Who contributes the most in the development of Bhagavata sect?
39th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 1994
A. Persian
B. Indo-Greek people
C. Kushan
D. Gupta
Answer: Gupta
Option d is the correct answer.
The Bhagavata sect was a highly devotional faith centred upon a personal god, variously called Vishnu, Vasudeva, Krishna, Hari, or Narayana. It traced its origin to the region of Mathura.
Gupta contributed the most in the development of Bhagavata sect. Vishnu became prominent god during the Gupta period and the term Vaishnava would replace the term Bhagavata to describe the followers of this cult.
The Gupta age marked the beginning of temple construction. For eg. Dashavatara Temple is an early 6th century Vishnu Hindu temple located at Deogarh, Uttar Pradesh. The Epic and Puranic stories relating to Rama and Krishna were represented in the temple sculptures.
The Gupta emperors patronized both Shaivism and Vaishnavism. However, the personal religion of most of the Gupta rulers was Vaishnavism which led to the creation of a number of important Vaishnava centers and Vaishnava sculptures in the Gupta period.
Important Tips
Persian:
The present-day religion known as the Baha'i Faith, often referenced as a "Persian religion", developed from an Islamic sect known as Babism. Persians also followed zoroastrianism which is an Iranian religion and one of the world's oldest organized faiths, based on the teachings of the Iranianspeaking prophet Zoroaster.
Indo-Greek people:
They used to worship the Greek deities such as Zeus, Herakles, Athena, and Apollo. They are found on their coins. They were also involved with local faiths, particularly with Buddhism, but also with Hinduism and Zoroastrianism.
Kushans:
The Kushans adopted many local beliefs and customs, including Zoroastrianism and the two rising religions in the region, the Greek cults and Buddhism.