Which of the following statements are true about the followers of Bas…

Which of the following statements are true about the followers of Basavanna:

(A) His followers were known as Virashaivas or Lingayats.
(B) They worship Shiva in his manifestation as a linga.
(C) They believe that on death the devotee will be united with Shiva and will not return to this world.
(D) They practise funerary rites such as cremation, prescribed in the Dharmashastras.

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Answer & explanation

Correct answer: option 2

The correct answer is Option (2) → (A), (B) and (C) only

(A) His followers were known as Virashaivas or Lingayats. Correct. Basavanna’s followers were called Virashaivas (heroes of Shiva) or Lingayats (wearers of the linga).

(B) They worship Shiva in his manifestation as a linga. Correct. They worship Shiva as a linga, and men usually wear a small linga in a silver case over the left shoulder.

(C) They believe that on death the devotee will be united with Shiva and will not return to this world. Correct. This is their belief about death; they also questioned the theory of rebirth.

(D) They practise funerary rites such as cremation, prescribed in the Dharmashastras. Incorrect. Because they believe the devotee is united with Shiva at death, the Lingayats do not practise cremation or the other funerary rites of the Dharmashastras; instead, they ceremonially bury their dead.

NCERT (2026-27): “3. The Virashaiva Tradition in Karnataka … 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.…”