INDIAN HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -Gnanadeva was the founder of the Bhakti Movement in Maharashtra in the thirteenth century. It was called Maharashtra dharma. He also wrote a commentary of Bhagavat Gita called Gnaneswari. Another Bhakti saint of Maharashtra was Tukaram, a contemporary of Shivaji.

Detailed explanation-2: -Bhakti Movement started from South India, by Alvaras and Nayanars. Alvaras are the devotees of Lord Vishnu and Nayanars are devotees of Lord Shiva. These devotees travelled to various places singing hymns in praise of their Gods. Many temples were built that became sacred places of pilgrimage.

Detailed explanation-3: -The Bhakti movement in Maharashtra centred around the shrine of Vithoba or Vitthal, the residing deity of Pandharpur, who was considered the manifestation of Krishna. This movement is also known as the Pandharpur movement and it influenced the social and cultural developments in Maharashtra.

Detailed explanation-4: -Well known Bhakti saints of Maharashtra included Dhyaneshwar, Namdev, Eknath, Tukaram, Sakubhai and the family of Chokhamela.

Detailed explanation-5: -In neighbouring Maharashtra, the Bhakti movement began in the late 13th century. Its proponents were known as the Varkaris. Among its most popular figures were Jnanadev (1275-96), Namdev (1270-50) and Tukaram (1608-50), who have left behind many verses that embody the essence of Bhakti.