Question

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

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer 1

(c) (i) Siddhas means the refined monotheistic creed existed. Sittar implies an expert in occultism, alchemy and so on with magic or superstitious powers.
(ii) The lingayats believed that on ** the devotee will be reunited with Shiva and not return to this world. Therefore instead of cremating the body, they ceremonially bury their *.
(iii) They criticised the caste system and questioned belief in the theory of rebirth.
(iv) Certain practices were encouraged by the lingayats such as post-puberty marriages and widow remarriage. Knowledge of the Virashaiva tradition has been derived from vachanas (sayings) composed in Kannada by those who had joined