Question

Which of the following statements about Basavan are correct?
I. He was a Brahma and devotee of Lord Shiva.
II. He founded the Lingayat tradition.
III. His compositions are preserved in Kanda tradition.
IV. He supported funerary rites like cremation.

• A. I, II and IV are correct
• B. I, II and III are correct
• C. I, III and IV are correct
• D. II, III and IV are correct

Hint:

The Lingayats are also known as Wearers of the Linga because they carry a small, silver reliquary containing a miniature linga suspended around their left shoulder.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Alyzing Statements I and II:
Basavan ($1106$ -- $1168 \text{ CE}$) was an influential social reformer, statesman, and philosopher. He was born into a Brahma family and served as a minister in the court of a Kalachuri king. He was a devout follower of Lord Shiva and initiated a reformist movement that led to the founding of the Virashaiva (or Lingayat) tradition in Kartaka. Thus, Statements I and II are correct.

Step 2: Alyzing Statement III:
Basavan's devotiol and philosophical compositions are called Vachas (literally, “sayings”). These short, poetic pieces were written in simple, accessible language and are preserved in the Kanda literary and cultural tradition. Thus, Statement III is correct.

Step 3: Alyzing Statement IV:
The Lingayats developed practices that directly challenged orthodox Brahmanical norms. They reject the authority of the Vedas, the caste system, and the practice of cremation. Instead of cremation, Lingayats ceremonially bury their dead in a sitting posture. They believe that upon death, the devotee is united with Shiva and does not return to this world, making standard funerary rites like cremation unnecessary. Hence, Statement IV is incorrect.

Step 4: Conclusion:
Since Statements I, II, and III are correct, the appropriate option is (B).