UPSC CSE Prelims 2010

Historical Figures & Movements

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

Among the following, who was not a proponent of Bhakti cult?

Solution & Analysis

Answer: A

Concept The Bhakti movement emphasized personal devotion to a deity, whereas the Shramana traditions (like early Buddhism) were often more focused on logic and monastic discipline.

Explanation Nagarjuna was a 2nd-century Mahayana Buddhist philosopher who founded the Madhyamaka (Middle Way) school. He is famous for the doctrine of 'Shunyata' (Emptiness) and dialectical reasoning, not devotional theism.

Logical Breakup
Logic 1: Option A is correct. Nagarjuna's work is philosophical and logical, centered on the nature of reality and dependent origination.
Logic 2: Options B, C, and D were major Bhakti figures. Tukaram was a Varkari saint, Vallabhacharya founded the Pushtimarg (Krishna Bhakti), and Tyagaraja was a prolific Carnatic composer dedicated to Lord Rama.

Active Recall

Question

What is the core doctrine associated with Nagarjuna?

Answer

Shunyata (Emptiness), the idea that all phenomena are empty of 'svabhava' (inherent existence) because they arise dependently.

Core Insight

Distinguishing between the intellectual rigor of Buddhist dialectics (Nagarjuna) and the emotional surge of Bhakti (Tukaram/Vallabhacharya) is key to understanding the evolution of Indian thought.