Concept:The Bhakti movement began in South India with the early devotional saints known as the Alvars and Nayanars.
Explanation:The Bhakti movement first arose in Tamil Nadu between the 7th and 12th centuries.
The Alvar saints were devoted to Lord Vishnu, while the Nayanar saints were devoted to Lord Shiva.
These saints emphasized personal love and devotion to God rather than formal rituals.
They believed in a close, loving bond between the devotee and the worshipped deity.
Later, the movement spread across India through saints like Shankaracharya, Kabir, Nanak, and Chaitanya.
Among the given options, the Alvar Saints are recognized as the early starters of the Bhakti movement.
Answer:A. Alvar Saints