Question

Which one of the following statements is correct about the Veerashaiva Movement initiated during the mid-twelfth century in Karnataka?
1. It argued against Brahmanical ideas about caste and treatment of women.
2. It was initiated by Namdev and his companions.
3. It focused on worship of Vitthala.
4. It was against all forms of ritualism but promoted idol worship.

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 1 : It argued against Brahmanical ideas about caste and treatment of women.

As people were brought together through the growth of towns, trade, and empires, new ideas began to develop. The idea that all living things pass through countless cycles of birth and rebirth performing good deeds and bad came to be widely accepted.

Veerashaiva Movement:

• The Tamil Bhakti movement and temple worship came together to create the Virashaiva movement. 
• The connection between the Tamil Bhakti movement and temple worship began in Karnataka in the mid-twelfth century.
• This in turn led to a reaction that is best represented in the Virashaiva movement initiated by Basavanna and his companions like Allama Prabhu and Akkamahadevi.
• The Virashaivas argued strongly for the equality of all human beings and against Brahmanical ideas about caste and the treatment of women.
• Virashaiva tradition is derived from vachanas (literally, sayings) composed in Kannada by women and men who joined the movement.
• They were also against all forms of ritual and idol worship.

Hence, the correct answer is It argued against Brahmanical ideas about caste and the treatment of women.