Eminent Brahmins in Social Reforms and Bhakti Movement
The History of India is replete with social, cultural, and religious movements that have shaped its rich tapestry. Among these movements, the Bhakti Movement and various social reform movements have played pivotal roles in redefining societal norms and challenging the established order. Interestingly, some of the most prominent figures in these transformative movements were Brahmins – a community often associated with orthodoxy and conservatism. This explores the contributions of eminent Brahmins in these two significant movements, highlighting their role as catalysts for social change-
Many of the prominent thinkers and earliest champions of the Bhakti movement were Brahmins, a movement that encouraged a direct relationship of an individual with a personal god. Among the many Brahmins who nurtured the Bhakti movement were Ramanuja, Nimbarkacharya, Vallabhacharya and Madhvacharya of Vaishnavism, Shri Ramananda, another devotional poet sant.
The Bhakti Movement
The Bhakti Movement, which emerged between the 7th and 17th centuries, sought to transcend caste barriers and promote devotion to a personal god. It emphasized a direct connection between the individual and the divine, challenging the ritualistic practices of the time. Eminent Brahmins such as Ramanuja, Madhva, and Vallabhacharya played pivotal roles in shaping and spreading the Bhakti Movement.
Sri Ramananda welcomed everyone to spiritual pursuits without discriminating anyone by gender, class, caste or religion (such as Muslims). He composed his spiritual message in poems, using widely spoken vernacular language rather than Sanskrit, to make it widely accessible. His ideas also influenced the founders of Sikhism in 15th century, and his verses and he are mentioned in the Sikh scripture Adi Granth. The Hindu tradition recognises him as the founder of the Hindu Ramanandi Sampradaya, the largest monastic renunciant community in Asia in modern times.
Ramanuja (1017-1137 CE): Ramanuja, a theologian and philosopher, was born in the Tamil Brahmin community. He advocated the Vishishtadvaitaphilosophy, which emphasized devotion to Lord Vishnu as the path to salvation. Ramanuja’s teachings had a profound impact on South Indian society, transcending caste divisions and promoting inclusivity.
Madhva (1238-1317 CE): Madhva, another Brahmin scholar, founded the Dvaita school of philosophy. He believed in the inherent duality of the individual soul and the supreme reality. His teachings emphasized devotion to Lord Krishna, and his followers actively engaged in spreading the message of Bhakti across South India.
Vallabhacharya (1479-1531 CE): Vallabhacharya, a Brahmin saint from Rajasthan, established the Pushti Marg sect. He advocated “Shuddhadvaita,” a philosophy that stressed devotion to Lord Krishna. Vallabhacharya’s teachings promoted equality and love for God, breaking down caste-based hierarchies.
Many 18th and 19th century Brahmins are credited with religious movements that criticised idolatry. For example, the Brahmins Raja Ram Mohan Roy led Brahmo Samaj and Dayananda Saraswati led the Arya Samaj.
Sri Ramakrishna was foremost of Indian saints in resent times born on 17 February 1836, in the village of Kamarpukur, in the Hooghly district of West Bengal, India, into a very poor, pious, and orthodox Bengali Brahmin family.
Another great master of modern times Sri Raman Maharishi was born to Iyer Brahmin family on 30 December 1879 in Tiruchuzhi near Aruppukkottai, Virudhunagar District in Tamil Nadu, South India. Ramana Maharshi approved a number of paths and practices, but recommended self-enquiry as the principal means to remove ignorance and abide in Self-awareness, together with bhakti (devotion) or surrender to the Self.
Social Reform Movements
Parallel to the Bhakti Movement, India witnessed a series of social reform movements aimed at challenging age-old customs and advocating for equality and justice. Several Brahmin leaders actively participated in these reformist movements, contributing significantly to the cause.
Raja Ram Mohan Roy (1772-1833): Known as the “Father of the Indian Renaissance,” Raja Ram Mohan Roy was a Brahmin reformer who vehemently opposed social evils such as sati, child marriage, and caste discrimination. He founded the Brahmo Samaj, a socio-religious reform movement that emphasized monotheism and the abolition of idol worship.
Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar (1820-1891): Another influential Brahmin reformer, Vidyasagar, championed the cause of women’s education and widow remarriage. His tireless efforts led to the passage of the Widow Remarriage Act of 1856, which was a significant milestone in the fight for women’s rights.