Which of the following philosopher was born in Tamil Nadu in the eleventh century?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B
Explanation
Correct Answer:
Option 2: Ramanuja
Explanation:
The great philosopher and social reformer Ramanujacharya was born in the 11th century (1017 AD) in Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu.
Philosophy: He propounded the Vishishtadvaita school. According to him, the soul maintains its separate existence even after uniting with the Supreme Being.
Bhakti Marg: He declared devotion as the main means to attain salvation and attempted to open the doors of devotion to all sections of society.
Additional Facts (Analysis of Other Options):
The time and place of other saints of the Bhakti movement are often confused; remembering these is important for the exam:
Shankara (Adi Shankaracharya): Born in Kerala (Kaladi) in the 8th century. He preached Advaita.
Chaitanya Mahaprabhu: Born in West Bengal (Nadia) in the 15th century (1486 AD). He laid the foundation of Gaudiya Vaishnavism.
Namdev: Born in Maharashtra in the 13th century (1270 AD). He belonged to the Varkari sect.
Possible questions for the upcoming exam:
Question: Who was the proponent of the Vishishtadvaita philosophy?
Answer: Ramanujacharya.
Question: The Statue of Equality, recently installed in Hyderabad, was built in memory of which philosopher?
Answer: Ramanujacharya (this is very important for current affairs).
Question: Who is credited with bringing the Bhakti movement from the South to North India?
Answer: Ramananda (who was influenced by Ramanuja's tradition).