With reference to the cultural history of medieval India, consider the following statements : 1. Siddhas (Sittars) of Tamil region were monotheistic and condemned idolatry. 2. Lingayats of Kannada region questioned the theory of rebirth and rejected the caste hierarchy. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Describes the Tamil Bhakti movement centred on Saivism and Vaishnavism, showing the region had strong sectarian devotional traditions.

A student could check whether Siddha literature aligns with Saivite or Vaishnava devotionalism (which may be theistic) or with non-theistic/heterodox strains.

Notes the temple became the nucleus of the Bhakti movement in Tamil country, implying religious life was often organised around deity-worship.

Use this to test whether Siddhas operated within temple-centred deity worship (suggesting theistic practice) or outside it (suggesting other orientations).

Refers to a 'popular monotheistic movement along with Vaishnava Bhakti' and 'monotheists' distinct from dominant religions.

A student could compare Siddha teachings to descriptions of these monotheistic currents to see if Siddhas claimed a single supreme deity.

Gives an example of a regional Hindu monotheistic sect (Virashaiva/Lingayat) that believed in one God (Parashiva), showing medieval South India had precedents for monotheistic Hindu sects.

Use this pattern to ask whether Siddhas articulated a comparable 'one-God' doctrine (e.g., Parashiva) or were doctrinally different (mystical, tantric, pantheistic).

Highlights that Tamil bhakti poets often opposed Buddhism and Jainism, indicating sharp doctrinal distinctions in the region's religious discourse.

A student could investigate whether Siddhas framed their teaching in opposition to other religions (as monotheists sometimes did) or in a different, non-theistic/mystical register.