Civil Services Prep

Prelims 2016 · Medieval History · Question 42

With reference to the cultural history of medieval India, consider the following statements:<br/>1. Siddhas (Sittars) of Tamil region were monotheistic and condemned idolatry.<br/>2. Lingayats of Kannada region questioned the theory of rebirth and rejected the caste hierarchy.<br/><br/>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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