Consider the following statements related to the Virashaiva tradition

Consider the following statements related to the Virashaiva tradition in Karnataka :

The Virashaiva movement was led by a Brahmana named Basavanna, a minister in the court of the Kalachuri ruler in the twelfth century.
The Virashaivas encouraged practices, approved by the Dharmashastras, like post-puberty marriages and remarriage of widows.

Which of the statement/s given above is/are correct ?

Join Our Telegram Channel

1 only

2 only

Both 1 and 2

Neither 1 nor 2

Answer is Right!

Answer is Wrong!

This question was previously asked in

UPSC NDA-2 – 2019

Download PDF Attempt Online

Statement 1 is correct. The Virashaiva (Lingayat) movement in Karnataka in the 12th century was indeed led by Basavanna, who was a minister in the court of the Kalachuri ruler Bijjala II. Statement 2 is incorrect. The Virashaivas were reformers who challenged many orthodox Brahminical practices and the authority of the Dharmashastras. They strongly advocated against caste distinctions, rejected Brahminical rituals, and promoted practices like delayed marriages (post-puberty) and widow remarriage, which were generally *not* approved by the orthodox Dharmashastras for upper castes.

The Virashaiva tradition was a reformist movement that emerged in Karnataka during the 12th century, advocating for social equality and challenging traditional Hindu hierarchies and rituals under the leadership of figures like Basavanna.

Virashaivas worshipped Shiva in the form of a लिंग (linga), which they wear on their body. They buried their dead instead of cremating them, another departure from orthodox Hindu practice. The movement’s teachings were recorded in vachanas, a form of rhythmic prose.

More similar MCQ questions for Exam preparation:-