UPSC Prelims 2022 Q95: Medieval History – Bhakti Movement
The world's second tallest statue in sitting pose of Ramanuja was inaugurated by the Prime
Minister of India at Hyderabad recently. Which one of the following statements correctly
represents the teachings of Ramanuja?
- (a) The best means of salvation was devotion.
- (b) Vedas are eternal, self - existent and wholly authoritative.
- (c) Logical arguments were essential means for the highest bliss.
- (d) Salvation was to be obtained through meditation.
Answer: (a) The best means of salvation was devotion.
Explanation
Ramanuja's teaching
The Statue of Equality (216 ft, seated) at Muchintal near Hyderabad honours Ramanujacharya (11th-12th century).
It was inaugurated by the Prime Minister in February 2022.
| Option | Whose idea? | Fits Ramanuja? |
|---|---|---|
| (a) Devotion (bhakti) is the best way to salvation | Ramanuja: complete surrender (prapatti) to Vishnu | Yes |
| (b) Vedas are eternal, self-existent and wholly authoritative | Mimamsa school (Kumarila, Prabhakara) | No |
| (c) Logical argument is essential for the highest bliss | Nyaya school | No |
| (d) Salvation through meditation | Yoga school | No |
Ramanuja's philosophy is Vishishtadvaita (qualified non-dualism).
Answer: (a) The best means of salvation was devotion.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) CORRECT. Ramanuja taught that bhakti and surrender (prapatti) to Vishnu lead to salvation.
- (b) Incorrect. The view that the Vedas are eternal and self-existent belongs to the Mimamsa school.
- (c) Incorrect. Stressing logical argument is the hallmark of the Nyaya school.
- (d) Incorrect. Salvation through meditation is the Yoga school's path.
Key point
Ramanuja: Vishishtadvaita, salvation through bhakti and prapatti; Statue of Equality, Hyderabad (2022).
Remember
Ramanuja = Vishishtadvaita + bhakti.
Common mistakes
- Choosing the Vedas option because Ramanuja accepted Vedic authority; the wording is Mimamsa's core doctrine.
- Confusing Ramanuja (devotion) with Shankaracharya (knowledge, Advaita).
- Not linking the Statue of Equality to Ramanuja's social openness.
Exam tip
Match each philosophy to its path: Mimamsa = Vedic ritual; Nyaya = logic; Yoga = meditation; Ramanuja = devotion.
Sources
- NCERT Class XII — Themes in Indian History II, Ch 6 (Bhakti-Sufi Traditions)
- Press Information Bureau — PM dedicates Statue of Equality (February 2022)