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Difficulty: MediumState Society, Culture, and Heritage

The Varkari Bhakti movement played a pivotal role in shaping regional cultural heritage, community egalitarianism, and vernacular Marathi devotional literature. Arrange the following saint-poets of the Varkari tradition in correct chronological order from earliest to latest based on their historical period of contribution:

  1. 1Sant Dnyaneshwar (Author of the philosophical commentary *Bhavartha Deepika* / *Dnyaneshwari*)
  2. 2Sant Chokhamela (Prominent early devotional figure known for his abhangas addressing social equality and pure devotion)
  3. 3Sant Eknath (Renowned for composing the *Eknathi Bhagavata* and popularizing folk-devotional *Bharud* compositions)
  4. 4Sant Tukaram (Celebrated for the *Tukaram Gatha* and leading the 17th-century devotional renaissance)

Answer

The correct chronological order from earliest to latest is Sant Dnyaneshwar (13th century CE), followed by Sant Chokhamela (14th century CE), Sant Eknath (16th century CE), and Sant Tukaram (17th century CE).
The cultural history of the Varkari Sampradaya is marked by four major epochs: the founding 13th-century epoch led by Sant Dnyaneshwar (1275–1296 CE); the early 14th-century phase of egalitarian devotion represented by Sant Chokhamela (d. 1338 CE); the 16th-century literary and cultural synthesis led by Sant Eknath (1533–1599 CE); and the 17th-century popularization through abhangas led by Sant Tukaram (1608–1650 CE). Arranging them chronologically yields Dnyaneshwar → Chokhamela → Eknath → Tukaram.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the foundational figure of the Varkari Sampradaya
Sant Dnyaneshwar established the tradition's philosophical base by completing the *Dnyaneshwari* in 1290 CE (late 13th century CE), placing him first.
The movement traces its textual and philosophical origin to the late Yadava era in the 13th century.
2
Determine the early medieval 14th-century contributor
Sant Chokhamela composed poignant devotional poetry during the early 14th century CE (active until his death c. 1338 CE), placing him second.
Chokhamela belonged to the first major post-foundational generation alongside Namdev.
3
Identify the 16th-century renaissance figure and bridge
Sant Eknath was active during the 16th century CE (c. 1533–1599 CE), placing him third.
Eknath retrieved Dnyaneshwar's texts and expanded vernacular outreach through *Bharuds* during the Deccan Sultanates period.
4
Identify the 17th-century crowning poet of the movement
Sant Tukaram flourished during the early-to-mid 17th century CE (c. 1608–1650 CE), placing him last in this sequence.
Tukaram's abhangas represent the high water mark of the movement during the rise of the Maratha kingdom.

Key Concept

Chronological evolution of the Varkari Bhakti literary and cultural tradition in regional Indian history
Estimated Time:1m 15s
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State Society, Culture, and Heritage

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