Correct answer: (c) Both 1 and 2
Explanation
- A
1 only
Siddhas only. Tamil Siddhas/Sittars were broadly monotheistic and criticised idol worship, but Lingayat positions on rebirth and caste are also correctly stated. 1 alone is incomplete.
- B
2 only
Lingayats only. Basava’s vachana tradition did question rebirth and caste hierarchy, yet statement 1 on Siddhas is also accepted in this item. 2 alone is not the key.
- C
Both 1 and 2
Both 1 and 2. Siddhas (Sittars) of the Tamil country leaned to one God and condemned idolatry. Lingayats of the Kannada country, following Basava, rejected caste hierarchy and questioned the theory of rebirth. That stored letter is the official key.
- D
Neither 1 nor 2
Neither. Both medieval cultural statements are treated as correct, so ‘neither’ is not the key.
Summary. Official key is (c) both 1 and 2. Tamil Siddha monotheism and anti-idolatry sit beside Kannada Lingayat rejection of caste and rebirth. Honour the stored letter (c).
Same topic · past papers
UPSC has asked this before
These previous-year questions sit on the same topic. Open one to practise the earlier ask.
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