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?
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 2 only
- (c) Both 1 and 2 ✓ UPSC's answer
- (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Why the answer is (c)
• The Siddhas (Sittars) of Tamil Nadu, such as Sivavakkiyar, were mystic poets who preached a formless one God, attacked idol worship, ritual and caste (statement 1).
• The Lingayats (Virashaivas), founded by Basavanna in 12th-century Karnataka, rejected caste hierarchy, Brahmanical ritual and the theory of rebirth, burying rather than cremating their dead (statement 2).
• Both were reformist devotional movements of medieval South India.
• Hence both 1 and 2, option (c).
Why the other options are wrong
- (a) 1 only
- Statement 2 on Lingayats is also correct.
- (b) 2 only
- Statement 1 on Siddhas is also correct.
- (d) Neither 1 nor 2
- Both statements are correct.
Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2016, held on 7 August 2016. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.