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) Both 1 and 2

Siddhas means the refined monotheistic creed existed. Sittar implies an expert in occultism, alchemy and so on with magic or superstitious powers.

The lingayats believed that on death the devotee will be reunited with Shiva and not return to this world. Therefore instead of cremating the body, they ceremonially bury their dead.

They criticised the caste system and questioned belief in the theory of rebirth.

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.