[Solved] Identify Non-Bhakti Proponents: Nagarjuna vs Bhakti Saints

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

[UPSC CSE Prelims 2010]

Detailed Solution & Historical Context

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.

Authentic Source Evidence

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.

Analytical Breakdown

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.

Conceptual Deep Dive & Logic

"What is the core doctrine associated with Nagarjuna?"

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

Examiner's Mindset & Pro-Tip

"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."

Topic Clusters (click to see related topic questions)

Madhyamaka 4 Shunyata 2

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