9.6 Tamil Devotionalism

. Tamil Devotionalism Th e emergence of regional polities in south India necessitated the establishment of states based on a certain ideology. In the context of the times religion alone could be the rallying point. Th e Pallavas of Kanchipuram in north and the Pandyas of Madurai in south of Tamil country patronised the religious movement of Bhakti, spearheaded by the elite and the wealthy merchant class. Th e local temple became the nucleus of this movement. Bhakti became the instrument to touch the hearts of people emotionally, and mobilize them. Hariti with children are signifi cant. Bodhisattva carved out independently is another important feature. Th e popular Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara is depicted in painting and sculpture.