His followers were known as Virashaivas (heroes of Shiva) or Lingayats (wearers of the linga). Lingayats continue to be an important community in the region to date. They worship Shiva in his manifestation as a linga, and men usually wear a small linga in a silver case on a loop strung over the left shoulder. Those who are revered include the jangama or wandering monks. Lingayats believe that on death the devotee will be united with Shiva and will not return to this world.
According to the opening line left out of the passage, this twelfth-century movement in Karnataka was led by Basavanna. He was a minister in the court of a ruler of which dynasty?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → Kalachuri
Basavanna (1106-68), a Brahmana, was a minister in the court of a Kalachuri ruler; his followers were the Virashaivas or Lingayats.
NCERT (2026-27): “3. The Virashaiva Tradition in Karnataka |