The Bhakti movement emerged in medieval India as a response to the rigidity and ritualism that had come to characterize Hinduism and other religious practices prevalent at the time. Originating around the 7th to 8th centuries CE, its beginnings can be traced to South India, particularly in the Tamil-speaking regions, with the devotional hymns of the Alvars and Nayanars.

The movement gained momentum due to several socio-religious factors: dissatisfaction with caste-based discrimination, a desire for a more personal and direct religious experience, and a quest for spiritual liberation accessible to all, irrespective of caste or social status. Prominent saints like Ramanuja, Basava, Kabir, Mirabai, and Tulsidas propagated the idea of intense devotion (bhakti) to a personal god (often Vishnu or Shiva) as the means to salvation.

The consequences of the Bhakti movement were profound. It democratized religion by emphasizing direct access to the divine through devotion rather than complex rituals or priestly intermediaries. It fostered a sense of unity among people from different castes and backgrounds, challenging the caste hierarchy. Culturally, it enriched literature and music with devotional compositions and vernacular languages, making religious teachings accessible to the masses.

Overall, the Bhakti movement significantly influenced the evolution of Indian society and spirituality, paving the way for a more inclusive and personal approach to religious practice that continues to resonate in Indian religious life today.