Q. The seventh to ninth centuries saw the emergence of new religious movements in South India. Consider the following statements:

1. Nayanar saints were devoted to Vishnu and Alvar saints were devoted to Shiva.
2. They drew upon the ideals of love and heroism as found in the Sangam literature.

Which of the above is / are correct?
Answer: Only 2
Notes: The seventh to ninth centuries saw the emergence of new religious movements, led by the Nayanars (saints devoted to Shiva) and Alvars (saints devoted to Vishnu) who came from all castes including those considered “untouchable” like the Pulaiyar and the Panars. They were sharply critical of the Buddhists and Jainas and preached ardent love of Shiva or Vishnu as the path to salvation. They drew upon the ideals of love and heroism as found in the Sangam literature (the earliest example of Tamil literature, composed during the early centuries of the Common Era) and blended them with the values of Bhakti. The Nayanars and Alvars went from place to place composing exquisite poems in praise of the deities enshrined in the villages they visited, and set them to music.

This question is part of UPSC Daily 20 MCQ Series Course on GKToday Android app.