Consider the following statements regarding the early Bhakti movement in South India:
1. The Alvars and Nayanars played a crucial role in challenging the prevailing Brahmanical orthodoxy by using the vernacular Tamil language for their hymns.
2. The Bhakti saints advocated for the accessibility of God to all castes, but they continued to maintain strict social hierarchy within their own organizational structures.
3. The 'Tevaram' is a collection of hymns composed by the Alvars, which is often referred to as the 'Tamil Veda'.
Which of the statements given above are correct?

Question

Accepted Answer

Statement 2 is incorrect because the Bhakti movement explicitly rejected the rigid caste-based social hierarchy and emphasized equality before God. Statement 3 is incorrect because 'Tevaram' consists of hymns composed by the Nayanars (Shaivite saints), not the Alvars. The hymns of the Alvars are compiled in the 'Nalayira Divya Prabandham'. Statement 1 is correct.

Answer

Answer