (15th - 17th Centuries CE):

Sant Tradition:
Region: Central
School: Varied
i. Mirabai (16th Century CE): A princess-poet known for her devotion to Krishna.
a. Social Commentary: Defied societal norms and expressed her love for Krishna through
devotional songs (padas).
b. Economic References: Limited references, but her life suggests the existence of a royal court
and patronage for the arts.
c. Political Climate: Lived during a period of political upheaval in Rajputana.
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ii. Tulsidas (16th Century CE):
Composed the epic poem "Ramacharitmanas," a retelling of the
Ramayana.
a. Social Commentary: Upheld the ideals of Ramayana as a guide for
moral condu ct and social order.
b. Economic References: The poem offers glimpses into the lives of
farmers, traders, and the caste system.
c. Political Climate: Witnessed the Mughal Empire's consolidation
under Akbar.
E. Legacy of the Bhakti Movement:

• The Bhakti movement challenged the dominance of priestly rituals and emphasized personal
devotion.
• It played a significant role in reforming social practices by advocating for equality and
criticizing caste discrimination.
• The movement enriched various Indian languages with a vast corpus of devotional poetry and
hymns.
• It influenced different art forms, including temple architecture, music, and painting.
Delving Deeper:
Exploring the Bhakti Saints' Works
While the previous section provided a glimpse into the Bhakti movement's prominent figures,
here's a closer look at some aspects gleaned from their works:
A. Socio-Cultural Life:
POSITION OF WOMEN:
Alvars: Andal, an Alvar saint, challenged societal norms and expressed her devotion
through passionate hymns.
Mirabai: A princess who defied societal expectations and composed devotional

songs for Krishna.
Kabir: Though not explicitly advocating complete gender equality, his emphasis on
devotion surpassing social constructs offered a more inclusive space for women.
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Nayanars and Alvars: Generally came from various
castes, challenging the idea of Brahminical superiority.
Kabir: Strongly criticized the caste system,
emphasizing the equality of all before God.
Ravidas: A cobbler-saint who highlighted the dignity of
labor and challenged caste-based prejudices.
Art and Architecture:

Temple Culture: Bhakti saints like the Nayanars were
associated with specific temples and their revival.
Vernacular Literature: The movement enriched regional languages with devotional poetry,
impacting storytelling and literary traditions.
Music and Dance: Emphasis on Bhakti through singing and dancing led to the development of
new musical forms and devotional performances.
B. Political and Economic Life:
Taxation:
Kabir: His poems mentioned taxes

levied on the common people,
reflecting the economic realities of
his time.
Agriculture:
Ramanuja: Though limited

references, his works suggest a
thriving agrarian society.
Tulsidas: The Ramayana's retelling
offers glimpses into the lives of
farmers and the importance of TULSIDAS
agriculture.
Trade and Commerce:
Adi Shankara: His travels suggest the existence of

well-est ablished trade routes.
Madhvacharya: His works offer insights into the

presence of land grants and a functioning trade
system.
Coinage:
Limited references in saint's works, but the
movement coincided with periods of various
dynasties issuing coins, reflecting economic activity.
Military Strength:
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Mirabai: Though not a direct commentary, her life
reflects the political turmoil and Rajput resistance
during her time.
C. Everyday Life:
Condition of Common People:
Kabir: His poems mentioned the plight of the common

people under heavy taxes and societal pressures.
Opulence:
Tulsidas' Ramayana: Descriptions of the royal court in Ayodhya offer glimpses into the opulence
of some sections of society.
Unveiling the Nuances: A Look Beyond the Surface

The Bhakti movement wasn't monolithic. Here's a look at some key points highlighting its
complexities:
A. Schools of Bhakti:
Saguna vs. Nirguna Bhakti:

• Saguna Bhakti: Focused on devotion to a personal God with form (Krishna, Shiva, Vishnu etc.).
Ex: Alvars, Nayanars, Mirabai, Tulsidas.
• Nirguna Bhakti: Emphasized devotion to a formless, absolute reality (Brahman). Ex: Some
interpretations of Kabir and Ravidas.
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Vaishnavism, Shaivism, and Other Schools:
The movement encompassed various Hindu denominations, each with its own interpretations and
practices.
Vaishnava saints like the Alvars focused on Vishnu, while Nayanars revered Shiva.
B. Regional Variations:
• South India: The Alvars and Nayanars emphasized temple worship and devotional hymns in
Tamil.
• North India: Saints like Kabir and Ravidas used vernacular languages like Hindi to reach the
masses and challenged social hierarchies.
• East India: Chaitanya Mahaprabhu's movement in Bengal emphasized ecstatic devotion
(kirtana) and Krishna worship.
• Central India: Mirabai's devotional poetry and Tulsidas' Ramayana retelling in Hindi left a
lasting impact on the region.
C. Interplay with Existing Traditions:
• Critique vs. Continuity: While challenging some rituals and social practices, the Bhakti
movement also drew upon existing bhakti elements within Hinduism.
• Influence on Reform Movements: The Bhakti movement's emphasis on devotion and social
equality inspired later reform movements like the Brahmo Samaj and Arya Samaj.
D. The Question of Dissent:

• Accommodation vs. Resistance: Some saints like Ramanuja tried to reform within the existing
social order, while others like Kabir challenged it more directly.
E. The Power of Poetry and Music:

• Emotional Connection: Devotional songs and hymns became powerful tools for expressing
love and devotion, fostering a sense of community.
• Accessibility: Using vernacular languages made religious ideas more accessible to the
common people.
Remember:
• The Bhakti movement wasn't a singular entity but a diverse tapestry of ideas and practices.
• Understanding these nuances helps appreciate the movement's richness and lasting impact
on Indian society and culture.
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Raj Malhotra’s IAS, 1st Floor, Dainik Bhaskar Building, Sector 25 D, Chandigarh (Ph - 7087000437)

A. South India (7th - 12th Centuries CE):

Alvars (Tamil Nadu):

a. Appar: Criticized caste discrimination in his hymns.

ii. Alvars (12 Alvars): Sang hymns called "Divya Prabandham,"

Saints and their works:

B. North India (12th - 16th Centuries CE):

Saints and their works:

ii. Madhvacharya (13th Century CE):

ii. Ravidas (15th-16th Century CE):

A cobbler-saint who challenged the caste system.

C. East India (15th - 16th Centuries CE):

D. Central India (15th - 17th Centuries CE):

E. Legacy of the Bhakti Movement:

Mirabai: A princess who defied societal expectations and composed devotional

Art and Architecture:

Kabir: His poems mentioned taxes

Ramanuja: Though limited

Adi Shankara: His travels suggest the existence of

Madhvacharya: His works offer insights into the

Kabir: His poems mentioned the plight of the common

Unveiling the Nuances: A Look Beyond the Surface

Saguna vs. Nirguna Bhakti:

D. The Question of Dissent:

E. The Power of Poetry and Music:

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