Consider the following statements regarding the syncretic traditions of the Bhakti Movement. Which of the statements given below is/are CORRECT? 1. The Varkari Panth of Maharashtra, led by saints like Tukaram and Namdev, strongly rejected the need for external rituals, pilgrimage, and the caste system, synthesizing devotion to Vitthala (a form of Vishnu) with socio-egalitarian ideals. 2. The Ekasarana Dharma established by Shankardev in Assam propagated a form of Saguna worship, focusing on a single deity, Krishna, but strictly disallowed the worship of any other Hindu god or goddess. 3. The Virashaiva movement of Karnataka, founded by Basavanna, was primarily a Nirguna tradition that emphasized the doctrine of Prapatti or complete surrender to the will of the divine.

The correct answer is Option 1 . Key Points Statement 1 : The Varkari Panth of Maharashtra, led by saints like Tukaram and Namdev , emphasized devotion to Vitthala (a form of Vishnu). The tradition rejected external rituals, caste discrimination, and stressed equality and socio-egalitarian ideals. This statement is correct. Statement 2 : The Ekasarana Dharma , founded by Shankardev in Assam, propagated Saguna Bhakti (worship with attributes), focusing solely on Krishna . It strictly rejected the worship of any other deities. This statement is correct. Statement 3 : The Virashaiva Movement of Karnataka, initiated by Basavanna , followed a Nirguna Bhakti tradition (worship of formless divine). It promoted equality, rejected caste hierarchies, and emphasized Prapatti (complete surrender to the divine). This statement is incorrect as the focus was on social reform rather than Prapatti. The correct option is Option 1 as it aligns with the accurate interpretation of the syncretic traditions of the Bhakti Movement. Additional Information Varkari Panth: Region: Maharashtra. Key Figures: Tukaram, Namdev, Eknath. Beliefs: Rejected caste system, idolized devotion to Vitthala, stressed pilgrimage to Pandharpur. Legacy: Played a key role in uniting diverse social groups under Bhakti ideals. Ekasarana Dharma: Region: Assam. Founder: Shankardev. Core Belief: Exclusive devotion to Krishna and rejection of other Hindu rituals or deities. Practice: Promoted socio-religious reform and simplified worship through naam-kirtan (chanting). Virashaiva Movement: Region: Karnataka. Founder: Basavanna (12th century). Key Ideas: Focused on equality, social justice, and rejection of caste systems. Worship: Centered on Shiva Linga as a symbol of the divine. Legacy: Inspired the Lingayat community. Important Points The Bhakti Movement emerged between the 8th and 17th centuries, spanning both North and South India. It emphasized personal devotion (Bhakti) over ritualistic practices. Prominent streams included Nirguna Bhakti (worship of formless divine) and Saguna Bhakti (worship of personal deities). Key figures: Kabir, Meera Bai, Tulsidas, and Sant Ravidas in North India; Alvars and Nayanars in South India. The movement played a crucial role in social reform , bridging caste and religious divides.