Identify the correct statements about the 'Virashaiva' tradition:
(A) It was led by a Brahmana named Basavanna.
(B) Worship Shiva in his manifestation as a linga.
(C) Lingayats supported the idea of caste and the "pollution" attributed to certain groups by Brahmanas.
(D) Virashaiva do not practise funerary rites and instead, ceremonially bury their dead.
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → (A), (B) and (D) only
(A) It was led by a Brahmana named Basavanna. Correct. The movement that emerged in Karnataka in the twelfth century was led by a Brahmana named Basavanna (1106-68), a minister in the court of a Kalachuri ruler.
(B) Worship Shiva in his manifestation as a linga. Correct. His followers, the Virashaivas or Lingayats (wearers of the linga), worship Shiva in his manifestation as a linga.
(C) Lingayats supported the idea of caste and the “pollution” attributed to certain groups by Brahmanas. Incorrect. The Lingayats challenged the idea of caste and the “pollution” attributed to certain groups by Brahmanas, and this won them followers among those marginalised in the Brahmanical social order.
(D) Virashaiva do not practise funerary rites and instead, ceremonially bury their dead. Correct. Lingayats believe that on death the devotee is united with Shiva, so they do not practise funerary rites such as cremation; they ceremonially bury their dead.
NCERT (2026-27): “3. The Virashaiva Tradition … The twelfth century witnessed the emergence of a new movement in Karnataka, led by a Brahmana named Basavanna (1106-68) who was a minister in the court of a Kalachuri ruler. 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. Therefore they do not practise funerary rites such as cremation, prescribed in the Dharmashastras. Instead, they ceremonially bury their dead. 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.…” |