UPSC Prelims 2016 Q17: Medieval History – Bhakti Movement
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: (c) Both 1 and 2
Explanation
Siddhas and Lingayats
| Statement | Verdict | Fact |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Siddhas (Sittars) of the Tamil region were monotheistic and condemned idolatry | Correct | They believed in one God, rejected idol worship, rituals and caste |
| 2. Lingayats of the Kannada region questioned the theory of rebirth and rejected the caste hierarchy | Correct | They denied rebirth, opposed caste and the idea of pollution |
The two movements compared:
| Feature | Siddhas (Sittars) | Lingayats (Virashaivas) |
|---|---|---|
| Region | Tamil country | Kannada country |
| Leader | Many wandering saints | Basavanna, 12th century |
| Belief | One formless God | Shiva worshipped as the linga |
| Social stand | Against caste and ritual | Against caste; for widow remarriage |
| Legacy | Siddha system of medicine | Vachana literature; bury their dead |
Answer: (c) Both 1 and 2.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Statement 2 is also true: Lingayats questioned rebirth and rejected caste.
- (b) Incorrect. Statement 1 is also true: Siddhas were monotheistic and condemned idolatry.
- (c) CORRECT. Siddhas condemned idolatry, and Lingayats rejected rebirth and caste hierarchy.
- (d) Incorrect. Both statements on the cultural history of medieval India are true.
Key point
Siddhas (Tamil): monotheistic, against idolatry and caste. Lingayats (Kannada, Basavanna, 12th century): denied rebirth, rejected caste, bury their dead.
Remember
Siddhas: no idols. Lingayats: no rebirth, no caste.
Common mistakes
- Doubting that Lingayats questioned rebirth; NCERT states it plainly.
- Confusing the Siddhas with the Alvars and Nayanars, who worshipped images.
- Placing Basavanna in the Tamil region; he worked in Karnataka.
Exam tip
Lingayats bury their dead: this follows from their rejection of rebirth.
Sources
- NCERT Class XII — Themes in Indian History Part II, Ch 6 (Bhakti-Sufi Traditions)
- Satish Chandra — History of Medieval India (Religious Movements)