This movement originated in South India ... were made during the Chola period under the inspiration of the Nayanars. Bhakti saints won the affection of peasants so the kings tried to win their ...

The earliest saints were the Vaishnava Alvars and the Shaiva Nayanars. In the 11th century came Ramanuja, who has been called the most influential saint of the Bhakti movement. He was responsible ...