who were the alvars and the …

The Bhakti movement was led by Alvars and Nayanars. Alvars are those who worshipped lord Vishnu and Nayanars are those who claimed to be the followers of Lord Shiva. They extensively travelled singing devotional song in the name of their gods. These sects gave a blow to the caste system and Brahmanism by their beliefs and practices.

BHAKTI AND THE STATE

1. In the 6^th century BCE, there evolved a new form of worship in South India – the bhakti movement. They Focused on the worship of specific deities such as Shiva and Vishnu and were known as Alvars and Nayanars.

2. The Bhakti Saints in their compositions opposed Jainisim and Buddhism; As a result, some of the rulers of Southern kingdoms like the Cholas, who supported the earlier Brahmanical traditions, supported Bhakti traditions.

3. They made land grants.

4. Some of the most magnificent temples were constructed under the patronage of the Chola rulers at Chidambaram, Tanjavur, and Gangaikondacholapuram.

5. Bronze sculpture of Shiva, one of the finest specimens of Indian art was also made during this period.

6. The Chola kings in order to claim divine support, built temples adored with the image of the Saints.

7. The kings also introduced the singing of Tamil Shiva hymns in temples under royal patronage and took the initiative to collect and organise them into a text.

8. The Chola ruler, Parantaka I had consecrated metal images of Appar, Sambandar (Bhakti Saints) in a Shiva temple.

Since both Alvars and Nayanass were revered by rich Vellala peasants and common people as well, so the Chola rulers tried to claim divine status.