UPSC Prelims 2016 · GS Paper I
Question 17: History and Culture
With reference to the cultural history of medieval India, consider the following statements :
- 1.Siddhas (Sittars) of Tamil region were monotheistic and condemned idolatry.
- 2.Lingayats of Kannada region questioned the theory of rebirth and rejected the caste hierarchy.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
AnswerUPSC’s answer is (c).
Medieval religious movements in the south challenged ritual and caste. The Siddhars of Tamil Nadu, such as Tirumular, taught belief in one God and attacked idol worship and caste distinctions. The Lingayats or Virashaivas of the Kannada region, associated with Basavanna, rejected caste hierarchy and the theory of rebirth, and wear the Shiva linga on the body. Both statements are correct.
- 1. The Tamil Siddhars believed in one God and condemned idol worship.
- 2. Lingayats rejected caste hierarchy and questioned rebirth.
How you could have got this
- If you were sure statement 1 is correct, (b) and (d) go: each of them leaves 1 out.
What you needed to know: The Tamil Siddhars believed in one God and condemned idol worship.
- Then, if you were sure statement 2 is correct, (a) goes: it leaves 2 out.
What you needed to know: Lingayats rejected caste hierarchy and questioned rebirth.
Only (c) is left. This one needs every statement.
Which options go is worked out from UPSC’s key and the options, not by a model.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Statement 2 is also correct for the Lingayats.
- (b) Statement 1 is also correct for the Siddhars.
- (c) Right: both statements are correct.
- (d) Both statements are correct, so 'neither' fails.
Answer: UPSC’s key. Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2016, General Studies Paper I, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.