Civil Services Prep

Prelims 2016 · Medieval History · Question 42

With reference to the cultural history of medieval India, consider the following statements:

  1. Siddhas (Sittars) of Tamil region were monotheistic and condemned idolatry.
  2. Lingayats of Kannada region questioned the theory of rebirth and rejected the caste hierarchy.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. 1 only
  2. 2 only
  3. Both 1 and 2
  4. Neither 1 nor 2

Answer

Both 1 and 2

1. Siddhas (Sittars) of Tamil region were monotheistic and condemned idolatry. — Correct. In standard UPSC history framing, Tamil Siddhas/Sittars are treated as saint-poets who opposed ritualism, caste and idol worship, and emphasized devotion to a single supreme reality.

2. Lingayats of Kannada region questioned the theory of rebirth and rejected the caste hierarchy. — Correct. The Lingayat/Virashaiva movement of Basavanna rejected caste distinctions and questioned Brahmanical doctrines such as rebirth and ritual hierarchy.

Therefore, both statements 1 and 2 are correct.

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