Indian History: The Bhakti Movement

The Bhakti Movement was a medieval socio-religious reform movement that emphasized personal devotion to God, challenging the rigidities of the caste system and ritualism.

Origin and Sects

• Origins: Started in South India (7th-8th century) with the Alvars (devotees of Vishnu) and Nayanars (devotees of Shiva).
• Saguna Bhakti: Worship of God with form and attributes (e.g., Tulsidas, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, Mirabai).
• Nirguna Bhakti: Worship of an abstract, formless divine entity (e.g., Kabir, Guru Nanak).

Key Figures and Philosophies

• Shankaracharya: Propounded Advaita (Non-dualism)—oneness of the soul with Brahman.
• Ramanuja: Advocated Vishishtadvaita (Qualified Monism); emphasized devotion to Vishnu.
• Basavanna: Founded the Lingayat tradition in Karnataka, promoting social equality.
• Chaitanya: Popularized Sankirtan (group singing and dancing) in Bengal.

Question for you: Which Bhakti saint is credited with bringing the movement from South India to North India?

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