'Vachanas' (literally-sayings) were composed by the Virashaivas in which language?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → Kannada
Our understanding of the Virashaiva tradition comes from vachanas (literally, sayings) composed in Kannada by the women and men who joined the movement.
NCERT (2026-27): “3. The Virashaiva Tradition … The Lingayats challenged the idea of caste and the ‘pollution’ attributed to certain groups by Brahmanas. They also questioned the theory of rebirth. These won them followers amongst those who were marginalised within the Brahmanical social order. The Lingayats also encouraged certain practices disapproved in the Dharmashastras, such as post-puberty marriage and the remarriage of widows. Our understanding of the Virashaiva tradition is derived from vachanas (literally, sayings) composed in Kannada by women and men who joined the movement.” |