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Question No. 52Interactive Test Mode
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Q52. With reference to the cultural history of medieval India, consider the following statements: 1. Siddhas (Sittars) of the Tamil region were monotheistic and condemned idolatry. 2. Lingayats of the Kannada region questioned the theory of rebirth and rejected the caste-hierarchy. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

With reference to the cultural history of medieval India, consider the following statements:

  1. Siddhas (Sittars) of the Tamil region were monotheistic and condemned idolatry.
  2. Lingayats of the Kannada region questioned the theory of rebirth and rejected the caste-hierarchy.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Select the correct option below (or cross out options to eliminate)

Official Answer Key & Detailed Solution

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Official UPSC Answer KeyUPSC Prelims 2016 • Medieval History

Correct Answer: Option (C) — Both 1 and 2

Concept & Option Breakdown

Standard Reference Verified
  • Statement 1 is correct: The Tamil Sittars (Siddhas) were non-conformist, monotheistic mystic-reformers who strongly rejected temple idolatry, ritualism, and orthodox Brahmanical rites.
  • Statement 2 is correct: The Lingayats (Virashaivas), inspired by Basaveshwara in the 12th century, rejected Brahmanical caste stratification, temple worship, and the traditional doctrine of rebirth/transmigration, believing that the devotee is united with Shiva upon death.
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Question Specifications & Syllabus Mapping

Examination & YearUPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2016 (Q52)
Paper & Marking SchemeGS Paper I • 2 Marks (-0.66 Negative for incorrect response)
Syllabus Subject & TopicMedieval History → Bhakti & Sufi Movements
Official Answer KeyOption (C) — Both 1 and 2

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Frequently Asked Questions — UPSC Prelims 2016 Q52

What is the official answer for UPSC Prelims 2016 GS Paper I Question 52 (Medieval History)?

The official UPSC answer key for this 2016 Medieval History (Bhakti & Sufi Movements) question is Option (C): "Both 1 and 2". Correct attempts carry 2 Marks with -0.66 Negative penalty for wrong answers.

Which UPSC Prelims syllabus topic does this 2016 question belong to?

This question belongs to GS Paper I under the subject "Medieval History" and micro-topic "Bhakti & Sufi Movements". You can explore all repeated questions from Bhakti & Sufi Movements in Acme AI's 3D Prelims PYQ Realm or practice 50 full-length and sectional tests in the APT Prelims Test Series.

How can I solve this Bhakti & Sufi Movements UPSC Prelims question using option elimination?

To solve Bhakti & Sufi Movements questions in UPSC Prelims, identify extreme modifiers, verify core NCERT conceptual definitions, and eliminate mutually contradictory statement pairs before locking your final option.

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