The correct answer is: A. Ramananda
Ramananda was a 14th-century Indian Hindu Bhakti saint who is considered to be one of the founders of the Ramanandi Sampradaya, a Hindu devotional sect. He is also credited with influencing the development of Sikhism.
Ramananda was born in a Brahmin family in Varanasi, India. He was a scholar of Sanskrit and Vedanta philosophy. He renounced his family and wealth at a young age and became a wandering ascetic. He traveled throughout India, preaching and teaching the message of Bhakti, or devotion to God.
Ramananda’s teachings were simple and direct. He emphasized the importance of love and devotion to God, and he rejected the caste system and other social distinctions. He attracted a large following of disciples, including many from the lower castes.
Ramananda’s teachings had a profound influence on the development of Hinduism’s Bhakti movement. His emphasis on love and devotion to God resonated with many people, and his teachings helped to spread the message of Bhakti throughout India.
Ramananda’s verses are also found in Sikhism’s scripture Adi Granth. This is because Guru Nanak Dev, the founder of Sikhism, was a disciple of Ramananda. Guru Nanak was deeply influenced by Ramananda’s teachings, and he incorporated many of them into Sikhism.
The other options are incorrect because:
- Kabir was a 15th-century Indian mystic poet and saint who is considered to be one of the founders of the Kabir Panth, a Hindu-Muslim syncretic sect. He is also credited with influencing the development of Sikhism.
- Mirabai was a 16th-century Indian Hindu Rajput princess who is considered to be one of the most important female saints in Hinduism. She is known for her passionate devotion to Krishna.
- Tukaram was a 17th-century Indian Marathi poet and saint who is considered to be one of the most important figures in the Bhakti movement in Maharashtra. He is known for his devotional songs, which are still popular today.