Describe the relationship between the Alvars and Nayanars with the state and society. Also, describe the attitude of Alvars and Nayanars towards caste system.

OR

Describe the growth of Sufism in India from the eleventh century onwards.

The earliest Bhakti movement was led by Alvars and Nayanars. Alvars were immersed in devotion to Vishnu and Nayanars were immersed in devotion to Shiva.

Powerful Chola rulers supported Alvars and Nayanars traditions and made several land grants and built temples of Shiva and Vishnu. During this period most of the bronze sculpture of Shiva was produced, inspired by the visions of Nayanars. Both Alvars and Nayanars were supported by the peasants and the rulers. The rulers built temples and introduced singing of Tamil Shiva hymns, sung in people’s language. And some of the most famous temples were built under the rule of Chola rulers like those at Chidambaram, Thanjavur and Gangaikondacholapuram.

Alvars and Nayanars protested against the caste system which supported the dominance of the Brahmans. They tried to reform the system. This was due to the fact that bhaktas belonging to every social background were present from Brahmans to those considered ‘untouchables’. And also in one of Alvars Vedas, described as Tamil Vedas, the text was as significant as in the Sanskrit Vedas cherished by the Brahmans.

OR

The Sufism resulted when in early centuries of Islam, a group of religious turned to the principles of ascetic i.e. self-discipline, abstinent, self-denial, and mysticism against the growing materialism. They emphasised living on the path of Prophet Muhammad, whom they considered the perfect human being. They gave importance to seeking salvation through intense devotion and love for God by following his commands.

By the eleventh century, Sufism in India has grown with a body of literature, followes and sufi practices. The Sufi teachings was taught by a master called Shaikh. He enrolled the disciples and appointed a successor called Khalifa. He was responsible for laying rules for spiritual conduct, interaction among the disciples and interaction between the layman and the master. After the Shaikh’s death, a tomb-shrine was made called the dargah(court). People came to these shrines to offer their devotion as they believed these saints were more closed to God than the living, which them in attaining spiritual and material benefits.