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Which statement regarding the Chola religious life is incorrect?
  • a)
    Kapalikas, Kalamukhas, and Pashupatas were known and some of them performed sacrifices involving blood and sexual orgies.
  • b)
    Various sects like the Tantric and Shakti cults came into existence in the second half of the Chola period.
  • c)
    The latter Chola period witnessed the emergence of the Lingayats as founded by Basavarya.
  • d)
    The emergence of sects had nothing to do with Brahmanism.
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?
Most Upvoted Answer
Which statement regarding the Chola religious life is incorrect?a)Kapa...
The incorrect statement regarding the Chola religious life is option D - The emergence of sects had nothing to do with Brahmanism.

Chola Religious Life


The Chola dynasty, which ruled over parts of present-day South India from the 9th to the 13th centuries, had a rich and diverse religious life. The Cholas were patrons of various religious sects and their rule witnessed the emergence and influence of several religious and philosophical traditions.


1. Kapalikas, Kalamukhas, and Pashupatas


The Chola period saw the existence and practices of several sects, including the Kapalikas, Kalamukhas, and Pashupatas. These sects were known for their unique rituals and practices that involved sacrifices, including blood offerings and sexual orgies. These practices were considered extreme and were not mainstream in the broader Hindu society.


2. Tantric and Shakti Cults


During the second half of the Chola period, various sects like the Tantric and Shakti cults emerged and gained popularity. These sects focused on the worship of the divine feminine energy and emphasized the importance of rituals, mantras, and meditation practices. The Shakti cults, in particular, worshipped goddesses such as Parvati, Durga, and Kali.


3. Lingayats and Basavarya


The latter part of the Chola period also witnessed the emergence of the Lingayat sect, founded by Basavarya. The Lingayats, also known as Veerashaivas, were a devotional Shaivite sect that rejected the Brahmanical rituals and caste system. They emphasized personal devotion to Lord Shiva and equality among all individuals, irrespective of their caste or social status.


4. Influence of Brahmanism


Contrary to the incorrect statement in option D, the emergence of sects during the Chola period did have some connections with Brahmanism. While some sects challenged or deviated from the mainstream Brahmanical practices, others incorporated elements of Brahmanism in their beliefs and rituals. The influence of Brahmanism can be seen in the incorporation of Vedic deities, rituals, and philosophical concepts in several sects, albeit with their unique interpretations and practices.


Conclusion


The Chola religious life was characterized by the presence of various sects, each with its unique beliefs, rituals, and practices. While some sects engaged in extreme rituals like blood offerings and sexual orgies, others focused on the worship of the divine feminine energy or emphasized personal devotion to Lord Shiva. These sects had varying degrees of connection with Brahmanism, with some challenging or deviating from it, while others incorporating elements of it. The emergence of the Lingayat sect and the influence of Brahmanism on Chola religious life further demonstrate the diversity and complexity of religious traditions during this period.
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Community Answer
Which statement regarding the Chola religious life is incorrect?a)Kapa...
The incorrect statement regarding the Chola religious life is:

d) The emergence of sects had nothing to do with Brahmanism.

The Chola period, which lasted from the 9th to the 13th century, saw significant developments in religious life. The Cholas were patrons of various religious sects and their reign witnessed the flourishing of different religious practices. Let us examine the other options to understand the correct statement.

a) Kapalikas, Kalamukhas, and Pashupatas were known and some of them performed sacrifices involving blood and sexual orgies:
- Kapalikas, Kalamukhas, and Pashupatas were Shaivite sects that existed during the Chola period.
- They were known for their unique rituals that involved extreme practices like the use of human skulls (kapalas) and the worship of Shiva in his fierce form.
- Some of these sects were known to perform sacrifices involving blood and sexual orgies as part of their rituals.

b) Various sects like the Tantric and Shakti cults came into existence in the second half of the Chola period:
- The second half of the Chola period witnessed the emergence of various sects like the Tantric and Shakti cults.
- Tantric sects focused on esoteric practices and rituals, often involving the use of mantras, yantras, and meditation techniques.
- Shakti cults worshipped the feminine aspect of the divine, primarily the goddess Shakti or Devi, in her various forms.

c) The latter Chola period witnessed the emergence of the Lingayats as founded by Basavarya:
- The Lingayats, founded by Basavarya (also known as Basavanna), emerged as a significant religious sect during the Chola period.
- Lingayats rejected the caste system and emphasized the direct worship of Lord Shiva.
- They believed in the equality of all individuals and rejected many ritualistic practices associated with Brahmanism.

Explanation:
The incorrect statement is option d) "The emergence of sects had nothing to do with Brahmanism." This statement is incorrect because the emergence of sects during the Chola period did have connections with Brahmanism. While some sects challenged and deviated from the orthodox Brahmanical practices, others still maintained certain Brahmanical elements or coexisted with Brahmanism. The emergence of sects like the Kapalikas, Kalamukhas, Pashupatas, Tantric cults, Shakti cults, and Lingayats all had connections, influences, or interactions with Brahmanism, albeit in different ways.

Therefore, the correct answer is option d) "The emergence of sects had nothing to do with Brahmanism."
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Which statement regarding the Chola religious life is incorrect?a)Kapalikas, Kalamukhas, and Pashupatas were known and some of them performed sacrifices involving blood and sexual orgies.b)Various sects like the Tantric and Shakti cults came into existence in the second half of the Chola period.c)The latter Chola period witnessed the emergence of the Lingayats as founded by Basavarya.d)The emergence of sects had nothing to do with Brahmanism.Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?
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Which statement regarding the Chola religious life is incorrect?a)Kapalikas, Kalamukhas, and Pashupatas were known and some of them performed sacrifices involving blood and sexual orgies.b)Various sects like the Tantric and Shakti cults came into existence in the second half of the Chola period.c)The latter Chola period witnessed the emergence of the Lingayats as founded by Basavarya.d)The emergence of sects had nothing to do with Brahmanism.Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer? for UPSC 2025 is part of UPSC preparation. The Question and answers have been prepared according to the UPSC exam syllabus. Information about Which statement regarding the Chola religious life is incorrect?a)Kapalikas, Kalamukhas, and Pashupatas were known and some of them performed sacrifices involving blood and sexual orgies.b)Various sects like the Tantric and Shakti cults came into existence in the second half of the Chola period.c)The latter Chola period witnessed the emergence of the Lingayats as founded by Basavarya.d)The emergence of sects had nothing to do with Brahmanism.Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer? covers all topics & solutions for UPSC 2025 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, meanings, examples, exercises and tests below for Which statement regarding the Chola religious life is incorrect?a)Kapalikas, Kalamukhas, and Pashupatas were known and some of them performed sacrifices involving blood and sexual orgies.b)Various sects like the Tantric and Shakti cults came into existence in the second half of the Chola period.c)The latter Chola period witnessed the emergence of the Lingayats as founded by Basavarya.d)The emergence of sects had nothing to do with Brahmanism.Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?.
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