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?
UPSC CSE Pre. 2016
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: Both 1 and 2
Option c is the correct answer
Statement 1 is correct. Siddhas believe in oneness of the transcendental being in the world as well as charity towards men and roundly condemned idolatry.
Statement 2 is correct. The Lingayats led by Basavana, challenged the idea of caste and the "pollution" attributed to certain groups by Brahmanas. They also questioned the theory of rebirth.