The Bhakti Movement brought significant transformations to Hinduism in India, starting around the 7th century CE in South India with the Nayanars and Alwars. It challenged the prevailing complexity, rigidity and ritualism of the Hindu religion. Many saints, often from humble backgrounds, propagated the message of devotion to a personal or formless God. The movement actively critiqued the caste system and rejected idol worship. It also endeavoured to elevate the position of women and encouraged the translation of Sanskrit texts into local languages. Its emphasis on equality, brotherhood and devotion attracted many, fostering internal reforms within Hinduism.

Based on the case study answer the following questions:

A. What was the core principle of Bhakti worship, common to both 'saguna' and 'nirguna' saints?

B. Name two social evils or practices within Hinduism that the Bhakti Movement challenged.

A. The core principle of Bhakti worship, common to both the saguna and nirguna saints, was devotion (bhakti) — the worship of God as a manifestation of the Supreme Being through passionate love and personal devotion. Whether God was worshipped in a personal form (saguna) or as formless (nirguna), devotion to God was the central path.

B. Two social evils or practices within Hinduism that the Bhakti Movement challenged were the caste system and idol worship.