Q: With reference to the cultural history of medieval India, consider the following statements:
a) Siddhas (Sittars) of Tamil region were monotheistic and condemned idolatry
b) Lingayats of Kannada region questioned the theory of rebirth and rejected the caste hierarchy.
The correct answer is Both 1 and 2.
- Siddhas (Sittars) Saiva schools in Tamil Nadu held the monotheistic puritan creed and roundly condemned idolatry, their history is not known they seem to be known as most active during the 16th and 17th centuries. Hence statement 1 is correct.
- The Lingayats worshiper of Shiva challenged the idea of caste and the “pollution” attributed to certain groups by Brahmanas. They also questioned the theory of rebirth. These won them, followers, amongst those who were marginalised within the Brahmanical social order.
- Almost all of the ‘Siddhas’ songs were composed in the twilight language.
- Basavanna is the founder of Lingayatism and is strongly against the rigid practices of the caste system.
- Basavanna (1106-68) who was initially a Jaina and a minister in the court of a Chalukya king. His followers were known as Virashaivas (heroes of Shiva) or Lingayats (wearers of the linga).
- Lingayats believed that there is no rebirth and on death, the devotee reunites with Shiva never coming back to the World.
Hence Lingayats of Kannada region questioned the theory of rebirth and rejected the caste hierarchy. Hence statement 2 is correct.
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