RAS question
Ramanujacharya, the philosopher of Vishishtadvaita, belonged to which century?
Correct answer: (B) 11th-12th century.
Ramanujacharya, the philosopher who propounded Vishishtadvaita, belonged to the 11th-12th century.
Explanation
Ramanujacharya belongs to the 11th-12th century because he is dated to 1017-1137 CE, and NCERT, Our Pasts-II, Chapter 6: Devotional Paths to the Divine identifies Ramanuja as an 11th-century thinker born in Tamil Nadu. His importance lies in linking Vedantic philosophy with the bhakti tradition: he was deeply influenced by the Alvars and argued that intense devotion to Vishnu was the best means of attaining salvation. In Vishishtadvaita, or qualified monism, God, souls and matter are all real, but souls and matter depend on God. NCERT presents the key doctrinal point clearly: even when the soul is united with the Supreme God, it remains distinct. The 11th-12th century therefore fits Ramanujacharya, not the later bhakti chronology.
Why the other options are wrong
- (A) The 15th century is associated with Kabir and Nanak's period, whereas Ramanujacharya is dated to 1017-1137 CE.
- (C) The 9th century is too early because Ramanujacharya lived in 1017-1137 CE and NCERT describes Ramanuja as an 11th-century figure.
- (D) The 14th century belongs to Ramananda's period in this chronology, while Ramanujacharya belongs to the 11th-12th century.
Concept
RAS frequently tests the chronology of medieval bhakti and Vedanta thinkers, especially Ramanujacharya's place within the Vishishtadvaita tradition. Bhakti movements, saints and philosophical schools are standard Ancient and Medieval Indian History markers.