Many people believed that their social privileges came from their higher birth in a noble family or in a higher caste. But many people did not agree with such ideas. In fact, many religions came forward with the teaching that it was possible to overcome social differences and break the cycle of rebirth through personal efforts. Who spread these new ideas?

The idea of Bhakti became so popular that even Buddhas and Jains (who spread the new idea that one can build good karma to become free from the cycle of birth and rebirth) adopted it. Which gods were worshipped as supreme deities by the people of the those times and made part of myths and legends?

In the 7th and 9th centuries, we saw the emergence of new religious movements led by the Nayanars and the Alvars. They came from all castes, including those labelled as 'untouchables', and they worshipped Shiva and Vishnu as a path to salvation. Which famous Tamil literature speaks of the love and heroism of these gods?

The Nayanars and the Alvars, groups of people who came from all castes including the 'untouchables', were sharply critical of the Buddhists and Jains. Instead, they followed the ideals of love and heroism as found in the Sangam literature. They travelled from place to place, composing exquisite poems in praise of their deities. Who were the Nayanars and Alvars?

Shankara was one of the most revered Hindu philosophers of India, and he consolidated the doctrine of Advaita Vedanta. He taught that the Brahman is the only ultimate reality, and that it is formless. He also taught that whatever we can see, feel, touch, etc., are all illusions. Where was Shankara born?

Ramanuja was a Hindu theologist and philosopher born in a Tamil Brahmin family in the village of Sriperumbudur in Tamil Nadu. His doctrine greatly inspired the new tradition of bhakti which developed in north India. According to Ramanuja, which was the best way to attain salvation (permanent freedom and happiness)?

The word bhakti refers to intense religious devotion to one god, and the idea of bhakti was spread all across the Indian subcontinent between the 13th and the 17th centuries. Who were some of the famous saints-poets from Maharashtra whose songs in simple Marathi continue to inspire people even today?

Janeshwar, Namdev, Eknath, and Tukaram were famous saint-poets from Maharashtra. They rejected all forms of ritualism and social differences based on birth. Which famous Vishnu temple in Pandharpur did their religion of bhakti focus on?

The groups of Nathapanthis, Siddhacharas, and Yogis used simple logical arguments to criticise rituals, so these groups became popular with people belonging to the so-called 'lower castes'. They advocated the renunciation (formal rejection) of the world, and they believed in meditation as the path to salvation. Which practice did they follow to achieve control over their minds and bodies?

Ramanuja was born in which state ?

Vitthala is a form of

Who propounded the doctrine of vishistadvaita?