Question 82 from UPSC CSE 2016 - Medieval
History

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?

IASCODEX · Accepted Answer

Correct Option: C. Both 1 and 2

Strategy: - Evaluate each statement individually against known historical facts about medieval Indian religious and social movements.
- For Statement 1, recall the characteristics of Siddhas (Sittars) in the Tamil region, focusing on their mystical, anti-ritualistic, monotheistic, and anti-idolatry tendencies.
- For Statement 2, recall the core tenets of the Lingayat movement from the Kannada region, focusing on their anti-caste stance and unique theological position on rebirth.

Key Info: **Siddhas (Sittars) of Tamil Region**
- The Siddhas, or Sittars, were a group of mystics, yogis, and philosophers prominent in the Tamil region of South India, dating back centuries and gaining significant influence during the medieval period.
- They typically rejected orthodox Brahmanical rituals, caste distinctions, and the authority of the Vedas, focusing instead on inner spiritual realization.
- Many Siddhas were monotheistic or leaned towards a non-dualistic (Advaita) philosophy, emphasizing the oneness of the individual soul (Jiva) with the ultimate reality (Shiva or Brahman). Their teachings often condemned idolatry and external forms of worship in favor of internal spiritual practices and self-realization.
- They were also known for their contributions to Siddha medicine, alchemy (rasavāda), and yoga, aiming for physical immortality and spiritual perfection.
- Key figures include Tirumoolar, Bogar, and Pambatti Siddhar, whose works often conveyed their critique of societal norms and religious dogmas in simple, accessible Tamil poetry.

**Lingayats (Virashaivas) of Kannada Region**
- The Lingayat movement, also known as Virashaivism ('heroes of Shiva'), originated in the 12th century in the Kannada region (present-day Karnataka), founded by Basavanna, a philosopher and social reformer.
- Lingayats are staunch monotheists, worshipping Shiva exclusively, primarily through the Ishtalinga, a small Shiva lingam worn on the body.
- They fundamentally challenged the traditional Hindu caste hierarchy, advocating for social equality regardless of birth, and actively rejected untouchability and gender discrimination. They promoted inter-caste marriages and widow remarriage, which were radical reforms for their time.
- A distinctive theological aspect is their questioning of the theory of rebirth (samsara) and karma. Lingayats believe that upon death, a true devotee of Shiva immediately merges with Shiva (Lingaikya) and attains liberation, bypassing the cycle of reincarnation.
- They rejected the authority of the Vedas, Brahmanical rituals, fasts, pilgrimages, and temple worship, preferring a direct, personal devotion to Shiva.
- Their teachings were disseminated through Vachanas (prose lyrics) composed in Kannada, making their philosophy accessible to the common people and fostering a sense of community and reform.

IASCODEX · Answer

Option A: 1 only

IASCODEX · Answer

Option B: 2 only

IASCODEX · Answer

Option D: Neither 1 nor 2