Lingayat Beliefs: Caste Rejection and Widow Remarriage
Lingayats are known for burying their dead and rejecting the caste system and its purity-pollution theories. They also supported social reforms like widow remarriage.
Primary Reference: NCERT Class XII - Themes in Indian History Part II
Archived:
Updated:
Exam Year
2020
Evidence Source
Link ↗Consider the following statements about the Lingayats:
1. They bury their dead.
2. They are great believers in the caste system, especially in the theory of purity and pollution.
3. They are against child marriage and favour widow remarriage.Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
[CAPF 2020]
Detailed Solution & Historical Context
Concept
The Lingayat or Virashaiva movement was a radical social and religious reform movement in 12th-century Karnataka led by Basavanna.
Authentic Source Evidence
Lingayats rejected the authority of the Vedas and the caste system. They challenged Brahminical notions of 'pollution' associated with birth and death, leading to their unique practice of burial instead of cremation.
Analytical Breakdown
Conceptual Deep Dive & Logic
"What is the 'Ishtalinga'?"
Examiner's Mindset & Pro-Tip
"The Lingayat movement represented a 'democratic' shift in Indian spirituality, prioritizing labor (Kayaka) and social equality over ritual hierarchy."
Topic Clusters (click to see related topic questions)
Analysing authentic CAPFprevious year questions is non-negotiable for serious aspirants. Thoroughly decoding past exam trends related to Virashaiva Movement helps you understand the examiner's mindset. Mastering specific entities like Lingayat beliefs and Basavanna builds the analytical intuition needed to clear the exam. Practice Previous Year Questions here →