UPSC Prelims 2016 Question:

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

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

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Explanation :

• Sittars of the Tamil Region: The person who has attained spiritual powers (Siddhi) is known as the Siddhar (Sittars). Their one of the objectives may be to experience the Sivam (the supreme God) that is monotheism. They played a pivotal part in the Bhakti movement which primarily focussed on Love and Devotion instead of Idolatry. Siddhars developed the native Siddha medicine system. Agastya, Patanjali and Dhanvanthri were some prominent siddhars who contributed to traditional Indian Medicine. So, statement 1 is correct.
  
  

• Lingayats of the Kannada region: Lingayats are members of a religious sect in India that dates from the 12th century AD. The linga is the symbol of the god Shiva. Lingayats are also called Virashaivas because of their passionate devotion to Shiva deity. The Lingayat movement, based on the teachings of Basava, began as a revolt against Brahmanical Hinduism (Caste Hierarchy). A Brahman himself, Basava (also Basavana) rejected the supremacy of Brahman priests, ritualism, caste, and many other features of contemporary Hindu Philosophy such as ‘Theory of Rebirth’. So, statement 2 is correct.
  
  

Therefore, option (3) is the correct answer.

Subject: History | Religion and Philosophy