Question

Q. Which of the following is not correct with reference to the Lingayat movement?

• A. They professed equality for all human beings.
• B. They believed in the doctrine of a personalized Godhood in the form of Ishtalinga
• C. They believed in the concept of rebirth
• D. They supported the remarriage of widows

Answer 1

The correct option is C They believed in the concept of rebirth

Explanation:

• The 12th century philosopher and the statesman of Karnataka, Basaveshwara founded VeeraShaivism. Veera Shaivism was spread by his followers known as Sharanas. They are known as Veera (heroic) Shaivaites and also Lingayats meaning bearers of Shiva Linga.
• The system of four ashramas, the authority of the Vedas, caste hierarchy, ritualistic priesthood, the plurality of gods, sacrifice of animals, temple worship etc were rejected by the Lingayat movement.
• Basavanna, at the age of 28, came to realise that the brotherhood of man rests on the doctrine of a personalized, individual Godhood in the form of Ishtalinga (“personal Linga/ Chosen Linga”).
• Equality of all was one of Panchakshara or the five codes of the Lingayats
• The Lingayats also encouraged certain practices disapproved in the Dharmashastras, such as post-puberty marriage and the remarriage of widows.
• The Lingayats challenged the idea of caste and also questioned the theory of rebirth.