What is Nalariya Divyaprabandham? (a) Compositions by the Alvars com- piled in the form of an anthology (b) Hymns composed by Nayanars (c) Eulogies composed for Chola kings (d) An exposition of the hymns of Rig Veda in Malayalam

The Nalayira Divyaprabandham, often referred to as the 'Four Thousand Sacred Compositions', is a major anthology of Tamil verses composed by the 12 Alvars, who were Vaishnava poet-saints [1][2]. These hymns were composed before the 8th century AD and were later compiled into their present form by the scholar Nathamuni during the 9th–10th centuries [1]. The collection is considered the 'Dravida Veda' and focuses on the praise of Lord Narayana (Vishnu) and his various forms. In contrast, the hymns of the Saiva saints (Nayanars) were compiled into a separate collection known as the Tevaram or Tirumurai [1][3]. The Chola kings played a significant role in patronizing these traditions, particularly by organizing the Saiva hymns into the Tevaram and building temples to honor these saints [4]. Therefore, the Nalayira Divyaprabandham specifically represents the compiled anthology of the Alvars' devotional poetry.

Sources

1. [1] THEMES IN INDIAN HISTORY PART II, History CLASS XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 6: Bhakti-Sufi Traditions > Compilations of devotional literature > p. 144
2. [2] History , class XI (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 9: Cultural Development in South India > Sources > p. 117
3. [3] History , class XI (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 9: Cultural Development in South India > Navanmars > p. 131
4. [4] THEMES IN INDIAN HISTORY PART II, History CLASS XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 6: Bhakti-Sufi Traditions > 2.4 Relations with the state > p. 146